Reciprocal Days of Russia and Uzbekistan to be held in both countries in 2027
The National Centre RUSSIA and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan have agreed to develop long-term cooperation in cultural, educational and humanitarian activities. The Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, and the Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, led a working meeting between the two centres' teams on 17 October in Tashkent. The parties discussed preparations for reciprocal Days of Russia and Uzbekistan, marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries. These will be the first major events under their bilateral cooperation.
"The friendship between Russia and Uzbekistan spans hundreds of years of shared history, culture and achievements. As our President, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, always says, behind every achievement are those who matter most: people. Relations between our states are, above all, relations between people united by shared traditional values. For us, the most important aspect of these reciprocal Days is to remember and preserve the past while discussing the future of our countries and peoples, and practical projects. Above all, all our cooperation must deliver tangible results. We invite you to hold the Days of Uzbekistan in Moscow at the National Centre RUSSIA in March 2027. We are ready to make all our spaces and resources available to enable a warm and productive dialogue between the cultures of Russia and Uzbekistan," said the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova.
She added that the branches of the National Centre RUSSIA being established across the country on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, could also provide venues for cultural, historical and educational dialogue between the peoples of Russia and Uzbekistan.
In turn, the Director of the Islamic Civilization Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, thanked Natalia Virtuozova for the invitation and noted that the Days of Uzbekistan in Russia would be a major step towards strengthening friendship between the states. He also extended a reciprocal invitation for the National Centre RUSSIA to take part in organising the Days of Russia in Uzbekistan.
"Thanks to the initiatives and instructions of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, extensive work is under way to preserve our priceless legacy and present it to the world. We are introducing the international community to the richness of our culture and the contribution of our great ancestors to world civilisation. Recent events at UNESCO have provided clear evidence of this. Today, we have taken another important step: together with the National Centre RUSSIA, we have identified new areas for joint work. We invite you to hold the reciprocal Days of Russia in Uzbekistan, hosted by our centre. Our task is to translate this partnership into practical projects through which the peoples of our two countries can gain a deeper understanding of each other's cultures and strengthen ties for future generations," Firdavs Abdukhalikov emphasised.
During the working meeting "Russia–Uzbekistan: A Dialogue of Cultures. Towards Reciprocal Days of Culture", Natalia Virtuozova and Firdavs Abdukhalikov signed a supplementary agreement to the Memorandum of Cooperation, in effect since April 2026, on organising reciprocal Days of Russia and Uzbekistan. The new document sets out the main areas of the long-term partnership between the National Centre RUSSIA and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. Among other provisions, the agreement envisages the joint development of a roadmap for projects and events to be implemented over the forthcoming three-year period from 2027 to 2030.
The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. It is a unique space with no equivalent anywhere in the world. Its mission is to showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens, strengthen national identity, foster pride in the country and develop the professional skills of children and young people. The space showcases the country's key achievements, innovative developments, and cultural and historical landmarks, and hosts outreach, educational, scientific and business events. On 26 March 2026, the President of Russia launched the construction of a new building for the National Centre in Moscow. It will become a symbol of modern Russia, reflecting its creative potential, multinational culture and commitment to innovation. The new premises of the National Centre RUSSIA are scheduled to open in 2029.
The Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent was established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The complex officially opened in March 2026 and is recognised as the world's largest museum of Islamic civilisation. The centre's work focuses on revealing Central Asia's contribution to world civilisation, supporting education and introducing a broad audience to the legacy of outstanding scholars, thinkers and cultural figures. Particular attention is paid to presenting Islamic civilisation as part of global science, education and culture.
The All-Russian Educational Tax Marathon will begin on 23 October at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow, launching Tax Culture and Literacy Month.
