Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic are neighboring states, historically connected by rich friendly values, a shared language and religion, history, customs, traditions, and culture.

Today, these ancient values are being further refined. Thanks to the political will of the leaders of both states, our mutual relations are acquiring a new form and content. In recent years, unprecedented changes have occurred in this regard. Bilateral relations, particularly cultural cooperation, have been elevated to a new level for the benefit of our peoples.

Many examples can be cited. For instance, in September of this year, according to the respective decrees of the leaders of the two states:

• As per the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan "On awarding honorary titles to representatives of culture and art of the Kyrgyz Republic":

  • The honorary title "People's Artist of Uzbekistan" was awarded to Nur Omurbayev, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Pop-Symphony Orchestra of the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic named after Toktogul Satylganov.
  • The honorary title "Honored Artist of Uzbekistan" was awarded to Zakirbek Duishenbek uulu, an independent artist and komuz musician from the Kyrgyz Republic.

• As per the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic "On awarding honorary titles of the Kyrgyz Republic":

  • The honorary title "People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic" was awarded to the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov.
  • The honorary title "Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic" was awarded to Farangiz Makhmudova, Senior Lecturer at the "Traditional Maqom Performance" Department of the Yunus Rajabi Uzbek National Institute of Musical Arts.

On December 13, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, received the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, and presented him with the honorary title of "People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic" for his efforts in strengthening cultural ties between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, President Sadyr Japarov stated: "Our peoples are united by centuries-old ties of friendship and good neighborliness. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, bilateral relations have reached a new level, and culture plays a significant role in strengthening this cooperation."

He also recalled that during his state visit to Uzbekistan, the cities of Tashkent and Bukhara hosted the Days of Kyrgyz Culture in Uzbekistan, featuring a gala concert, exhibitions, and film screenings dedicated to Kyrgyz-Uzbek friendship. The President expressed confidence that the Days of Uzbek Culture, to be held in Kyrgyzstan in 2025, would be a significant event for further bringing the two nations closer together.

On December 15, the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic named after Toktogul Satylganov hosted the musical evening "Kyrgyz-Uzbek Friendship," featuring performances by artists from both countries.

The event was attended by representatives of the government of Kyrgyzstan, cultural and business circles of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, diplomats, and art figures.

During the musical evening, the honorary title "Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic" was ceremoniously awarded to Farangiz Makhmudova, Senior Lecturer at the "Traditional Maqom Performance" Department of the Yunus Rajabi Uzbek National Institute of Musical Arts, by Deputy Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov.

Additionally, the title of "People's Artist of Uzbekistan" was awarded to Nur Omurbayev, and the title of "Honored Artist of Uzbekistan" was awarded to Zakirbek Duishenbek uulu by the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov.

It should be particularly emphasized that the development of cultural ties and the strengthening of good-neighborly relations between the two brotherly peoples and states are aimed at further consolidating friendship based on mutual respect, equality, and cooperation.