Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- “Friendship Evening” concert with participation of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan masters of art was held in Uzbekistan Palace of International Forums.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan and Tajikistan people had lived side by side and overcome difficulties and hardships together from time immemorial.

– Uzbekistan and Tajikistan people are like two branches of one tree, two tributaries of one river. We have one religion, common land and water. We are together in joy and sorrow, united by one destiny. Continuing good traditions of our ancestors, we must strengthen and preserve the friendship of our people, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

At the event, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan awarded Emomali Rahmon with the order “El-yurt hurmati” (“Respected by people and homeland”) for the enormous contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and friendship between people of the two countries.

The President of Tajikistan, expressing sincere gratitude for such a high award, noted that today’s level of relations is a historic achievement of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan people.

The Friendship Evening has become a vivid confirmation of the ever-strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, the lasting friendship of people of the two countries.

The state visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to Uzbekistan continues.