Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 13 December 2024, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, met with the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov.

The President emphasized the importance of culture as a unifying link between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, highlighting that both countries share common history, language, culture, and traditions.

"Our peoples have centuries-old ties of friendship and good neighborliness. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, bilateral relations have reached a new level, with culture playing a key role in strengthening this partnership," said Sadyr Japarov.

The President also reminded of the Days of Kyrgyz Culture in Uzbekistan, which took place in Tashkent and Bukhara during his state visit. The event included a gala concert, exhibitions, and film screenings dedicated to Kyrgyz-Uzbek friendship.

Sadyr Japarov expressed confidence that the upcoming Days of Uzbek Culture in Kyrgyzstan in 2025 would be an important step in deepening mutual cultural ties.

The President congratulated Ozodbek Nazarbekov on being awarded the title of "People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic," emphasizing his significant contribution to the development of cultural ties and the strengthening of friendship between the two countries. "Your creative path inspires many. The musical evening with your participation, which will take place on December 15 at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic Hall of Kyrgyzstan, will be a bright example of our shared cultural harmony," said Sadyr Japarov.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, expressed gratitude for the high recognition of his work and emphasized his commitment to strengthening the brotherly relations between the peoples of both countries.

He also noted that President Sadyr Japarov’s visit to Uzbekistan was an important milestone in the history of the strategic partnership and friendship between the two nations. This visit marked the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations.

"Uzbekistan is ready to host events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Chinghiz Aitmatov — the great writer and cultural symbol of the Kyrgyz people, and also a beloved writer in Uzbekistan," Nazarbekov said.

The Minister also mentioned that leading theaters from both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are actively working on creating a joint theater project, which will serve as a symbol of the creative cooperation between the two nations.