TASHKENT - A group of eight Turkish journalists came to Uzbek capital Tashkent to examine tourism potential in this country.
Turkey's Ambassador in Tashkent Resit Uman hosted a meal for journalists at the Tashkent Dedeman Hotel.
Tashkent Governor Rustem Saabdurahmanov, Deputy Culture Minister of Uzbekistan Faruk Zakirov, and Uzbek Television Deputy Director General Ferhat Ruziyev and many Uzbek journalists attended the meal.
Uman said that ''he believed that members of Turkish media would love Uzbekistan as they saw historical roots of Turkish people there and learn more about that country.''
The panorama to be reflected to Turkish public opinion was very important, Uman added.
Saabdurahmanov said that the Tashkent Dedeman Hotel had an importance place in Turkish-Uzbek friendship.
The hotel was completed in a short time thanks to efforts of Turkish APEAS construction firm's Executive Board Chairman Murat Taymaz and with support of Turkish Eximbank and Uzbek National Bank, Saabdurahmanov noted.
Saabrahmanov quoted Uzbek President Islam Kerimov as saying that the Dedeman Hotel was one of the best hotels serving Tashkent.
Addressing Turkish journalists, Tashkent Governor said, ''this is the first time you come to our country. You will see Tashkent today and Samarqand and Bukhoro tomorrow. I want you to tell our Turkish brothers what you see here. Our people are frank. They are warm people. Our people are similar to you. Our history and civilization is the same. You will learn our language if you stay here for a month. You will see great historical artifacts in Uzbekistan. These do not only belong to us, but also belong to whole Islam world.''
Saabdurahmanov pointed out that many important changes had been made in Uzbekistan for the last 12 years under leadership of President Islam Kerimov.
Meanwhile, Uzbek Radio and Television Chairman Abdusaid Kucimov received Turkish journalists.
(BRC-AÖ) 15.07.2003