Uzbek delegation visits Arlington Heights

A delegation from the Uzbekistan government has been in the Chicago area this past week, including Arlington Heights, which is home to the Uzbek American Association of Chicago.

The group includes five press secretaries who are spokespersons for federal institutions in the former Soviet republic, including foreign affairs and human rights. They've been meeting public affairs officers in similar roles here as part of professional development training sessions.

"They get a variety of experiences meeting their counterparts and seeing how our approach is to informing the public," said George Palamattam, executive director of the Bensenville-based Council of International Programs Chicago, which is helping coordinate the group's visit.

The delegation arrived Friday, Dec. 7, when officials from the local Uzbek association hosted them for a welcome reception at the group's Arlington Heights office, 716 Algonquin Road. Mayor Tom Hayes and a representative of U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's office were in attendance.

Later in the week, stops included U.S. District Court, the Justice Department and FBI, American Civil Liberties Union and Heartland Alliance. The group is set to return home Saturday.