Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

On July 21 2026, an interactive photo exhibition titled "The Development of Modern Uzbekistan" was inaugurated at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretariat in Beijing. The exhibition was held to mark the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the 25th anniversary of the SCO. It was jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in China and the SCO Secretariat.

The exhibition featured about 60 photographic works showcasing Uzbekistan's history, culture, and modern achievements, the development of China-Uzbekistan "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership," as well as Uzbekistan's active role within the SCO.

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

Addressing the opening ceremony, SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev noted that over the past quarter-century, Uzbekistan has made significant contributions to the development of the Organization as a major transregional international association. He commended Tashkent's consistently constructive stance within the SCO. In particular, he highlighted Uzbekistan's growing role in deepening transport and logistics cooperation, noting that the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects is broadening horizons for the Eurasian region. The Secretary-General also emphasized that the 2022 SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Samarkand was a landmark event that charted a new course for multifaceted cooperation.

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

Saidkamol Agzamkhodjaev, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in China, read out the address delivered by Farhod Arziev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. The address reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to the "Shanghai Spirit," noted that the initiatives put forward by the President of Uzbekistan within the Organization are being steadily implemented, and touched upon the country's large-scale reforms aimed at building a New Uzbekistan. It also underscored Uzbekistan's consistent determination to expand international cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

In turn, Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director of the "Development Strategy" Center, presented the key provisions of the "Uzbekistan-2030" Strategy, which aims to increase the share of the private sector, implement investment projects, develop renewable energy, advance digitalization, and enhance the country's transit potential. He outlined Uzbekistan's key competitive advantages for international partners.

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

During the event, the Uzbek diplomatic mission presented to the SCO Secretariat a set of book-albums titled "The Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in World Collections," which contain photographs and descriptions of archaeological finds, architectural monuments, paintings, sculptures, and applied arts preserved in museums and private collections both in Uzbekistan and abroad.

The guests viewed a video presentation on the activities of the Center for Islamic Civilization and toured the photo exhibition. The event concluded with informal friendly exchanges and a tasting of traditional Uzbek national dishes.

The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, expert and analytical centers, and heads of diplomatic missions.

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat

Photo Exhibition Celebrating Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Anniversary Held at SCO Secretariat