CICG launches Samarkand city biography

"The Biography of Samarkand" is launched at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Beijing on Jan. 15, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

"The Biography of Samarkand" was launched at the Embassy of Uzbekistan on Monday in Beijing. It is part of the "Biographies of Silk Road Cities" series published by China International Communications Group (CICG) to introduce cities on the Belt and Road route.

Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at a book launch event in Beijing on Jan. 15, 2024. [Photo/CICG]

Yu Tao, vice president of CICG, said that the "Biographies of Silk Road Cities" series, published in multiple languages, has promoted cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations. 

Yu hoped that "The Biography of Samarkand" will become an important messenger of cultural exchange between China and Uzbekistan, and better facilitate mutual understanding and friendship among the countries and regions along the Silk Road. 

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev wrote a preface for the book. He said that the book will enhance China-Uzbekistan relations and contribute to cultural exchange between the two countries. 

Batir Tursunov, minister-counselor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, said at Monday's launch ceremony that Samarkand has played an important role in the development of the Silk Road. He said that thanks to concerted efforts of experts from the two countries, the city biography sets an example for cultural cooperation between the two countries, adding that he hopes more Chinese readers can gain a deep understanding of Samarkand through the book.