Diplomatic tensions rise during Lavrov’s visit to Samarkand

Diplomatic tensions rise during Lavrov’s visit to SamarkandRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Uzbekistan on April 22-23 for an official trip, during which he met with the Uzbek leadership in Samarkand. However, Lavrov’s remarks during the cultural segment of his visit and his concluding press conference have sparked criticism among the Uzbek public.

One incident that drew attention occurred at Samarkand International Airport during Lavrov’s reception. On the evening of April 22, Lavrov declined to embrace Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, who had extended his arms for a hug. In a widely discussed video, Lavrov can be seen placing his hand on Saidov’s shoulder, seemingly avoiding closer contact.

This gesture prompted criticism from Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja, rector of Uzbekistan’s University of Journalism and Mass Communications.

"When a foreign minister arrives and refuses to accept the embrace of his counterpart, instead casually placing his hand on their shoulder in front of dozens of cameras—this violates diplomatic protocol. It’s clear he intended to assert dominance through non-verbal cues. We reject this behavior. If Mr. Lavrov, in his old age, cannot understand this, he should retire!" Kudratkhodja stated.

He further noted that during the Soviet era, Foreign Minister Andrey Gromyko never displayed such “informal camaraderie” toward Rafik Nishonov, the Foreign Minister of the Uzbek SSR.

"Why does Lavrov, who was once Nishonov’s protégé, now show such disrespect toward an official of an equal and sovereign state? Who does he think he is? Uzbekistan has a 3,500-year history of statehood, founded by figures like Amir Temur and many others. We are a nation of 40 million people, and we are no less than anyone else. We are an independent state! Forward, Uzbekistan!

Do not impose your rules on foreign territories (V chujoy monastir so svoim ustavom ne lezut), friends!" Kudratkhodja added.

Additionally, Kudratkhodja criticized Lavrov for expressing dissatisfaction that inscriptions at the “Grieving Mother” monument in Samarkand were not provided in Russian.

"Every country decides the language of inscriptions around its historical monuments or statues. It is inappropriate for a foreign minister to criticize us. We are not their colony! Our ministers should also learn to ask bold questions when visiting Russia.

For instance, why are Uzbek migrants in Russia subjected to discrimination? Why do local authorities, migration services, or police violate their basic human rights, while Russian society and officials remain silent?

If Lavrov wants to lecture us on the sanctity of motherhood, while focusing on the absence of a simple inscription, we should remind him that human rights are equally sacred," Kudratkhodja stated.

Lavrov also claimed that Russia opposes interference in the internal affairs of other states, yet criticized Western cooperation in Central Asia. Kudratkhodja responded to these remarks as well.

"Lavrov spoke about Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the European Union. It is up to each state to decide the nature and extent of its partnerships. No one has the right to interfere in Uzbekistan’s internal affairs. Uzbekistan alone determines the level of its relations with the EU. This demonstrates the multi-vector nature of our foreign policy," Kudratkhodja concluded.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Uzbekistan on April 22 and was welcomed at Samarkand International Airport by Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. On April 23, Lavrov laid flowers at the “Grieving Mother” monument in Samarkand, where he expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of inscriptions in Russian.

Alisher Kadirov, leader of the National Revival Democratic Party faction in Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber, commented on the incident, stating that Russian politicians are trying every possible way to worsen attitudes toward Russian culture and language in Uzbekistan.