Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong toured religious and historical sites in Samarkand and held talks with the regional governor throughout a two-day trip to the ancient Silk Road municipality. The visit formed part of an eight-day official trip to Central Asia that began on Aug 27, following a three-day stop in Kazakhstan.
Meeting With Samarkand Region Governor Adiz Boboev
Senior Minister Lee arrived in Samarkand from the Uzbek capital Tashkent by train on Aug 29. According to official accounts, he was received at the station by Samarkand Region Governor Adiz Boboev and Deputy Governor Rustam Kobilov. Governor Adiz Muzafarovich Boboev briefed Lee on Samarkand’s upcoming development strategies during their discussion, pointing out specific sectors where Singaporean enterprises could collaborate and engage with Uzbek counterparts. In a Facebook post on Aug 30, Lee stated that he and Boboev discussed the economic and investment potential of their regions. Noting that Samarkand was an ancient city with rich cultural, religious and historical roots, Lee highlighted its potential to grow its tourism industry. “There is much our cities can learn from each other. We hope to explore new markets, expand business opportunities and strengthen people-to-people ties,” Lee said.
Did You Know? Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s oldest cities, located in the Zarafshan River valley in present-day Uzbekistan. Historically serving as a vital nexus along the Silk Road—the vast trading network connecting China and Central Asia to Persia and the Mediterranean—it brought together merchants, voyagers, and intellectuals hailing from across Asia and beyond.
Tours of Historic and Religious Landmarks
Upon arriving on Aug 29, Lee toured the Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, a prominent shrine and pilgrimage destination centered around the final resting place of the celebrated 9th-century Islamic scholar. Sahih al-Bukhari, compiled by Imam Al-Bukhari, is recognized globally as one of the most authoritative compilations of hadith, documenting the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. During the tour, Lee was briefed on the scholar’s life and the history of the complex, and he joined a prayer led by local religious officials at Imam Al-Bukhari’s tomb. Later that evening, Lee watched a light show at Registan Square, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks that served as a centre of commerce, learning and public life from the 14th century. On Aug 30, Lee made a return trip to the public square to tour the historic grounds and capture photographs.
Visits to Siyob Bazaar and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
During his time in the city, Lee also toured Siyob Bazaar, which is one of Samarkand’s best-known markets. He interacted with stallholders and visitors, pausing to take photographs with them on Aug 29. Furthermore, Lee toured the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, which serves as the tomb of the 14th-century conqueror Amir Timur—alternatively called Tamerlane—who established Samarkand as the center of his ruling dominion. Lee returned to Tashkent by train on Aug 30, as he continued his official visit to Uzbekistan. Prior to this leg of the Uzbekistan tour, Singapore and Uzbekistan initiated formal proceedings toward a free trade pact alongside the signing of three separate accords designed to bolster bilateral economic ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
[Question 1] When did Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visit Samarkand?
[Answer based strictly on the source] Senior Minister Lee visited Samarkand for two days, arriving by train from Tashkent on Aug 29 and returning to Tashkent on Aug 30.
[Question 2] Who did Lee meet with during his stop in Samarkand?
[Answer based strictly on the source] Lee was received by Samarkand Region Governor Adiz Boboev and Deputy Governor Rustam Kobilov, and held discussions with Governor Boboev regarding regional economic and investment potential.
[Question 3] What major agreements were reached earlier in the Uzbekistan visit?
[Answer based strictly on the source] Earlier during the trip, both nations formally commenced discussions regarding a free trade accord and executed a trio of pacts meant to strengthen financial collaboration.
How might these newly established trade negotiations and cultural exchanges shape future business partnerships between Singapore and Central Asian markets?
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