On September 24, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov got acquainted with the historical sites and monuments of Samarkand. 

The distinguished guest visited the final resting place of the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, laid flowers at the grave of the great statesman and paid tribute to his memory. 

The President of Tatarstan noted that the great statesman and politician, the founder of independent Uzbekistan Islam Karimov was a great historical figure who carried out enormous work for the development of Uzbekistan. It was emphasized that consistent work was carried out on preserving the historical and cultural heritage of our ancestors, reviving and promoting national values under the leadership of the First President. 

The guest was told about the large-scale constructive and landscaping activities in this complex under the constant attention of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. 

The design of the memorial complex on the basis of national traditions of architecture and the wide conditions created for visitors made a great impression on the guest. 

The President of Tatarstan got acquainted with the Khazrati Khizr mosque – the first such construction in the territory of Central Asia. The activities carried out on preservation of this more than 1300-year-old monument, is highly appreciated. 

The honored guest visited the Khoja Doniyor monument, the Shahi Zinda complex, the Amir Temur mausoleum, the Registan complex and the Mirzo Ulugbek observatory. He noted that each of these constructions testifies to the rich history and ancient culture of our people. 

Abundance in the world-famous Siab dehkan market, the eastern culture of trade left a great impression on the President of Tatarstan. He tried the taste of fruits grown on our sunny land and noted that this production is in great demand in Tatarstan market. 

– I dreamed of visiting Samarkand, – noted Rustam Minnikhanov. – I am very glad that my visit to Uzbekistan started from Samarkand. I became convinced that this ancient city is truly an adornment of the earth, the historical center of civilization. This day, spent in Samarkand, left very vivid impressions on me. 

One of the important events within the framework of the trip to Samarkand for the President of Tatarstan became a visit to the Imam Bukhari complex. Here the honored guest has been told about the spiritual heritage of scientists and thinkers, muhaddith, who made a great contribution to the development of Islamic culture. Currently, at the initiative of the President of our country, the Imam Bukhari International Research Center is being built next to the complex. Its activities will promote studying and propaganda of noble ideas and the enlightening significance of the sacred religion of Islam. 

Today, the President of Tatarstan will meet with representatives of the Tatar diaspora in our country at the State Academic Grand Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi, will take part in the concert program of art masters of Tatarstan. 

On September 25, Rustam Minnikhanov will lay flowers at the foot of the monument to the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. 

The Head of Tatarstan will take part in a joint business forum of representatives of business circles of Uzbekistan and Tatarstan, which will be held at the International Business Center in Tashkent. 

President of Tatarstan will hold meetings in various ministries and departments of our country, will visit the sights of the capital.