WASHINGTON, November 13. /Dunyo IA/. An award ceremony for the winner of the “Oltin Qalam” (“Golden Pen”) National Award and the presentation of honorary membership certificates of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan to foreign journalists took place at the Embassy of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event, organized on the initiative of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, American journalists, experts, cultural figures and public figures. Ceremony was opened by Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furkat Sidikov.

Highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Oltin Qalam” Award to American journalist and Editor-in-Chief of “Diplomatic Watch” Victor Gotevbe. The award recognized his many years of work and a series of articles in which he informed the American audience about life in Uzbekistan, the ongoing reforms, the country’s foreign policy, and its international initiatives.

Chairman of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan Shukhrat Oripov recalled that in 2021, nomination “Best Article by a Foreign Journalist about Uzbekistan” was established within the framework of the “Oltin Qalam” International Competition. According to him, it serves as an important incentive for foreign journalists and is aimed at disseminating objective and reliable information about the country in the global media space.

Decision to admit Victor Gotevbe and American expert-analyst James Durso as honorary members of the Creative Union of Journalists was described as an expression of deep respect for their contribution to covering Uzbekistan-related topics at the international level.

Victor Gotevbe noted that he regularly follows political, economic, and social transformations in Uzbekistan, and that the country's development path and international initiatives remain an important theme for him. He called it a great honour to inform the American public about Uzbekistan’s reforms and opportunities.

“To be honest, I am very surprised. I completely did not expect this. This recognition is a great stimulus, a source of pride, and a special responsibility for me”, he said.

James Durso, known for his analytical articles on U.S. policy, relations with Central Asia, and the situation in Afghanistan, and who became a laureate of the “Oltin Qalam” (“Golden Pen”) International Award in 2024, expressed satisfaction with his admission as an honorary member of the Union. He stated that he will continue to convey information about Uzbekistan’s development, potential, and reforms to the American public.

During the ceremony, in accordance with the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan, journalist Shakhrukh Majidov was solemnly presented with the “Kelajak Bunyodkori” (“Builder of the Future”) Medal. In addition, Otabek Eshmamatov and Shakhrukh Majidov were admitted as members of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan and presented with membership certificates.

Event became not only a recognition of the journalists' professional activities, but also a step toward strengthening media cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States. The admission of foreign journalists as honorary members of the Union opens up new opportunities for the exchange of experience, expansion of professional dialogue and development of joint media projects.