Uzbekistan celebrates National Day with a gala reception in Budapest

On the evening of 17 September 2024, a grand reception was held at the historic Matild Palace in Budapest to celebrate Uzbekistan’s National Day. The elegant event gathered diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and members of the local community to mark the occasion, fostering a spirit of cooperation and friendship between Uzbekistan and Hungary.

The highlight of the evening was the keynote speeches delivered by His Excellency Aybek Shakhavdinov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Hungary, and Márton Nagy, Hungary’s Minister of National Economy. Both leaders emphasised the growing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.

In his speech, Ambassador Shakhavdinov expressed his gratitude for Hungary’s continued support and partnership, especially in sectors like trade, education, and cultural exchange. He outlined several key areas where the two countries have been working closely, noting the importance of enhancing economic cooperation and shared opportunities.

His Excellency Aybek Shakhavdinov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Hungary, Photo: Uzbekistan Embassy, Budapest

“We believe that the important tasks set forth by the Hungarian side will be effectively realised at the highest level. We are grateful to Hungary for its support of initiatives by Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries within the EU framework, particularly during the Budapest presidency” the Ambassador stated.

From the Hungarian side, Minister Márton Nagy highlighted Uzbekistan’s significance as a strategic partner in Central Asia. He spoke about recent collaborations, including economic agreements that aim to boost trade and investment, as well as joint initiatives in technology and innovation.

Márton Nagy, Hungary’s Minister of National Economy. Photo: Uzbekistan Embassy, Budapest

“Uzbekistan is not only a friend but also a key partner for Hungary. Together, we can achieve remarkable success by leveraging our respective strengths,” Nagy remarked.

Beyond the official addresses, the evening unfolded with cultural performances that showcased Uzbekistan’s rich heritage. Guests were treated to a vibrant display of traditional music, featuring Uzbek singers who brought the essence of Central Asia to life. A graceful Uzbek dancer also captivated the audience, offering a glimpse into the beauty of Uzbekistan‘s artistic traditions.

The reception continued with delicious traditional Uzbek cuisine, allowing participants to experience the country’s famous culinary flavours, from delicious plov to fresh samsa.

The Uzbekistan National Day reception in Budapest was not just a celebration of the country’s independence, but also a testament to the strong and growing partnership between the two nations. As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of optimism and unity, with many expressing hope for continued collaboration in the years ahead.

Our news site was represented at the reception by Alpár Kató, owner of Daily News Hungary.

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