Samarkand and Konya become sister cities

A delegation from Uzbekistan is currently participating in an internship program for governors in Turkey. As part of this visit, on February 10, a meeting was held in Konya, Turkey, between Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of the "Yuksalish" movement, and Ibrahim Altay, President of the Union of Municipalities of the Turkic World and Mayor of Konya.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explored opportunities for expanding it. During the meeting, a cooperation protocol was signed between Fazliddin Umarov, the governor of Samarkand city, and Ibrahim Altay, officially establishing Samarkand and Konya as sister cities.

To note, Konya is one of Turkey’s largest cities, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is also a major industrial and agricultural hub. The city remains a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Moreover, Konya offers significant opportunities for youth development, as it is home to universities and technoparks that foster the growth of the IT sector and scientific research.

The signed protocol highlights the commitment of both cities to develop their partnership based on the principles of mutual respect, trust, and equality. Areas of cooperation include experience exchange, economic development, education, healthcare, youth policy, sports, tourism, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, ecology, energy, culture, the arts, information technology, and transportation.

The agreement also includes provisions for supporting investors and entrepreneurs, facilitating the implementation of joint projects funded by international organizations, and launching social initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups in society.

The signing of this protocol is seen as a significant step in strengthening the friendly ties between Samarkand and Konya, opening new opportunities for shared experiences and collaborative projects.

During the visit, a presentation was held at Konya's municipality regarding the region’s affordable housing programs, and a roundtable discussion took place on the topic of "Prospects for Tourism Development in the Current Context." Participants explored key issues and opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector.