MAZAR-I-SHARIF, September 13. /Dunyo IA/. An official reception dedicated to the 35^th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence was held in Afghan Mazar-i-Sharif, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event, organized at the initiative of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan, brought together representatives of the Balkh provincial administration, diplomatic missions of Russia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Pakistan and Iran, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, as well as representatives of the local Uzbek diaspora.

Participants were briefed on Uzbekistan’s achievements since independence, ongoing reforms, economic development, the expansion of international ties and the strengthening of relations with neighbouring countries.

Particular attention was paid to the development of Uzbekistan–Afghanistan cooperation. It was noted that bilateral trade exceeded 1.6 billion dollars in 2025, while the two sides are working to increase this figure to 5 billion.

A representative of the Balkh provincial administration conveyed a congratulatory message from the governor, which highlighted the friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan and the shared cultural and historical heritage of the two peoples.

Afghan entrepreneur and representative of the local Uzbek intelligentsia Abdulkadir Hamidi also congratulated the Uzbek people on the anniversary of independence and expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance provided to Afghanistan.

The event concluded with participants exchanging congratulations and best wishes. Representatives of local television channels “Arezu” and “Shamshad” covered the reception.