SAINT PETERSBURG, July 4. /Dunyo IA/.   Asel Rashidova, Director of the Uzbek Cultural Center at the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, commented for Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Georgia on July 2–3:

-  For everyone involved in developing cultural, educational, and humanitarian ties, the news of the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Georgia holds special significance, because the leaders' summit opens new opportunities for a vibrant dialogue between peoples, for mutual respect, trust and the expansion of cooperation.

Installation of the monument to the great Uzbek poet, thinker, and statesman Alisher Navoi in the capital of Georgia is a beautiful and profound gesture of respect for the history and culture of Uzbekistan, the Uzbek language, literature, and spiritual tradition. Navoi is a name that has long transcended the boundaries of a single country and a single era. His heritage belongs not only to the Uzbek people but to the entire cultural space of the East, world humanistic thought, literature, philosophy and enlightenment.

For the Uzbek Cultural Center at the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, this event is especially close to our hearts, as our work is built on the conviction that culture connects people, since through poetry, music, language, education, the memory of great thinkers, and joint humanitarian projects, nations understand each other better. For us, as representatives of the cultural and educational community, it is particularly valuable that cultural and humanitarian exchanges, which create a solid human foundation for any partnership, were named among the key priorities.

On behalf of the Uzbek Cultural Center at the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia and on my own behalf, I express sincere joy in connection with this important event and the warmest wishes to the peoples of Uzbekistan and Georgia. May the unveiling of the Alisher Navoi monument in Tbilisi stand as a symbol of friendship, respect, and spiritual closeness, and may cultural, educational, and youth ties expand, bringing forth new joint projects, meetings, translations, exhibitions, scientific and creative initiatives.

This visit brought good results, strengthened the atmosphere of trust and mutual respect and became another step toward ensuring that the culture of Uzbekistan is heard widely, with dignity and recognition throughout the world.