Presentation of the "Manifesto of Cyrus the Great" and the book "Ukrainians and Tajiks: Cultural Relations "

On May 15, 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Ukraine, together with the Gennady Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Agathangel Krymsky Ukrainian-Tajik Society, and the editorial board of the magazine "Ukrainian World," held a presentation ceremony in Kyiv for the "Manifesto of Cyrus the Great" and the book "Ukrainians and Tajiks: Cultural Relations" by Ukrainian orientalist and writer Oleksandr Shokalо.

Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors and diplomats of foreign countries, heads of international and regional organizations accredited in Kyiv, members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, rectors and professors of universities and other higher education institutions, scientists and cultural figures, entrepreneurs, and compatriots residing in Kyiv participated in this celebratory event dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Ukraine.

In his speech, Tajikistan's Ambassador to Ukraine Davlatali Nazrizoda, noted the significance of the Cyrus the Great Manifesto as the first declaration of human rights and called the presentation of the book "Ukrainians and Tajiks: Cultural Relations" by Ukrainian orientalist and writer Alexander Shokalo a joyful cultural event.

The ambassador noted that in Tajikistan, Cyrus the Great is considered a symbol of the ancient Aryan civilization, statehood, justice, and humanism. That is why the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Emomali Rahmon, has repeatedly mentioned him in his speeches, including his address to the country's parliament, as a great ancestor who laid the foundations of a just state.

The head of the diplomatic mission noted the enduring value of the historical figure of Cyrus the Great, who abolished slavery in ancient times, called people to peace and mutual respect, and ordered the restoration of cities devastated by war. These social values are essential to human society at all times.

The documentary film "Cyrus the Great’s Cylinder – A Very First Ancient Commandments of Human Rights" was shown on the big screen in Ukrainian and English.

Victor Mayko, Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for Central Asia and Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Kazakhstan, congratulated those present on the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Ukraine and stated that during today's event we will mark this important date by reflecting on issues of law, culture, and historical memory. The presentation of Cyrus the Great and the book "Ukrainians and Tajiks: Cultural Relations" emphasizes that our relations are based not only on intergovernmental dialogue but also on the shared interests of our peoples in each other's culture, history, and spiritual heritage.

Ihor Ostash, Director of the Hennadiy Udovenok Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted in his congratulatory speech that this meeting is of great significance, extending far beyond the presentation of a book or any other cultural event on the diplomatic calendar. Essentially, at this forum, we express our views on the memory of civilizations, the continuity of culture, and the spiritual ties that transcend political borders.

Professor Yuriy Voloshin, Head of the Delegation of the European Public Law Organization to Ukraine, delivered a paper on "The Manifesto of Cyrus the Great on Human Rights."

Oleksandr Shokalo, author of "Ukrainians and Tajiks: Cultural Relations" noted the long-standing kinship of our peoples' cultural traditions. Ukrainian orientalists, art historians, and literary scholars, in their speeches, penetratingly described the important scientific and historical significance of this book.

All participants of the gala event were presented with the book "Ukrainians and Tajiks: Cultural Relations" and the brochure "The Manifesto of Cyrus the Great – the First Ancient Declaration of Human Rights," prepared and published by the Embassy in Ukrainian, Tajik, and English. This is the first edition of the Manifesto of Cyrus the Great in Ukraine.

Symbolically, this event is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan and Ukraine, as well as the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.