President of Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association: Proud of History, Cherish Today's Success

	Vietnam–Uzbekistan Friendship Association Elects New President
	Story of Vietnam in Alisher Mukhamedov's Heart

A lifelong affection for Vietnam

In 1963, lawyer Mukhamedov Rustam, Alisher's father, visited Vietnam as part of a Soviet Union delegation. During their stay, the group was received at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, where they were warmly welcomed and talked to by President Ho Chi Minh himself. The delegation then traveled to Ha Long Bay and several other cities, engaging with Vietnamese leaders and citizens along the way.

The journey left a profound impression on him. Upon returning home, he spoke to his children about a beautiful land, a resilient people, and an extraordinary leader, Ho Chi Minh, whose are remarkable in his intelligence and far-sighted vision, with a strong belief in the victory and prosperous future of the Vietnamese people.

The 6-year-old Alisher listened attentively. From then on, a love and passion for that distant country and for Uncle Ho was kindled in his heart.

President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association Alisher Rustamovich Mukhamedov. (Photo courtesy of Alisher Rustamovich Mukhamedov)

In 1976, as a student at Tashkent State University, Alisher Mukhamedov had the opportunity to meet and befriend many Vietnamese students. He supported them in learning Russian, joined them in sports and picnics, and even celebrated Tet right in the dormitory. These shared experiences laid the foundation for lasting friendships that have endured to this day.

In 2016, after decades apart, Alisher returned to Vietnam and reunited with his former classmates. He then took on the role of President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association, regularly visiting Vietnam to initiate joint projects and promote cooperation in culture, tourism, and business.

Reflecting on his youth, Alisher recalled the Vietnam of that era - defined by bicycles, bamboo boats, rice fields, and the industrious spirit of its people. Today, he observes a nation transformed. The Doi Moi (Renewal) of 1986 marked a pivotal shift from a planned economy to a market-oriented one, with rapid industrial development, especially in textiles, electronics, and mechanics. Vietnam now stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies. Tourism has developed strongly, with destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Phu Quoc reaching international stature, attracting more and more tourists from Uzbekistan.

Vietnam is also at the forefront of digital economic development with an annual growth rate of about 40% and is expected to rise to second place in the region by 2025. In 2024, Vietnam's GDP will increase by more than 7%.

Along with development, Vietnamese people preserve historical memories. August 19, 1945 and April 30, 1975 are forever sacred milestones, symbols of independence and the path to independence.

The 80th anniversary of Independence Day is a great milestone, symbolizing the pride and strength of the Vietnamese people who have overcome countless challenges to gain freedom and build a modern, dynamic country.

“For us in Uzbekistan, Vietnam is not just a partner, but a close and brotherly nation. Our countries share a long-standing friendship, built over decades of exchange and cooperation. Thousands of Vietnamese students have studied in Uzbekistan and now hold important positions in Vietnam. That enduring connection is a solid bridge of trust and mutual respect.

We take pride in your rich history and deeply value the achievements you’ve made today. We believe the friendship between Uzbekistan and Vietnam will continue to grow stronger, paving the way for new milestones in culture, education, the economy, and tourism.

We wish the Vietnamese people peace, prosperity, and continued progress. May each anniversary not only honor the past, but also inspire new victories. I hope the friendship between our two peoples will remain everlasting, bright and sincere, just as it has always been,” said Alisher.

Youth is a 'catalyst' for bilateral cooperation

Regarding people-to-people diplomacy, Alisher Mukhamedov said that he and his colleagues always strive to organize activities that allow people to clearly feel the friendship and mutual respect between Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Over the years, many meaningful projects have been carried out. In 2016, the Association began promoting Vietnam’s tourism potential by organizing the first charter flights, a turning point in tourism cooperation between the two countries. In 2018, an exhibition on Uzbekistan was held in Hanoi.

On the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South on April 30, the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association organized a documentary photo exhibition titled “Sustainable Friendship Between Uzbekistan and Vietnam” in Tashkent. The exhibition featured many valuable documents dating back to 1954, including photographs of President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Uzbekistan in 1959. The event attracted great interest from the public, scientists, students, and the Vietnamese community in Tashkent.

Photo exhibition “Sustainable Friendship Between Uzbekistan and Vietnam” in Tashkent.

Cultural activities have also made lasting imprints. In 2022, President Ho Chi Minh’s Prison Diary was translated into Uzbek, deepening cultural understanding between the two nations. In 2023, the song “Tashkent-Hanoi, Hanoi-Tashkent” was awarded Third Prize at the 9th National Award on External Information Services and officially adopted as the anthem of the Uzbekistan–Vietnam Friendship Association. These initiatives have helped strengthen mutual trust and left a deep emotional imprint on the hearts of both peoples.

Alisher Mukhamedov emphasized that culture remains a top priority. He expressed his hope that young people will become the driving force behind future activities, with plans to establish youth branches of the friendship associations, organize online competitions, and expand exchange programs. Through these efforts, students from both countries can learn from one another and collaborate on shared initiatives, from volunteer projects to innovative startups.

“Our goal is to make the Uzbekistan–Vietnam friendship not just a diplomatic formula, but a living movement - where students, entrepreneurs, artists, and tourists are the central figures, creating real strength and connection,” said the President of the Uzbekistan–Vietnam Friendship Association.

According to Alisher Mukhamedov, the relations between the two countries rest on a solid foundation. More than 3,500 Vietnamese students have studied in Uzbekistan, becoming true “friendship ambassadors.”

Today, the role of youth is more vital than ever. They are the catalysts for deeper and more dynamic bilateral cooperation.

First, young people are the key factor of new-generation people-to-people diplomacy. Joint student projects, digital content, and creative initiatives build trust among people faster than treaties.

Second, the young generation is dynamic in startups and technology. Young start-up founders, programmers, designers, or agricultural innovators can directly connect the two countries' markets.

Third, it is the role of young people in culture and tourism. Media, cuisine, music, and festivals created by young people become direct bridges between the people of the two countries.

He expressed his hope for the emergence of more bilateral groups and projects built on the model of “young people for young people.” He envisions expanded academic exchanges and internship programs, the formation of cooperation clusters in creative industries, information technology, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, as well as the vigorous development of youth tourism and the creation of international city brands. He emphasized the ultimate importance of forming a strong network of trust, because without trust, both the economy and politics will find it difficult to develop in the long term.

Alisher affirmed: “We have a “golden asset” – thousands of stories of former students, now leaders or businessmen, who still have deep feelings for their “second homeland”. Our mission is to continue and enrich those stories and pass them on to the younger generation”.

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