ISLAMABAD, May 23. /Dunyo IA/. National Language Promotion Department of Pakistan hosted a presentation of the book “Samples of 20^th Century Prose” in the Urdu language, which includes short stories by famous Uzbek writers, as well as the dictionary “Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was attended by the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, representatives of the Senate, ministries and agencies, diplomats, scientists, business and media representatives, as well as compatriots living in Islamabad and adjacent areas.

The presentation was opened by the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Alisher Tukhtaev. In his speech, he noted the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and also emphasized the development of Uzbek-Pakistani relations, especially after the state visit of the head of state to Pakistan on February 5-6 of this year.

Ambassador also noted that the presented publications became a practical result of the agreements reached in the cultural and humanitarian sphere during the visit.

The dictionary “Common Words in the Uzbek and Urdu Languages”, prepared by the Urdu scholar Toshmirza Kholmirzaev, was the result of many years of scientific research. It includes about four thousand words of the two languages that are similar in meaning. It was emphasized that the publication will become an important practical tool for students, teachers, translators and researchers.

Also presented was the anthology "Samples of 20th Century Prose," which includes about fifty short stories by outstanding representatives of Uzbek literature - Abdulla Qahhor, Said Ahmad, Saida Zunnunova, Utkir Hoshimov and Shukur Kholmirzaev.

Pakistani Senator Talha Mahmood stated that relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are experiencing one of the best periods of their development. He highly praised the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan and noted the growing role of the country on the international stage.

General Director of the National Language Promotion Department Muhammad Salim Mazhar emphasized that literature and culture are the most important force bringing peoples closer together. He expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Uzbekistan and the translator's family for their assistance in preparing the dictionary for publication.

Professor of the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies Mukhayo Abdurakhmanova noted that in Uzbekistan, great attention is paid to the development of literary translation and the promotion of national literature abroad.

In his speech, the Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan, highly praised the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan, the work on preserving cultural heritage and the initiatives to popularize the country's historical heritage. According to him, Uzbekistan's experience in this field can serve as an example for Pakistan.