Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Within the framework of the International Film Festival of Turkic-speaking countries "Korkut Ata", held in Istanbul, Director General of the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan and Chairman of the Board of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan Firdavs Abdukhalikov was awarded for his contribution into the culture of the Turkic-speaking world.

“Thanks to the policy of New Uzbekistan, implemented by the esteemed President of our country, today not only international relations are actively strengthened, but also priority attention is paid to the study and preservation of the common cultural heritage of our country, which is an integral part of the Turkic world. In this regard, I want to thank everyone who contributes to the development of bilateral humanitarian ties and initiatives that contribute to the rapprochement of the Turkic-speaking countries,” Firdavs Abdukhalikov said.

In Turkey, a number of meetings and visits to the leading cultural institutions of Istanbul were held in order to discuss promising plans for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.

It should be added that 2 Uzbek films became the winners of the prestigious film festival. The film "Tutkunlik" by Rashid Malikov, filmed by order of the Agency of Cinematography, received a special jury prize. Ali Khamraev’s film "Khalk jasorati" took second place in the documentary category.

“We are ready to support the development of bilateral relations in the field of culture and implement joint projects in the field of cinematography,” said Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey Mehmet Nuri Ersoy at a bilateral meeting with the leadership of the cinematography agency.

Within the framework of the festival, the Day of Uzbek Cinema was held, where, in addition to the screenings of the winning films, the premiere of the film "Ilhak", filmed by order of the Agency of Cinematography, took place. During the days of the film festival, Uzbek films were broadcast on Turkish TV channels.