Pakistan Uzbekistan Cultural Cooperation Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to enhance cultural cooperation, underscoring efforts to strengthen bilateral ties through joint cultural exchanges, exhibitions, academic activities, and youth engagement programs.

Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi held a productive meeting with Uzbekistan’s Ambassador, Aybek Arif Usmanov, during which both sides reiterated their commitment to expanding cultural relations. The minister appreciated Uzbekistan’s warm hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation during recent events held in Samarkand.

Both countries reached a significant agreement in which Pakistani museums will participate in Uzbekistan’s upcoming Islamic civilization exhibition scheduled to take place in August. Recognizing the valuable heritage contributions from Pakistan, Uzbekistan has offered generously to cover all transportation and insurance expenses for the Pakistani artifacts to be exhibited.

To foster further collaboration, Pakistan and Uzbekistan expressed their support for signing a new cultural cooperation framework agreement. In addition, proposals were discussed to organize joint conferences focusing on the scholarly and historical heritage dating back to the Baburi era, as well as the celebration of anniversaries of notable historical personalities common to both nations.

The Uzbek ambassador expressed deep admiration for Pakistani arts, music, and cultural diversity, particularly commending the traditional spicy delicacies showcased during Pakistan’s annual Lok Mela festival. He further highlighted the ease in visa processing between the two countries, noting that simplified procedures are encouraging greater numbers of citizens to visit each other’s nations.

Both countries strongly backed the proposal for jointly observing cultural days to further enrich cross-cultural understanding. Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi affirmed full support for such initiatives, highlighting their role in deepening people-to-people relations. The establishment of direct flights between Islamabad and Tashkent was noted as a major milestone, significantly enhancing connectivity and further advancing mutual cultural exchange.

The officials additionally held fruitful discussions on joint cooperation in the restoration and digitalization of cultural heritage. Proposals were also floated regarding collaborative translation and publication ventures surrounding the literary masterpieces of Allama Iqbal and the renowned Uzbek poet Ali-Shir Nava’i.

In conclusion, both sides agreed to initiate exchange programs between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in the fields of music, art, literature, and youth development, establishing concrete measures to further deepen cultural ties and mutual understanding.