SEOUL, September 11. /Dunyo IA/.  A solemn ceremony was held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in South Korea to present the “Shuhrat” medal to compatriot Shakhlo Abdullaeva, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Award was presented in accordance with the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan dated August 22 of this year on awarding foreign citizens and compatriots residing abroad on the occasion of the 35^th Anniversary of the State Independence of the country.

Shakhlo Abdullaeva, Head of the Migrant Women's Rights Protection and Education Center in Gwangju, Republic of Korea, was honored with the award for her contribution to supporting reforms, enhancing the international prestige of Uzbekistan, developing Uzbek-Korean friendly ties and strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Ceremony was attended by Uzbek students enrolled in higher education institutions of South Korea, young compatriots engaged in research and employment sectors, as well as activists contributing to the development of cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Abdusalomov noted the long-standing and fruitful activities of Shakhlo Abdullaeva in protecting the rights and legitimate interests of compatriots, particularly Uzbek women residing in Korea.

It was emphasized that Shahlo Abdullaeva served for many years as a consultant-translator of the Uzbek language at the Migrant Women's Rights Protection and Education Center in Gwangju, and subsequently assumed leadership of the organization owing to her professionalism, initiative and dedicated service.

As part of her activities, she assists women arriving from Uzbekistan to the Republic of Korea in acquiring education and essential skills, adapting to society, protecting their rights and legitimate interests, as well as resolving social and welfare issues.

Her contribution to the popularization of the Uzbek language, national values, and cultural heritage was specifically highlighted. She is one of the co-founders of the “Friends of the Uzbek Language” club established under the Association of Uzbeks in Korea, where she facilitates the study of the Uzbek language by Koreans and acquaints them with the history, culture, and traditions of the Uzbek people.

Expressing gratitude for the high confidence reposed in her, Shakhlo Abdullaeva noted her readiness to continue dedicating her knowledge and experience toward strengthening Uzbek-South Korean relations, supporting compatriots abroad - particularly women and youth - as well as popularizing the Uzbek language and national culture.