2008 Press Releases
Tashkent Delegation Visits Seattle in December 2008 (12/11/2008)
This year is the 35th anniversary of the Seattle-Tashkent sister city relationship, and it has been a very eventful year! The year ended with culminating events in Seattle from December 7-11th, 2008 with the arrival of a sixteen-member delegation from Tashkent, including Tashkent Deputy Mayor Shamurat Muhamedjanov, other Tashkent city officials, and business people. In addition, His Excellency Ambassador Abdulaziz Kamilov, the Uzbekistan ambassador to the United States, and two of his staff, joined us as well to recognize this historic anniversary.
The delegation participated in meetings with City of Seattle officials from many departments. Discussions were held with the electrical utility, water department, waste management and recycling department. We also discussed ongoing conservation efforts and long range transportation planning. A half-day meeting with local business people was sponsored by the Trade Development Alliance. Further, some members of the delegation were able to visit a community college and recycling plant. Our mayor, The Honorable Greg Nickels, met with the entire delegation to welcome the group to Seattle and recognize the importance of the sister city relationship. The group was also introduced to the full Seattle City Council, during a live broadcast throughout the region, and Deputy Mayor Mudamedjanov made a well-received speech regarding Tashkent, future endeavors, the delegation membership, and the historic nature of our sister city relationship.
While in Seattle, we used this opportunity to develop cultural understanding as well. We showed them the city of Seattle, the aquarium, and a home styled potluck provided by the board of directors, complete with outdoor preparation of plov for the meal. It surprised the delegation that we were able to provide such a feast with great Uzbek food as well. We also sang holiday songs to entertain the group and promote knowledge of American holiday traditions.
The highlight of the cultural and celebration activities was the evening 35th anniversary celebration with speeches by officials from both cities, and entertainment that included flamenco guitar, classical music, and Uzbek dancing. The hundred people in attendance found the most popular performance was by a local Native American group that brought the audience to their feet many times. It was an opportunity for Seattle to highlight the value and importance of the Native American culture in our area.
The Seattle-Tashkent Sister City Association looks forward to a continued partnership between our two cities and many more exchanges that share information between city departments and collaboration together to address common concerns.
We were the first Soviet-American sister city formed. We have weathered together many challenges, and we have continued our friendship after the independence of Uzbekistan. The citizens and government of Seattle value this relationship and will continue to support it for the benefit for the people in both of our cities.
By Dan Peterson, President, Seattle-Tashkent Sister City Association