Uzbekistan, Tashkent, March 19 / Trend, D. Azizov /
Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan celebrated upcoming international holiday of Nowruz first of all.
By tradition, the event took place in Azerbaijani Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. Many guests - Uzbek officials, heads of foreign missions and international organizations accredited in Tashkent, representatives of scientific and creative elite of Uzbekistan, as well as activists of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan friendship society, representatives of media and Azerbaijani Diaspora gathered in the courtyard of the Centre, at the pedestal of monument to Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev.
Banquet tables with meals of the Azerbaijani national cuisine were laid in the courtyard of the Cultural Center, decorated with flowers and national Azerbaijani carpets.
The Embassy with the assistance of Azerbaijani businessmen sent holiday gifts to poor 55 Azerbaijani families residing in Tashkent on the eve of the holiday.
Charge d'Affaires of Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan Akif Aliyev opened the celebrations congratulating the guests on the spring holiday, celebrated by many peoples of the world. He spoke about the history of the Nowruz holiday, the efforts made by the Azerbaijani government for internationally recognition of the holiday.
Aliyev expressed confidence that declaration of March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz by the UN General Assembly will promote intercultural understanding and solidarity.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's holiday message to all Azerbaijanis was welcomed with applause of the event participants. Extensive concert program, which began by performing mugham "Garabag shikastesi" by singer Yusif Aliyev, was held.