Farrukh Zakirov awarded Russia's order of Friendship

People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Farrukh Zakirov has been awarded the prestigious Order of Friendship of the Russian Federation. The award was presented on May 29 by Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova during the fifth meeting of the Sub-Commission on Culture of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia, held at the Uzbekistan Forum Palace in Tashkent.

The event was attended by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov and his Russian counterpart, Olga Lyubimova. Zakirov received the award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening cultural ties and mutual understanding between nations.

The Order of Friendship was established in Russia in 1994 and is awarded to both Russian and foreign citizens for their services in fostering international friendship, as well as for significant achievements in science and culture. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed the decree awarding Zakirov with the Order on November 18 of last year.

Farrukh Zakirov, 78, is a celebrated cultural figure and a People's Artist not only of Uzbekistan, but also of Karakalpakstan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Ingushetia, Tatarstan, and Bashkortostan.

It should be recalled that in 2022, Tanzila Norbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, was also honored with the Order of Friendship by President Vladimir Putin for her efforts in strengthening cooperation between nations. The award was handed to her by Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, during the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly in Samarkand on October 28. At the time, Norbayeva pledged, "We will definitely be worthy of this order."