Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- For the past eight years, the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in the American capital has been the venue for the Winternational cultural and tourist festival. It is annually attended by foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Washington, Dunyo reported.

The opening ceremony of the current festival was attended by ITC President Ronald Reagan John Drew, Assistant Secretary of State for Education and Culture Mary Royce, Secretary of State for the District of Columbia Kimberly Bassett, and heads of diplomatic missions of foreign countries.

Opening the exhibition, John Drew emphasized that this festival becomes a more colorful, varied and expected holiday every year, which is associated with harmony around the world. More than 4 thousand people attended the event, dedicated to the promotion of culture, traditions and tourism potential of various countries, including representatives of cultural humanitarian, educational, socio-political ideological circles of the United States.

Over 60 diplomatic missions accredited in Washington presented their exhibitions. The Embassy of Uzbekistan has been participating in the festival since 2015. This year, it presented at the festival samples of folk art, painting and national cuisine.

The Uzbek stand was very popular among visitors who were interested in the historical cities and cultural heritage of our country.

According to Jean Duplen, head of the DuPlainEnterprises PR company, presentations, briefings and expositions about our country are becoming an integral part of the cultural life of the American capital.

“Today’s event is a major Washington exhibition, with more than 60 diplomatic missions participating,” she said. - Of course, without Uzbekistan, this festival could not have such popularity as it is now. I visited the Embassy of your country many times, I am familiar with your rich culture, ancient history and fine cuisine. I love Uzbekistan and urge everyone to visit this pearl of Asia.

Jennifer Chan, a participant in the festival, also shared that she had heard a lot about our country.

- I was greatly impressed by the samples of Uzbek folk art presented here. And the taste of national dishes of Uzbek cuisine is one of the most attractive at this festival. It will not be a mistake to say that the Uzbek stand has become the brightest and best in this pavilion. In the future, I plan to visit your beautiful country, she said.

Uzbekistan’s participation in such exhibitions makes it possible to reach ordinary Americans who love to travel. Our culture, historical sights along with objects of folk art attract an increasing number of potential tourists.

As one of the participants, Helen Clark, who has never been to Uzbekistan, noted, from what she saw she had a desire to come to our country this fall, to see with her own eyes all the beauty, a part of which was presented at the festival.

“I was impressed by the amazing architecture, and I also heard about a delicious pilaf, which I will definitely try today,” she shared.