“We remain faithful to the good tradition of mutual understanding and cooperation between the peoples of our countries”June 8, the Russian Song Moscow State Academic Theater directed by Nadezhda Babkina hosted the opening ceremony for the Culture Days of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Russian Federation.

This year marks 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Days of Uzbek Culture in Russia were devoted to this historical event.

The opening ceremony featured Botirjon Asadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to the Russian Federation, Olga Yarilova, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, and Bakhodir Akhmedov, First Deputy Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan.

Botirjon Asadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to the Russian Federation,spoke about the expanding ties between our countries in culture, science and education, emphasizing that Uzbekistan was a leader in terms of foreign branches launched by major Russian educational institutions. He also noted that: “Uzbek culture is always human-centric. Uzbek music and dances as part of this culture also reflect the inner world of the people, their aspirations and emotions, bring up issues of concern and teach to think, evaluate and deduce. Today, honored artists of Uzbekistan taking part in our gala concert will partly open the national mind whose beauty, I hope, will charm every visitor.”

Olga Yarilova, Russian Deputy Minister of Culture, noted that the event was “one noteworthy outcome of our relationships for the previous year. We held a lot of meetings and absolutely every day looked like a kaleidoscope of events.” Indeed, last year the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), a renowned Russian film school, opened its branch in Tashkent. The Deputy Minister also said that in the nearest future they would hold a large library forum and a museum forum and that Uzbekistan was invited to SPIEF as a guest country.

Bakhodir Akhmedov, Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Minister of Culture, thanked for the warm welcome and said: “Opening the Days of Uzbek Culture, we remain faithful to the good tradition of mutual understanding and cooperation between the peoples of our countries. And it is cooperation in culture and liberal arts that plays a role in expanding the relations between Russia and Uzbekistan.”

The ceremony was followed by a gala concert of famous Uzbek artists, such as Gulsanam Mamazoitova, Mahmud Nomozov, Samandar Alimov, Mohichehra Shomurodova, Shirin Mamatova, Dilmurod Saltonov, Bobur Kenzhaev, Hadicha Imomnazarova, Eldorbek Sulaymonov, including the Navruz Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble and the Sogdiana National Chamber Orchestra of Folk Instruments. The Moscow audience could listen to Russian and Uzbek folk songs, soundtracks to Russian and Uzbek films, pop hits and masterpieces of Russian and foreign classical music. The Navruz ensemble fascinated the guests with bright costumes, fiery temperament and catchy authentic dances, while the Sogdiana orchestra presented a rich variety of Uzbek folk strains.

The Days of Uzbek Culture are supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan, and the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Russian Federation. The event was organized by ROSCONCERT.