Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan have officially unveiled a monument to the great Uzbek poet and philosopher Alisher Navoi in Astana.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the initiative to erect the monument, emphasizing that the statue in the center of Kazakhstan’s capital is a vivid symbol of the deep respect the Kazakh people have for Uzbekistan.

"Alisher Navoi’s creative legacy is not only the heritage of the Uzbek people but of the entire world. His works, translated into Italian and German as early as the 16th century, are now available in almost every language. His poetry, which serves as a unique encyclopedia of life, has inspired millions over the centuries," noted the President of Uzbekistan.

Alisher Navoi is regarded as the founder of Uzbek literature and the creator of the Uzbek literary language.

Kazakh literary classic Abai Kunanbaev, honored with a monument in one of the central squares of Tashkent, considered Alisher Navoi among his teachers, alongside other great Eastern poets.

The works of Navoi and Abai symbolize eternity, friendship, love, and fidelity, and their philosophical ideas are important elements in the spiritual development of the nation.

In 2020, Kazakh poet Nesipbek Aituly translated and published Navoi’s main work, "Khamsa" ("The Quintet"), in Kazakh. The foreword to this edition was written by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

"I am confident that the monument to Alisher Navoi will become a vivid symbol of the strengthening friendship and brotherhood between our nations, and his legacy will inspire many generations to achieve great things," concluded the President of Uzbekistan.