Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded the International Peace Prize (video)

As part of an official visit to the Russian Federation, a ceremony was held at the Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory to present the Lev Tolstoy International Peace Prize to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, and President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the press service of the Uzbek president reported.

In the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the international award was presented by the chair of its jury, Artistic Director and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre and General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, conductor Valery Gergiev.

The leaders of the three countries were awarded the prestigious prize for their significant personal contributions to strengthening peace and security in the Central Asian region.

According to the jury’s decision, on March 31, 2025, in the city of Khujand, the three heads of state signed the Treaty on the Junction Point of State Borders and the Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship. By doing so, they made a substantial contribution to ensuring common and equal security based on the supremacy of international law, as well as to strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples.

It was emphasized that the award symbolizes commitment to humanitarian ideals and serves as recognition of the joint contribution toward transforming Central Asia into a region of peace, prosperity, and constructive development. It was noted that the opening of a new chapter in relations between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan became possible due to the political will of the three nations’ leaders, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to good-neighborly relations.

For reference, the Lev Tolstoy International Peace Prize is a relatively new award, established on June 22, 2022. It was founded jointly by the Russian Historical Society, the Russian Military Historical Society, and the Russian Peace Foundation. The main objectives of the prize are to prevent wars, promote the building of a stable and multipolar world, advance non-violent peace, and encourage active peacebuilding efforts.

Each year, the prize is awarded to heads of state, international organizations, or public figures who have made a significant contribution to strengthening peace and security. For example, in 2024, the inaugural award was presented to the African Union, a continental organization representing Africa. In 2025, the leaders of the Central Asian states — Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan — became the recipients of the prize. The winners are announced annually on September 9, the birthday of the great Russian writer Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy.

Tolstoy’s name was not chosen for the award by chance. In his literary works, he consistently promoted ideas of peace and humanism. In particular, in his novel War and Peace, he vividly portrayed the tragedies of war and human suffering, underscoring the value of peaceful life.

It is worth noting that on March 31 this year, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the Treaty on the Junction Point of State Borders during their meeting in Khujand. The junction point is located in the Fergana Valley and connects the Sughd Region of Tajikistan, the Fergana Region of Uzbekistan, and the Batken Region of Kyrgyzstan. The treaty was later ratified by Sadyr Japarov.