Uzbekistan Honors Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with “Highest Degree of Friendship” Award

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: Following high-level bilateral talks between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, a solemn ceremony was held in Tashkent to award Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, with Uzbekistan’s highest state honor – the “Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik” Order or “Highest Degree of Friendship”.

The award was presented by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who lauded Berdimuhamedov’s remarkable contributions to strengthening the enduring friendship, good neighborliness, and strategic partnership between the two Central Asian nations.

“All the remarkable achievements, large-scale reforms, and the growing international stature of fraternal Turkmenistan are inextricably linked with your name,” President Mirziyoyev stated during the ceremony.

He praised Turkmenistan’s consistent economic growth and improved living standards, and highlighted Berdimuhamedov’s international initiatives, particularly his successful push for 2025 to be declared the Year of Peace and Trust, a proposal that has garnered widespread international support.

The Uzbek leader emphasized that Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan relations have reached unprecedented heights under Berdimuhamedov’s leadership, setting an example of exemplary bilateral cooperation in the region.

“Thanks to your support, the solid foundations of our countries’ strategic partnership were laid in 2017,” said Mirziyoyev, referring to a pivotal year in Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan diplomacy.

The flourishing engagement across all sectors – including parliamentary dialogue, regional and government cooperation, business collaboration, civil society, and youth exchange – was noted with satisfaction. Mutual trade has surged, exceeding $1 billion in recent years, a testament to the successful economic cooperation between the two nations.

Cultural and humanitarian ties were also celebrated. President Mirziyoyev recalled the publication of Magtymguly’s works in Uzbek and the joint Uzbek-Turkmen feature film premiered at an international film festival in Ashgabat as symbols of deep cultural affinity.

In presenting the award, President Mirziyoyev described it as a heartfelt gesture of the Uzbek people’s admiration for Berdimuhamedov, calling him an outstanding statesman and the architect of modern Turkmenistan.

The ceremony marked another milestone in the deepening friendship between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, rooted in shared history, culture, and aspirations for regional peace and prosperity.