ASTANA, February 16. /Dunyo IA/.  The Uzbek ethnocultural centre “Dustlik”, established in 2015, is actively operating in the Kyzylzhar district of the North Kazakhstan region, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing the Kazakh publication “QZ Media”.

The centre has become a prominent participant in regional cultural life, regularly taking part in festivals and competitions and earning numerous awards and distinctions. On 27 April 2025, its young dancers performed at the “Mura” (“Heritage”) festival in Petropavlovsk, where they were awarded a first-degree diploma in recognition of their artistic excellence.

According to the head of the centre, Bayan Kaldybekova, the organisation’s mission extends beyond cultural performance to fostering historical awareness and civic responsibility. “The strength of a nation lies in preserving its roots and respecting its history and culture. We strive to pass this treasure on to future generations”, - she said.

The centre also plays an active role in promoting interethnic harmony and social cohesion. In 2024–2025, Bayan Kaldybekova received letters of appreciation from the leadership of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and from the Akim of the North Kazakhstan region, acknowledging her contribution to strengthening public accord.

Recently, representatives of “Dustlik” were invited to the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kazakhstan, where their efforts to enhance Uzbek–Kazakh cultural ties and reinforce bilateral relations were highly commended.