MINSK, February 12. /Dunyo IA/. A literary and artistic evening was held in the Belarusian capital to mark the 585th anniversary of the birth of the great Uzbek poet, thinker and statesman Alisher Navoi, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the CIS Executive Committee, leaders and members of the “Belarus – Uzbekistan” society, Vasilina Mitskevich, Tourism Brand Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Belarus, as well as academics - including professors, lecturers and students from Belarusian State University, Belarusian State Pedagogical University and the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics - along with members of the Uzbek diaspora and local media representatives.

During the evening, it was emphasized that cultural exchange and humanitarian cooperation remain key priorities in the development of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Belarus. The creative legacy of Alisher Navoi was highlighted as holding a special place in Uzbek literature, reflecting the country’s rich history and spiritual values. Works by the renowned poet and thinker were presented in both Uzbek and Belarusian during the event.

Elena Stelmakh, First Deputy Chairperson of the Writers' Union of Belarus and Deputy Chairperson of the “Belarus – Uzbekistan” Friendship Society emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan. She noted that the Uzbek Literature Days previously held in Belarus had been an important step in strengthening the spiritual and cultural ties between the two peoples. The current Writers’ Week, she added, has also provided momentum for new creative projects and initiatives.

Addressing participants via video message, Risolat Khaydarova, Deputy Chairperson of the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to Belarusian partners for their attention to Uzbek literature and its classical heritage.

The event was hailed as a vivid and significant milestone in promoting cultural exchange and reinforcing friendly relations between Belarus and Uzbekistan.