WASHINGTON, August 19. /Dunyo IA/. Diplomats from the Embassy of Uzbekistan participated in the opening ceremony of an authentic Uzbek restaurant in the American capital, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

New establishment is located in a prestigious area of the city, on one of the main and most famous thoroughfares of the American capital – Pennsylvania Avenue. The event was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 35^th Anniversary of the State Independence of Uzbekistan.

Ceremony was attended by representatives of the White House, the Department of State, International Development Finance Corporation, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the U.S. Congress, think tanks, media outlets, and business circles, as well as ambassadors and diplomats from Central Asian and CIS nations.

In his address, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furkat Sidikov, emphasized that the country's leadership pays special attention to supporting compatriots abroad and promoting their entrepreneurial activities. It was noted that the opening of the restaurant serves as an example of the growing presence of Uzbek business in the American market and contributes to the further strengthening of trade, investment and cultural ties between the two nations.

Participants of the meeting emphasized that the emergence of an Uzbek restaurant in the U.S. capital testifies to the expansion of Uzbekistan's economic and cultural presence in America. Such establishments simultaneously serve as a unique “bridge” between the two nations, allowing the broad American public to become more closely acquainted with Uzbekistan, its culture, traditions, and hospitality.

Representatives of educational circles who attended the opening ceremony highlighted the increasing role of cultural diplomacy in Uzbek-American relations. National cuisine and culinary traditions are among the most effective tools of Uzbekistan's “soft power” and possess significant potential for cultivating a sustained interest within American society toward our country.

American experts indicated that they were deeply impressed by the beauty of the country, the hospitality of its people, and its historical landmarks. Getting acquainted with the national cuisine became one of the most memorable parts of the event for them. According to them, the opening of the new restaurant now provides an opportunity to “experience a piece of Uzbekistan” right in the American capital.

During the interaction, representatives of American official, expert, and business circles repeatedly noted that Uzbek national cuisine is becoming increasingly recognizable and popular in the United States. According to their assessments, the combination of rich culinary traditions, a culture of hospitality, and the growing interest of Americans in Uzbekistan creates favourable prerequisites for the further expansion of Uzbek restaurants and national brands in the American market.

Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington continues systematic work to facilitate the expansion of the presence of Uzbek national brands and catering establishments in the United States. This efforts positively impact the strengthening of Uzbekistan's image, the popularization of its tourism and cultural heritage, and the enhancement of the American public's interest in visiting our country.