Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In the residence in Baku, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Azerbaijani literary scholar and poet Akif Bagirov.

Akif Bagirov, known by the pen name Akif Azalp, hails from Nakhchivan but has dedicated a significant part of his life to promoting Uzbek literature among the Azerbaijani people. Over the years, he has translated numerous works by Uzbek writers and poets into Azerbaijani, including his recent translation of the book *“Vaqt Haykali”* by poet Sirojiddin Sayyid.

Bagirov gained wide recognition for his ballad *“Ўзбек келаётир”* (Uzbek is Coming), in which he expressed his admiration for the glorious history and achievements of Uzbekistan in recent years, especially the reforms under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev.

As a token of deep respect, Akif Bagirov presented the President of Uzbekistan with his book *“The Phenomenon of Shavkat Mirziyoyev.”* This collection of essays, based on the works of political scientist Kudratilla Rafikov, was translated by Bagirov into Azerbaijani and focuses on the key reforms and changes in Uzbekistan, including economic development, infrastructure modernization, improvements in the social sphere, and the strengthening of the country's international stature.

The President expressed sincere gratitude to the poet for his contribution to the popularization of Uzbek literature and the strengthening of cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.