Flame of the All-Russian Family Hearth at the RUSSIA EXPO was handed over to Uzbekistan

---

The ceremony of handing over the flame of the All-Russian Family Hearth to Uzbekistan took place at the International RUSSIA EXPO in Pavilion No. 66. Thus, the flame will begin its journey outside Russia and acquire the status of an international flame.

This event has brought the two brotherly countries even closer together, as the friendship between Russia and Uzbekistan is strong not only due to historical ties, but also due to identical traditional values, said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the RUSSIA EXPO.

"This ceremony is very important for us — especially in the Year of the Family. 284 couples have already gotten married at the Exposition. We held the first All-Russian Wedding Festival here — newlyweds from all over the country took part in it. Thank you for accepting the fire of our family hearth. Of course, Uzbekistan is our friendly country, with which we have been friends for centuries," said Anastasia Zvyagina.

The Republic of Uzbekistan was represented by the Ishankhodjaev family, who celebrated 40 years of married life this year. Ziyod Ishankhodjaev is a musician-guitarist, composer, author-performer and artistic director of the Uch-Kuduk band. He toured with the Yalla group, which performed the famous song "Three Wells". His wife Gulbahor is a candidate of medical sciences, a cardiologist. The RUSSIA EXPO was presented by the families who made unions within the framework of the All-Russian Wedding Festival. They passed the fire of the family hearth to a family from Uzbekistan.

"Traditions are anchors that strengthen the family union. I wish you to preserve them and pass them on to your children and grandchildren," Daniel and Baina Leshchenko from the Republic of Kalmykia addressed the Ishankhodzhaev family.

"Take care and maintain the warmth of the family hearth. Carry it through the years and bestow it on your children," wished the Ishankhodzhaev family Pavel and Valeria Rabota from the Primorye region.

Alexander and Anna Krivov from the Chuvash Republic addressed the Ishankhojaev family with warm wishes. They were also married at the Exposition during the First All-Russian Wedding Festival.

"There is no stronger union on earth than a happy and friendly family. It is both the beginning of a new life, and the continuation of a beautiful lineage, and honoring the sanctity of traditions. Family is the highest happiness that people can create by themselves. We wish your family sincere love, mutual respect, health and prosperity," said Alexander and Anna Krivov.

"It is twice a great happiness for us to receive the fire from the hands of young families. It means that their energy will be passed on to us. A happy family means a happy society, children, country, nation. I would like every family to have such a fire of family hearth. Family hearth is the most important thing in a person's life," said Gulbahor Ishankhodzhaeva.

The ceremony ended with a tea party according to the traditions of Uzbek hospitality.

The flame of the All-Russian Family Hearth was lit at the RUSSIA EXPO on January 23, the day President Vladimir Putin announced the start of the Year of the Family. The flame was carried on to all regions of Russia.

The International RUSSIA EXPO showcases the most important achievements of the country in one place. Throughout the Exposition, cultural events, a rich business and educational program await the guests. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors. More than 18 million people have already visited the Exposition. The International RUSSIA EXPO takes place on the territory of VDNH in Moscow from November 4 to July 8.