Russia firmly supports the efforts of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen the role of the Russian language in Uzbekistan, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a press conference wrapping up his visit to the republic.
“Russia consistently backs the initiatives of President Mirziyoyev aimed at preserving interethnic harmony and promoting the Russian language, which in Uzbekistan serves as a means of interethnic communication and a symbol of Russia’s cultural and historical presence,” Lavrov emphasized. He also noted that nearly one million Russian compatriots live in Uzbekistan, and many other citizens of the country use Russian in their daily lives.
The minister also highlighted the strong bilateral cooperation in education and culture. According to Lavrov, over 56,000 Uzbek students are currently enrolled in Russian universities, and 14 branches of leading Russian higher education institutions are operating in Uzbekistan.
He also underlined the importance of finalizing the creation of the International Organization for the Russian Language, in which Uzbekistan plays an active role.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on TASS materials