The Roads of Rome Led to Samarkand
The head of our state met the Prime Minister at the international airport of Samarkand.
The national flags of the two countries were raised in honor of the distinguished guest and a guard of honor was lined up.
The Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni, accompanied by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited the Registan architectural ensemble.
The world-famous Registan Square, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the main calling card of our country, reflecting the creative potential of our great ancestors. The Mirzo Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillakori madrasahs, which are part of the ensemble, make a deep impression on the guests of our country with their scale, rich history and unique architecture.
The distinguished guest was familiarized in detail with the historical facts of the construction of this pearl of oriental architecture, the features of architectural solutions and decor, significant events and personalities associated with this place, as well as the cultural heritage of the Uzbek people.
Then the leaders visited the historical and ethnographic park "Eternal City" in the International Tourism Center Silk Road Samarkand. They viewed the expositions revealing the rich cultural heritage of our people, handicrafts and applied arts. A cultural program of performances by choreographic groups was presented.
There is an expression among historians and orientalists: "In the West - Rome, in the East - Samarkand." The phrase emphasizes the importance of these two ancient cities in the development of Western and Eastern civilizations. Historians and archaeologists from Uzbekistan and Italy continue to show interest in developing interstate relations using the example of Samarkand and Rome, conducting relevant research. In particular, for several years now, Uzbek and Italian archaeologists have been studying the Kafirkala archaeological site located near Samarkand.
This early medieval site was the country residence of the rulers of Samarkand. Silver coins, seals and other items dating back to the 5th–8th centuries were discovered here.
During an official visit to our country in 2023, the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella got acquainted with the activities of this joint expedition and wished its participants success in their work.
Today, cooperation between our country and Italy is actively developing in the field of higher education. As a result, over the past two years, more than 100 professors and teachers from Uzbekistan have completed internships in higher education institutions in Italy. Currently, more than 700 students are studying Italian in universities in our country. There are over 50 cooperation agreements in force between the higher education institutions of the two countries.
Recently, a round table was held at the Samarkand State University named after Sharaf Rashidov with the participation of rectors of about 30 universities, as well as representatives of ministries and departments of the two countries, who discussed the prospects for further partnership. Memorandums of cooperation were signed between universities, ministries and departments of Uzbekistan and Italy.
As is known, Rome, with its centuries-old history, was one of the most important centers of ancient civilization, and that is why the famous expression arose: "All roads lead to Rome." Today, it is quite appropriate to apply this phrase to the ancient city - "the adornment of the face of the Earth", which connected the East and the West, and say that all roads lead to Samarkand.
The main events of the visit will take place on May 29.
During the high-level talks in the city of Samarkand, issues of further strengthening the Uzbek-Italian strategic partnership and expanding multifaceted cooperation will be discussed. The focus is on promoting innovative interaction projects and humanitarian exchange.
A package of bilateral agreements is expected to be signed as a result.
Ziyodulla ZHONIBEKOV,
Golib KHASANOV, special correspondents of UzA
