CALGARY, March 20. /Dunyo IA/. An Iftar was held in the Canadian province of Alberta, organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the United States in cooperation with the “Uzbek - Canadian Association” diaspora organization, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event took place at the “Turkish Kebab House” restaurant and brought together about 150 compatriots. The Iftar aimed to strengthen ties between government structures and the diaspora, as well as to foster unity and mutual understanding among compatriots in Canada.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the chairman of the association and representatives of the embassy, who congratulated the participants on Ramadan. They shared details about ongoing efforts to protect the rights and interests of citizens abroad, including socially vulnerable groups. The speakers also emphasized the importance of preserving national and religious values and enhancing engagement with the diaspora.

Consular services were organized for citizens before the Iftar began. Residents of Alberta received legal consultations, processed documents for consular registration, and utilized notary services. During meetings with citizens, their living and working conditions, as well as their adaptation process, were discussed.

It was noted that this was the first-ever visit by embassy representatives to Calgary. Participants expressed their gratitude to the leadership of Uzbekistan for the attention shown to compatriots living abroad.

Samaya Rakhimova, a member of the diaspora:

Today’s Iftar for our compatriots living in the province of Alberta is being held in an uplifting and warm atmosphere. All the participants are very pleased with the organized dinner.

This evening is especially valuable to us thanks to the initiatives of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the government's support. This is the first time such an event has been held in Calgary, and we are sincerely glad about this visit.

Despite living abroad, we preserve our national identity and represent our Motherland with pride.

Sukhrob Murodov, a compatriot living in Canada:

I express my sincere gratitude to the President, the representatives of the Embassy, and the Uzbek Association in Calgary for organizing this wonderful event today.

We are very delighted that the first such Iftar has been held and hope it will become a fine tradition.

Shoista Raimova, a member of the diaspora:

-        I consider today’s Iftar, organized on behalf of the state in collaboration with embassy representatives and the new Uzbek association established in 2024, to be a truly historic event. We are very delighted and grateful to feel the attention and support from our state.

We express our sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for his care and constant attention to compatriots abroad, and we also thank the embassy representatives for their work and support.

Furthermore, we look forward to supporting our national team at the upcoming Uzbekistan and Canada friendly match in June and believe in its success at the World Cup.