ROME, September 21. /Dunyo IA/.  A solemn reception marking the 35^th Anniversary of the State Independence of Uzbekistan, organized by the Embassy of the country in Italy, took place in Rome, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event was attended by compatriots and students from Uzbekistan residing in Italy, as well as representatives of the Parliament of Italy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and public and business circles.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan Abat Fayzullaev noted the historical significance of independence, emphasizing that it has become the foundation of the country's development. He also elaborated on the comprehensive reforms implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the outcomes of building the New Uzbekistan and the growing role of the nation on the international stage.

Particular attention was paid to the development of Uzbek-Italian relations. In recent years, practical cooperation has been expanding not only in the political sphere but also across trade, investment, industry, agriculture, education and culture.

Head of the Uzbek Cultural Center in Italy Kamila Kirgizova, emphasized that the comprehensive reforms implemented in Uzbekistan contribute to raising bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level. According to her, the ongoing transformations in the country generate significant interest among the Italian public.

Secretary General of the Italian Institute for Asia Domenico Palmieri, noted the profound changes that have occurred in Uzbekistan over the past decade, as well as the growing interest in Italy toward the history, culture, and literary heritage of the nation.

As part of the cultural program, Uzbek national melodies and songs were performed, and the guests were introduced to traditional dances and national cuisine, including plov, shashlik, somsa and chuchvara.