Guided by this vision, the Uzbekistan–Finland Friendship Society has officially commenced its activities.
The establishment of the Society represents a natural continuation of more than three decades of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Finland, while marking a new stage in the development of public diplomacy between the two countries.
The Society aims to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Finland by expanding cooperation in education, research, innovation, culture, and public diplomacy. It also seeks to foster stronger connections among young people, scholars, researchers, and creative professionals through joint projects, academic conferences, exhibitions, cultural initiatives, and other collaborative programmes that create new opportunities for bilateral engagement.
The inaugural meeting of the Society was held at Nordic International University.
Addressing the participants, Professor Sherzod Mustafakulov, Rector of the University and a member of the Supervisory and Audit Commission of the Uzbekistan–Finland Friendship Society, highlighted the current achievements and future prospects of bilateral cooperation, particularly in higher education and scientific research. He underscored that public diplomacy serves as a vital instrument for strengthening trust between nations and opening new avenues for sustainable cooperation.
G‘anisher Irmatov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Compatriots Abroad under the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted that the Republic of Finland officially recognised Uzbekistan's independence on 30 December 1991, while diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.
He further emphasised that bilateral cooperation has continued to expand steadily across education, the economy, culture, and numerous other sectors. He also referred to the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF–21, dated 16 February 2026, which sets the strategic objective of increasing the number of Uzbek language centres for the children of compatriots living abroad to 62, as well as expanding the network of friendship societies with foreign countries to 80. The Uzbekistan–Finland Friendship Society is expected to play a significant role in achieving these national objectives.
During the meeting, Alisher Rahmatullayevich Jo‘rayev, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Nordic International University and Honorary Consul of Finland in Uzbekistan, was elected Chairman of the Board of the Uzbekistan–Finland Friendship Society. Odil Qo‘ysinov, Vice-Rector of the University, was appointed Deputy Chairman.
The members of the Society's Board and Supervisory and Audit Commission were also formally introduced.
Concluding the meeting, participants exchanged views on the Society's future priorities and expressed confidence that it would become an effective platform for advancing economic, academic, educational, and cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Finland. They noted that the Society would further strengthen mutual trust while facilitating the implementation of promising joint initiatives.
The Uzbekistan–Finland Friendship Society represents more than a new institutional framework—it is a dynamic platform that brings the two nations closer through knowledge, innovation, culture, shared values, and meaningful people-to-people dialogue.
