Central Asian presidents receive Russia’s Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) – The presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were awarded the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize on Sunday in Russia’s St. Petersburg during an informal summit of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, according to a Kremlin statement.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the award for their “significant personal contributions” to strengthening peace and security in Central Asia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the award ceremony, praised the agreements reached among the three countries on the settlement of longstanding border issues.

Established in Russia in 2022, the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize is awarded to individuals and organizations that have made notable contributions to promoting peace and friendship among peoples.