SEATTLE, September 21. /Dunyo IA/. A ceremony presenting a symbolic sister cities signpost, uniting partner metropolises from different parts of the world, was held in the American city of Seattle, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event, titled “Seattle Sister Cities Street Fair - Celebrate the Signpost”, took place on September 19^th at Lake Union Park, gathering representatives from 20 of Seattle's sister cities across four continents, as well as members of the local community. Alongside other global centers, the name of the capital of Uzbekistan - Tashkent took its place on the new signpost.

Sister-city relations between Tashkent and Seattle were established in 1973 and possess special historical significance: Seattle became the first American city to establish such ties with a city in the former Soviet Union. For over half a century, this cooperation has traversed various historical epochs and emerged as a vivid example of “people's diplomacy”.

Despite the geographical distance - cities are separated by more than 10,000 kilometers - longstanding human contacts, cultural and educational exchanges over the decades have contributed to the steady rapprochement of the two metropolises.

History of engagement encompasses a series of landmark initiatives. In particular, during the 1980s, publics of both countries actively participated in joint peace-building movements, and in 1988, with the participation of American volunteers, “Seattle-Tashkent” Peace Park was opened in Tashkent. Such projects reaffirm that the dialogue has been built from the very outset on the foundation of sincere friendship and direct communication among citizens.

Today, these historical ties are advancing to a qualitatively new level. The opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Seattle creates additional opportunities to inject fresh momentum into the bilateral partnership.

Diplomatic mission places particular emphasis on activating sister-city relations, filling them with modern practical content and promoting joint projects in the fields of education, culture, IT, innovation, business, tourism and youth exchanges. Significant prospects are also noted for expanding direct contacts between universities, cultural organizations, business circles and public associations of the two cities.

New “Sister Cities Signpost” in Seattle has become not merely a geographical marker, but a symbol of friendship and mutual respect. The inclusion of the plaque bearing the name “Tashkent” serves as yet another testament to the half-century-long traditions of cooperation between the peoples of Uzbekistan and the United States.