ASTANA, September 15. /Dunyo IA/.   An official reception was held in Astana on the occasion of the 35^th Anniversary of the State Independence of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event was attended by representatives of the Government, ministries, and agencies of Kazakhstan, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, the expert and journalistic communities, Uzbek students enrolled in Kazakh higher education institutions, as well as compatriots residing in Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the event, an exhibition showcasing the works of Uzbek master artisans, including jewellery, carpets, national costumes, and products crafted from adras and wood, was presented to the guests. The musical program was provided by the chamber orchestra of the “Astana Opera” State Opera and Ballet Theatre, which performed pieces of Uzbek national and classical music.

Official part of the reception commenced with the performance of the national anthems of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Ibragimov and the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin.

Congratulating the people of Uzbekistan on the 35^th Anniversary of State Independence, Serik Zhumangarin noted the dynamic development of Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan relations in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance.

According to him, a trust-based political dialogue between the leaders of the two states plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties. Concurrently, he emphasized the absence of any political disagreements and the presence of a solid foundation for further deepening multifaceted cooperation.

Special attention in the speech was dedicated to trade and economic cooperation. It was noted that in 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan increased by 16.2 percent and reached $4.9 billion. During the first six months of 2026, this figure amounted to $2.8 billion against 2.09 billion dollars for the same period of the previous year.

Industrial cooperation was highlighted as one of the key pillars of economic engagement. In this area, 15 joint projects totalling $227 million have already been implemented.

Dynamics of interregional, educational and scientific interaction were also emphasized. In particular, the holding of the inaugural meeting of the Council of Regional Heads in Aktau and the 23^rd meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission was noted.

Development of educational ties was assessed positively, including the activities of the branch of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers in Almaty and the branch of the M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University in Chirchik.

Particular note was made of naming School No. 34 in the Tashkent Region after the Kazakh writer, playwright, and public figure Rakhmetolla Raimkulov.

In conclusion, Serik Zhumangarin emphasized that the shared history, culture, and kinship ties form a solid foundation for good-neighbourly relations between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, wishing peace, well-being and prosperity to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan.

During the event, the Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan, Mukhtar Yerman, the Head of the European Union Delegation, Ambassador Aleska Simkic and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Han Chunlin, also congratulated the Uzbek side on the 35^th Anniversary of State Independence.

In their remarks, they highlighted the significant achievements of Uzbekistan over the years of independence, the steady dynamics of socio-economic development, as well as the large-scale reforms aimed at modernizing the state, improving the well-being of the population and creating new opportunities for its citizens.

A special atmosphere was imparted to the event by a rich cultural and gastronomic program.

Guests were presented with a collection of national attire by the Tashkent-based art boutique La Maison du Chapan. The concert program continued with performances by the Navbakhor Song and Dance Ensemble and the “SADO” vocal-instrumental group.

Participants of the event highly appreciated the level of its organization, the meaningfulness of the cultural and concert programs, as well as the opportunity to become more closely acquainted with the rich national art, traditions and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.

During the exchange, the guests expressed wishes for peace, well-being, and further prosperity of Uzbekistan, as well as the continued strengthening of friendship, good-neighbourliness and mutually beneficial cooperation between the peoples of the two nations.