Leaders of Uzbekistan and Türkiye Participate in Launch Ceremony of Humanitarian Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the official visit to Ankara, Presidents of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the opening ceremony of the “Uzbekistan” residential complex, constructed by the Uzbek side in Hatay Province.

President Mirziyoyev recalled that the devastating earthquake three years ago was a severe trial for the fraternal Turkish people. From the very first days of the tragedy, Uzbekistan provided comprehensive support: 100 rescuers and 70 medical workers were deployed to the disaster zone, search operations were conducted, 18 people were rescued, about 200 injured were pulled from the rubble, and 4,000 patients received medical care at the field hospital.

On the initiative of President Erdoğan, Türkiye implemented large-scale programs to address the aftermath of the earthquake — over 455,000 housing units have been built to date. In turn, Uzbekistan constructed a modern residential complex in the Arsu district of Hatay Province, consisting of 24 apartment buildings with more than 300 fully equipped flats and complete infrastructure.

President Erdoğan emphasized that the complex has become not only a new home for affected families but also a symbol of the enduring friendship between the Uzbek and Turkish peoples. The leaders expressed their gratitude to the builders, engineers, and all project partners and ceremoniously handed over the apartment keys to their new owners.

Additionally, the presidents inaugurated the construction of an Uzbek school in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul — the first educational institution of Uzbekistan abroad. The school will allow children from Uzbek families in Türkiye to receive education in their native language, preserving national values, culture, and traditions.

Both sides expressed confidence that the school will become an important center for education, fostering the younger generation, and further strengthening the bonds between the two fraternal nations.