Uzbekistan, Belarus step up cultural and humanitarian cooperation

Bilateral dialogue between Uzbekistan and Belarus in the field of cultural and humanitarian cooperation has intensified, adviser to the Culture and Tourism Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkatjon Ortikov said before a gala concert in the Belarusian State Philharmonic to open the Days of Culture of Uzbekistan in Belarus, BelTA has learned.

"January of this year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our states. Speaking about this anniversary date, it is worth noting that relations between Uzbekistan and Belarus have been successfully developing in recent years, in the spirit of friendship and partnership," Shavkatjon Ortikov said.

He took note of the good, friendly relations between the heads of state, their regular meetings and communication. In September 2018, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko paid an official visit to Uzbekistan. In 2019, the leader of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a return official visit to Belarus. Contacts at the highest level opened a new page in cooperation between the countries.

The bilateral dialogue in cultural and humanitarian cooperation has also intensified, Shavkatjon Ortikov noted. In recent years, artistic teams from Belarus have been regular participants in the music festival "Sharq Taronalari" ("Melodies of the East"), and representatives of Uzbekistan - in the international festivals Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk and Zolotaya Pchelka [Golden Bee], as well as in the Minsk International Christmas Vocal Competition.

Tashkent hosted the Days of Belarusian Culture and Cinema in April 2018. Belarus hosted the Days of Uzbekistan Culture and Arts in July 2019.

The Days of Uzbekistan Cinema took place in Minsk in September 2021 with the screening of a number of new films by Uzbek filmmakers. Filmmakers from both countries take an active park in the international film festivals in Tashkent and Minsk.

Both countries have unique opportunities and potential in the tourism sector, Shavkatjon Ortikov said. In his words, Uzbekistan pays a lot of attention to the rapid development of tourism sector, creation of amenities for foreign visitors. This year Uzbekistan will host the next session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization. The country plans to attract seven million foreign tourists in 2023. Belarusians are also invited to visit Uzbekistan to see such historical cities as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, unique architectural monuments, get familiar with rich culture and national values of the people, feel the Eastern hospitality.

The concert program marking the official opening of the Days of Uzbekistan Culture features outstanding performers of Uzbekistan. These are honored people's artists of Uzbekistan and other figures of art decorated with state awards.

Some of the events of the Days of Uzbekistan Culture will be held in Slutsk, Belarusian Capital of Culture 2023, on 14 April.