FERGANA, April 3. /Dunyo IA/. For several days, the Fergana region became a center of public diplomacy, hosting delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Festivities began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Friendship Stele and exhibitions hosted by national cultural centers. During a conference at Fergana State University, experts emphasized that thanks to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's open-door policy, relations with neighboring countries have reached a new historical level.

The forum culminated in an award ceremony where activists were presented with the “Friendship of Peoples” (Druzhba Narodov) breastplate. Among the recipients were Kamchibek Dosmatov, First Deputy Minister of Kyrgyzstan and Azamjon Abdurazzakov, Director of the Osh Theater. Shahida Makhlieva, a guest from Azerbaijan, called the Friendship Stele a symbol of good neighborliness, while Hakimjon Zokirov from Tajikistan noted that everyone there felt the strength of their ancestors' unity.

Kyrgyz representatives Odiljon Atajanov and Khairbek Eshmurzaev proudly stated that the presidents have restored historical truth, noting that our peoples have shared the same water sources for centuries. Selima Artykbaeva expressed gratitude for the creation of the Stele, calling it a place where the sun of three countries rises simultaneously.

The forum concluded not just with warm words, but with action: cooperation memorandums were signed between the Batken region and the Sokh and Fergana districts.