More than a ton of Uzbek pilaf was prepared at the “Tashkent” recreation park in the capital of Turkmenistan within the framework of the Turkmen-Uzbek Friendship Evening, the “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper reported.

The culinary masterpiece was created before the eyes of guests at the event, organized by the Ashgabat City Hall and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan.

According to the publication, the preparation of the pilaf in a huge cauldron was led by a renowned chef from Uzbekistan, with the active participation of his Turkmen colleagues, Azat Imamedov and Geldimurat Atayev. Their collaboration spans nearly 20 years, symbolizing the professional and cultural ties between the two countries.

The culinary celebration marked the finale of the evening and symbolized Eastern hospitality. In addition to Uzbek pilaf, guests were treated to traditional Turkmen dishes: pilaf, yarma, chekdirme, and pishme. The evening's cultural program included Turkmen and Uzbek songs and dances, an exhibition of works by students from the Bashim Nurali Children's Art School, a display of tea products and medicinal herbs from Turkmenistan, as well as competitions and games for children.

The event took place in “Tashkent” park, which opened in 2022 with the participation of the heads of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The park has become a symbol of the two countries' friendship – the sister capitals of Ashgabat and Tashkent have exchanged such symbols: Ashgabat Park opened in the Uzbek capital back in 2018.