Recently, the song “Tashkent - Hanoi, Hanoi – Tashkent” won the third prize at the 9th National Award for Foreign Information. On this occasion, the VietnamTimes conducted an interview with Aliser Rustamovich Mukhamedov, President of the Uzbekistan - Vietnam Friendship Association, composer of the song.

Mr. Aliser Rustamovich Mukhamedov.

What was your inspiration when composing the song “Taskent - Hanoi, Hanoi - Tashkent”?

Uzbekistan and Vietnam's friendship has a long history. It is a very sincere affection built on the basis of mutual understanding and support, which helps both sides always stay close and move forward. Vietnam has sent many students to Uzbekistan to study. For more than half a century, alumni like us have kept in touch and regularly visit each other.

That sentiment became my inspiration when composing the song “Tashkent - Hanoi, Hanoi - Tashkent”, which includes the capitals of both countries in the name. The making process is actually very easy because it all stems from my emotions and experiences. That is the affection rekindled by the stories my father told about the country and people of Vietnam. That initial affection was reinforced by the sincere feelings of my Vietnamese friends for me.

I was very honored and touched when the work was highly appreciated by Vietnamese friends and won the third prize at the 9th National Award for Foreign Information. I hope the message of friendship in the music will contribute to connecting Uzbekistan - Vietnam.

What about Vietnam impresses you the most?

I am impressed with Vietnamese cuisine. Your country has a rich cuisine, diverse in form and flavor. Every time I return to Uzbekistan, I miss Vietnamese pho, fried spring rolls, or waffles. I enjoy sitting on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, watching the lake and people passing by and maybe having a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

I am also impressed with the scenic spots in Vietnam. Ha Long Bay is very beautiful and still retains its natural wildness. That is a valuable heritage that Vietnam is lucky to have.

Besides the natural beauty, what makes me love traveling in Vietnam is the people. To me, Uzbekistan and Vietnamese people share many similarities; they are united, gentle, and hospitable.

Aliser Rustamovich Mukhamedov received the third prize of the 9th National External Information Service Awards.

What are your plans in Vietnam in the near future and if possible, how will you contribute to the friendship between the two countries?

I love Vietnam and I have many close friends here. They are very enthusiastic about introducing me to unforgettable experiences in Vietnam. I will return to Vietnam as soon as possible to enjoy new dishes and explore many other places across the country.

I also want to invite my Vietnamese friends to visit Uzbekistan. We hope that we will be the links connecting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries so that Vietnam - Uzbekistan relations will become more and more connected even though they are geographically far apart.

Thank you for the interview.

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