Rossotrudnichestvo has temporarily ceased all interactions with the National Media Association of Uzbekistan and the Public Council of the Ministry of Preschool Education of Uzbekistan following the Russophobic remarks made by their chairman, Sherzod Kudrathodjaev. Yevgeny Primakov, the head of Rossotrudnichestvo, made this announcement.
Kudrathodjaev had previously made insulting remarks about individuals living in Uzbekistan without knowledge of the state language.
"In light of the publicly insulting Russophobic statements made by the Chairman of the National Media Association of Uzbekistan and the head of the Public Council of the Ministry of Preschool Education of the Republic, Sherzod Kudrathodjaev, Rossotrudnichestvo, in accordance with existing internal protocols, will cease all communication and contacts with him, as well as with the organizations he leads, until Mr. Kudrathodjaev issues a comprehensive and sincere apology," Primakov stated on his Telegram channel.
Primakov also noted that Kudrathodjaev's Russophobic views are not widely supported in Uzbekistan. "Drawing upon the activities of the cultural center in Tashkent, the Russian House, numerous cultural, educational, and scientific exchange programs, the popularity of the Russian language, art, and the attractiveness of Russian higher education for Uzbekistan's residents, we firmly believe that Mr. Kudrathodjaev's Russophobic views are not shared by the people of Uzbekistan," Primakov said.
He expressed confidence that responsible representatives in Tashkent would repudiate these objectionable statements based on the genuine friendship, sympathy, and alliance between Russia and Uzbekistan, as well as between the peoples of the two countries.
"I am confident that the hundreds and thousands of young people who seek education in Russia, the increasing trade volume between our countries, tourism, the values of friendship, mutual assistance, and the historical memories of our shared experiences during the Great Patriotic War and the restoration of Tashkent after the earthquake, all serve to confirm that Mr. Kudrathodjaev's Russophobic views are those of an isolated individual who, unfortunately, was not raised properly by his parents," - Primakov continued. - "I am certain that Mr. Kudrathodjaev will not be aggrieved if not only he himself, but also his relatives, are unable to study in Russia, engage in profitable business with it, participate in internships, or even simply visit a country he so vehemently dislikes."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: A.Savin/WikiCommons
Based on materials from TASS