Festive Launch of the Diplomatic World Magazine devoted to Uzbekistan held in Brussels
On 3 September 2020, a networking reception was held on the grounds of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels, in order to celebrate Uzbekistan’s 29th anniversary of independence and the launch of the Special Edition of Diplomatic World Magazine exclusively devoted to Uzbekistan. Approximately 70 high-level guests were in attendance, coming not only from Brussels but also neighbouring countries Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany and France. They included representatives of the diplomatic corps (ambassadors of other Central Asian countries, Russia, the Philippines and the Maldives), European External Action Service, the European Parliament, arts & culture, business, media and think tank representatives.
Pictured (l-r) are H.E. Dilyor Khakimov Ambassador of Uzbekistan, H.E. Tchary Atayev Ambassador of Turkmenistan and Barbara Dietrich CEO and President Diplomatic World
After months of restrictive measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic which had severely limited social contact, this festive occasion allowed guests to interact with one another in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying Uzbek cuisine including its famous dish – plov – as well as a small exposition of traditional Uzbek dresses.
Ambassador Dilyor Khakimov and representatives of the European External Action Service (EEAS), in their remarks to the attendees, highlighted that, despite the global pandemic, the European Union and Uzbekistan have been working strongly with each other in order to ensure a sustainable and resilience recovery from the pandemic. They remarked that good progress was being achieved in the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) negotiations. EEAS representatives also thanked Uzbekistan for the constructive and positive role it had played in the region over the last few years.
In her remarks, Barbara Dietrich, CEO of Diplomatic World, highlighted that in these unprecedented times of uncertainty we are living through, our common strengths are our abilities to overcome, unite, grow and be creative. She furthermore explained this Special Edition of Diplomatic World takes stock of the ongoing reforms taking place in Uzbekistan, as well as future potentials, by gathering, in one hundred pages, the views of leading figures from government, the business community, the energy sector, arts & culture, and analytical centres, from both Uzbekistan and the EU.
The sweet surprise of the evening was provided by Michael Lewis Anderson, also known as the Cake King, who impressed the guests with a special cake for the occasion, decorated in the colours of the Uzbek flag and completed with a replica of the coat of arms of Uzbekistan made of sugar!