ASHKELON, July 9. /Dunyo IA/.  A solemn concert dedicated to the promotion of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage and the 35^th anniversary of the republic's independence was held in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event was organized at the initiative of Zhanna Kadyrova, the head of the “Zvezda Vostoka” (“Star of the East”) ensemble, with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan.

More than 200 people participated in the festive evening, including citizens of Uzbekistan residing in the country, migrant workers, representatives of the public, guests and cultural enthusiasts.

Primary objective of the event was the promotion of Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage, its national values, art, and traditions abroad, as well as the strengthening of unity, friendship and mutual support among compatriots.

In the concert program, the “Zvezda Vostoka” ensemble performed Uzbek folk songs and presented national dances and musical compositions. The artists' performances introduced the guests to the rich history, culture and traditions of the Uzbek people.

“I love my dear Uzbekistan and will always promote its culture. Our people are distinguished by their peacefulness, tolerance, and high spiritual culture”, - stated the head of the ensemble, Zhanna Kadyrova.

Representatives of the Ashkelon Municipality noted that the principles of tolerance, respect for various cultures, and traditions of peaceful coexistence that have formed over centuries in Uzbekistan play an important role in strengthening mutual understanding and friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries.

Diplomats of Uzbekistan emphasized that the concert became another step in popularizing the Uzbek cultural heritage abroad, uniting compatriots, and further developing friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Israel.

At the conclusion of the event, the participants congratulated Uzbekistan on the upcoming celebration of the 35^th anniversary of independence, wishing the country peace, well-being, prosperity and the further strengthening of Uzbek-Israeli cooperation.