Putin tries samosa, Lukashenko wears Uzbek national headwear: Informal reception held for SCO guests in Samarkand

On September 15, all invited guests arrived in Samarkand and the meetings began. At the end of the busy day, an informal reception was organized for the guests. Shavkat Mirziyoyev introduced the guests to the "Eternal City" complex in the tourist center of Samarkand.

During the trip organized on the basis of Uzbek national traditions, the guests had time to enjoy national products. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko were presented with Surkhan national headwear. 

Along the way, hot samosa, prepared in a special kitchen in the complex, was offered to the guests. Russian President Vladimir Putin tasted Samarkand samosa. Reportedly, Uzbek pilaf was also served for dinner. Guests enjoyed local fruits piled on the sidewalks.

At the end of the informal reception, fireworks were organized in honor of the guests. Heads of state posed for a group photo against the background of the "Eternal City". However, leaders of China, Iran and India were not seen in the photo. Xi Jinping apparently did not attend the night reception due to the strict quarantine requirements in place in China, as well as fatigue.

Indian leader Narendra Modi arrived in Samarkand at night. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took advantage of his arrival in Samarkand to visit the Punjab Shia Mosque in Samarkand and gave a speech.

The main events of the SCO Samarkand Summit will be held today, September 16, and the Samarkand Declaration will be signed.