President awards poet for book on Uzbek-Tajik friendship

Poet and cultural advocate Khushbok Rakhimov has been awarded the Order of Friendship. The corresponding decree, signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was published today, March 22.  

According to the decree, Rakhimov was honored “for his many years of fruitful artistic and creative activity, enriching modern literature with works that glorify patriotism, selflessness, and humanity, fostering conscious thinking and spiritual growth among the people, instilling love and loyalty to the Motherland in younger generations, conveying the essence of fundamental reforms in Uzbekistan, and contributing to interethnic friendship, social harmony, and mutual understanding. His efforts in promoting kindness, cooperation among different ethnic groups, and the development of national cultures and traditions, as well as his significant contributions to social life, are also recognized.”

The award was presented today, March 22, at a ceremony held at the Tashkent city administration. The event was attended by Tashkent city administration head Shavkat Umurzakov and First Deputy Chairman of the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan for Creative Affairs Minhojiddin Mirzo.  

For reference, Khushbok Rakhimov’s book "My Tajik Friend, I Am Uzbek" was published in Tashkent in 2024. On March 20, the presidential press service shared a photo of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reading the book while visiting the Rohat mahalla in Tashkent’s Bektemir district as part of holiday celebrations.