On December 26th, Luo Shugang, Chinese minister of Culture and Tourism, met with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture Bakhtiyor Saifullayev in Beijing. Both sides had extensive exchanges on further enhancing cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Uzbekistan.
Luo Shugang welcomed Saifullayev’s visit to China. He noted that China and Uzbekistan are good neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. The ministries of two sides will proactively implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on developing cultural cooperation so as to make new progress in promoting the development of China-Uzbekistan ties. So far, the two sides have done such a great deal of fruitful work, including jointly holding cultural events, promoting mutual visits of art groups, conducting archaeological research and protecting cultural heritage, that enhances mutual understanding and friendship between two peoples. Luo Shugang spoke positively of the policy of visa facilitation rolled out by Uzbekistan’s government for Chinese civilians, suggesting that both sides should further strengthen coordination, unleash the potential of cooperation and expand cooperative fields so as to inject more impetus to the long-term development of cultural relations.
Saifullayev said that the Uzbekistan government has made great efforts to develop the course of cultural and art, and positively expand foreign cultural exchanges and cooperation with favorable results. Both sides have a long history of friendly exchange as the cultural heritages along with the silk road is powerful evidence for it. The Uzbekistan side takes China as an important strategic partners and is willing to deepen cultural cooperation of two sides and promote exchanges. He appreciated the strong support of the Chinese side who have sent delegations to attend Uzbekistan’s international cultural events and assisted in the restoration of historical relics. He also invited Minister Luo Shugang to visit Uzbekistan if possible.
Besides, both sides exchanged views on such issues as negotiating and signing the annual plan for cooperation between two cultural ministries, further enhancing cooperation between cultural institutions including theaters and museums. They also exchanged on jointly fostering talents in cultural relic protection and restoration, and advancing bilateral and multilateral cultural cooperation within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).