On 3 June 2025, the ceremonial opening of the CIS Cultural Capital — “LAÇIN — 2025” — took place in the city of Lachin (Azerbaijan). As part of the event, a large-scale international forum was held with the participation of high-ranking guests, cultural figures, diplomats, and representatives of creative unions from the CIS member states.

The event, organized in connection with Lachin’s status as the CIS Cultural Capital, served as an important platform for strengthening humanitarian cooperation, preserving intangible cultural heritage, and promoting intercultural dialogue. The forum featured national stands of CIS countries, cultural performances, as well as craft and gastronomic exhibitions.

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The Uzbekistan Chefs Association proudly presented a national gastronomic stand dedicated to the richness and diversity of Uzbek confectionery traditions. Visitors were offered a wide range of traditional delicacies — from parvarda and nay-kand to dried fruits, halva, chak-chak, and other exquisite Eastern sweets.

Uzbekistan was represented by Firdaus Fatkhullaev, a member of the Uzbekistan Chefs Association.

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The forum also included speeches by representatives of CIS cultural institutions, including:
• the Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States,
• representatives of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan,
• international partners and cultural figures.

The main goal of the event was to demonstrate the cultural richness of CIS countries, strengthen humanitarian ties, and present Lachin as a center of cultural integration.