A farewell ceremony for Uzbekistan’s late President Islam Karimov has started in the presidential residence in Samarkand, the commission arranging the funeral told local media.

Government and parliament officials, representatives of public, foreign delegations have gathered in the hall hosting the ceremony.

Delegations from more than 20 countries as well as a number of international organizations have arrived in Samarkand for the Uzbek president’s funeral.

The ceremony was opened by head of the state commission arranging the funeral, Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov passed away Sept. 2 after suffering a stroke.