The Russian President’s greetings say, in part:
“Samarkand played a unique role in the history of civilisations. It is a city where crucial events in global history took place, and outstanding statesmen, thinkers and architects lived. Tamerlane laid down the foundations of his state, and Ulugbek made his fundamental scientific discoveries there.
The beauty and grandeur of Samarkand’s architecture inspired the poetry of Alisher Navoi and Abdurrakhman Dzhami.
Today it is a forward-looking, dynamic and beautiful city.
It was here that a new stage in Russian-Uzbek relations began, allied relations based on principles of strategic partnership. I will always remember the warm and sincere welcome we were given in Samarkand in 2003.
I use this opportunity to again congratulate you on the jubilee of your home town. I wish you health and success in your office. I wish happiness, peace and prosperity to the people of Samarkand and to all the people of multinational and friendly Uzbekistan”.