Delegations 

Over the course of our 50-year-plus existence, STSCA has hosted numerous delegations, both official and unofficial. We have hosted private citizens and government officials from Tashkent, as well as from other parts of Uzbekistan.

Every five years, STSCA organizes an official delegation to Tashkent. See the narrative below for a description, schedule, and photos of our most recent official delegation in 2023.

50th-Anniversary Delegation of the Seattle-Tashkent
Sister City Association (STSCA) to Tashkent

A delegation of 14 volunteers from Seattle conducted a successful visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between the two cities. The visit, organized by the Seattle-Tashkent Sister City Association, took place in August and September 2023.

During the visit, the Tashkent Mayor’s office demonstrated exceptional support and cooperation to the delegates. In addition, the Mayor’s office hosted a significant 50th-anniversary event at the Seattle Park, which was attended by the US Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mr. Jonathan Henick, the Deputy Mayor of Tashkent, and representatives of state and independent media. The celebration at the park, a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two cities, became a significant moment in the sister-city association’s history. The US Ambassador acknowledged the importance of the longstanding relationship between Seattle and Tashkent during his attendance at the celebration.

STSCA delegates with official representatives of the World Association of Belbogli Kurash’ (Uzbek belt wrestling) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding

Notably, several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed during the visit, fostering cooperation between Seattle and Tashkent entities sports, including in youth ice hockey and Belbogli Kurash’ (Belt Kurash’) wrestling.

 

The delegation expresses gratitude to the Government of Uzbekistan and the Tashkent Mayor’s office for the warm hospitality and meaningful exchanges during this historic visit, strengthening the bond between Seattle and Tashkent. We also thank many other friends and supporters of the sister-city association who made this visit unforgettable.

STSCA delegation at the entrance to Seattle Park in Tashkent

The Official Program included a diverse range of activities:

August 28: An exhibition of national clothing at Ankhor Park.
August 29: A visit to Tashkent Technopark and a celebration at Seattle Park attended by the US Ambassador, Tashkent Deputy Mayor for International Relations, and other dignitaries.
August 30: Meetings with the Committee on International Relations, a city tour, and a video presentation on Seattle-Tashkent.
August 31: Visits to the Center for Female Entrepreneurship and a city tour.
September 1: A day-long visit to the resort “Sherwood Forest” in Charvak north of Tashkent.
September 2: A reception at Human House hosted by STSCA with a Master Class in Uzbek dancing, live-streamed to Seattle.
September 3: A media event at Human House, live-streamed to Seattle.
September 4: A formal meeting at the Republican Center of Women and the Family, and a visit to the Uzbekistan Business and Industry Council.
September 5: Museum visits and an exchange of gifts with the acting Mayor’s representative.
September 6: Visits to prominent artists’ studios, a meeting at the US Embassy, and a final dinner.

STSCA delegates displaying our 50th-anniversary banner at the museum in Seattle Park

Delegation representatives at the International Ethno-Sport Festival in Khiva

Meeting at the Committee on International Relations and Friendship Connections. STSCA Co-President Shakhida Ismailova accepts a Medal of Friendship on behalf of the Board members still in Seattle.

Lunch at Sherwood Resort

STSCA delegates with a Youth Ice Hockey League representative following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding

Meeting at the Center for Female Entrepreneurship

Meeting at the Republican Center of Women and the Family

STSCA friends reception at Human House

Dinner following STSCA press conference at Human House

STSCA delegates at the Seattle Park celebration

STSCA press conference at Human House

STSCA Board member Timur Seyduzov won Bronze in Belbogli Kurash’ at the International Ethno-Sport Festival in Khiva!

Meeting at the Uzbekistan Business and Industry Council (UZBIC)

STSCA delegates with US Ambassador Jonathan Henick and Deputy Mayor of Tashkent for International Relations, Fakhriddin Davrukov, at the Seattle Park celebration

Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Uzbek University of Sport and Physical Culture