President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov conferred the order "Buyuk Hizmatlary Uchun" (For outstanding services) on Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov "for outstanding contribution to developing economic, cultural and spiritual relations and strengthening friendship between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan."

As the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports, the president of Uzbekistan read out a decree on conferring a high award before the start of a gala concert of friendship of cultural workers and masters of arts of the two countries at the Ruhiyet Palace.

"Today, we discussed important issues of bilateral cooperation as true friends and partners. I am confident that all documents that we have signed would serve to the benefit of our peoples. I believe in the Turkmen people, I believe in the Uzbek people, I believe in the beautiful future of our relations," Islam Karimov said.

Islam Karimov presented the Turkmen president with the honorary award, certificate and white Uzbek robe to the applause of the audience.

Having accepted the award with gratitude, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said he would spare no efforts and knowledge for strengthening the friendly Turkmen-Uzbek relations. "I regard this award as the award to the entire Turkmen people," the Turkmen president said.