TASHKENT/BAKU: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the city of Khiva. Following the talks held on 21 June 2022, the President of Uzbekistan noted that the glorious history of relations between the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples has created a solid foundation for the development of multifaceted cooperation in our days. Indeed, our fraternal peoples have always been in close cultural ties. An important role in this was played by Khiva, whose history spans more than 2500 years.
In this regard, the visit of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to this ancient city is of great importance. The Ichan-Kala complex is known as a unique city museum. There are more than 120 architectural monuments here. Therefore, on 12 December 1990, Khiva was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The heads of state entered the complex through the main Ata-Darvaza gate, visited Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark Palace, Shergazi Khan Madrasah, Juma Mosque, Toshovli Palace, Museum of Scientists. A concert program was organized for the guests, which included Khorezm songs and dances.
The Presidents also visited the Nurullabay Palace near Ichan-Kala. This complex was built in 1884 by the Khiva Khan Muhammad Rakhimkhan Feruz. Later, additional buildings were erected. The palace expanded to five courtyards. The architecture of the palace harmoniously combines Eastern and European styles. The palace is also notable for the fact that at the beginning of the 20th century many important political processes took place here.
The role of Khiva in the development of statehood and science, the ancient monuments and the art of the city made a great impression on the Azerbaijani guests. “The most important role in expanding multifaceted cooperation is given to direct interregional ties. We have agreed that our capitals and major cities would establish partnerships in the very near future. The fundamental agreement will be signed today. In addition, we propose to hold the first forum of regions and an exhibition of their industrial potential in Tashkent this year,” said President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as he had a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev in an expanded format.
“In the humanitarian dimension, it is necessary to regularly hold mutual Days of Culture and Cinema, increase exchanges and contacts between universities, scientific institutions, sports and youth organizations. The strengthening of business and humanitarian relations will help us to expand cooperation in the field of tourism. I am grateful to the President of Azerbaijan for the special attention and support, and for the adoption of a separate tourism program. We propose to jointly hold an Uzbek-Azerbaijani tourism fair this year. We are also ready to develop close and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of restoration and preservation of monuments of our abundant cultural heritage,” the President of Uzbekistan noted.