On December 25, 2017, a meeting devoted to current issues of the sphere of culture and art was held under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
At present, particular attention is paid and large-scale activities are being held in the sphere of culture and art along with all spheres in our country.
The meeting of the President of our country Shavkat Mirziyoyev with representatives of the creative intelligentsia, held on August 3 of this year, opened a new stage in development of the sphere. Relevant issues related to the development of national culture, literature and art, ways of solving problems, important tasks facing creative unions and state organizations were critically analyzed.
In the Address to the Oliy Majlis, presented by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on December 22, attention was also paid to the development of this sphere, the tasks facing the cultural and art figures on the spiritual development of our people and society were specifically stated.
At the meeting, reports of the heads of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Academy of Arts and creative organizations on the execution of previously defined tasks, were heard. Their activities were critically evaluated, specific instructions were given on revitalizing and raising the level of activities carried out in the sphere.
Culture and art are a source of pride for every nation. All efforts on development of our culture and art are aimed at strengthening the sense of pride of our people, said the President of our country. Thinking about the future of people of Uzbekistan, first of all we must establish strong cultural and spiritual foundations.
Over the past year, consistent work has been carried out on development of the sphere. 8 decrees and resolutions on improving activities of the Ministry of Culture and institutions of its system were adopted.
3 million 133 thousand spectators watched the performances staged in 37 theaters operating in our country, in 2017. During the year, the population was provided services related to the sphere of culture for 6 billion 72 million sums.
Days of Culture of Uzbekistan and various art exhibitions were held in China, Russia, Germany, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and other countries.
The analysis shows that, despite the implemented activities, there are many things to be done in the sphere, and tasks waiting for implementation, said the Head of our state.
At the meeting it was emphasized that the level of services in the sphere of culture rendered to people, including residents of remote areas, makhallas and villages, does not meet the present requirements. Specific instructions were given on strengthening their material and technical base for expanding opportunities of theaters.
The need to develop a program on development of activities of theaters for 2018-2022, accelerating the adoption of relevant resolutions on development of circus and national dance art in the country was noted.
225 recreation parks should have been built and reconstructed in our country in accordance with modern requirements in order to organize meaningful leisure activities, to ensure cultural rest of the population in 2011-2015. However, to date, repairing and equipping activities have been completed only in 140 parks, the planned works on 90 parks have not been provided due to a lack of funds that should have been allocated by sponsors and entrepreneurs.
At the meeting, a number of important tasks of the Ministry of Culture for the next year were revised and specified, specific deadlines for their implementation were determined. In particular, it was entrusted to critically examine the state of retraining and advanced training of workers in the sphere of culture and art, the activities of pop, dance and orchestral groups, to resolve current issues related to strengthening their material and technical base, organization of training of modern specialists for the sphere.
Intensive activity is being carried out on the execution of the resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On additional measures of developing and further improving activities of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan”. At the meeting, the existence of a number of shortcomings and problems in the activities of the Academy of Arts, subject to immediate elimination, were noted. Thus, reconstruction and repair of specialized boarding schools in Nukus, Bukhara and Shakhrisabz were not carried out in a timely manner. Activity on reconstruction of the Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts at the modern level is delayed, which limits the possibility of holding prestigious international exhibitions in our country.
At the meeting, the activity planned for 2018 on further improving activities of the Academy of Arts was thoroughly considered. In particular, the need was noted on establishment of an exchange of experience with the leading foreign centers of fine and applied art, special attention to the organization of exhibitions of our famous artists abroad.
The relevant leaders were given instructions on preparing a draft resolution on construction of student houses with 400 seats for the Republican Art College named after P.Benkov and 200 seats for the Republican College of Design.
The need for paying special attention to training qualified personnel for the sphere, creation of a new generation of textbooks and their wide introduction into the educational process, provision of educational institutions with modern pedagogical, information and communication tools, improving quality of education was also noted.
At the meeting it was emphasized that consistent continuation of activities on the material and moral support of creative and technical workers who work hard in the sphere of culture and art, including improvement of their housing conditions, social and medical provision, increasing their fees, realizing the potential of young talents are among the extremely important tasks.
We should never forget one thing: society will not progress without development of culture and art in our country, emphasized the Head of our state. The level of development of our people will be assessed, first of all, on the basis of the national culture. Therefore, culture is the image of our people, society. Since we started creating a new image of Uzbekistan, we must begin this activity with the development of the national culture.
The summit, chaired by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, was attended by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, and CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev.

The agenda focused on pressing issues related to strengthening and expanding practical cooperation within the Commonwealth.
At the beginning of his address, the President of Uzbekistan noted that despite the unpredictable developments in global politics and the economy, as well as the declining role of international institutions, the CIS continues to demonstrate resilience, efficiency, and relevance.
Thanks to mechanisms and partnerships established over decades, the Commonwealth maintains close cooperation across a wide range of economic, social, and humanitarian areas.

“We are interested in further strengthening cooperation within the CIS and enhancing the effectiveness of practical interaction with countries that are our natural partners”, the President of Uzbekistan said.
The Head of State then put forward several proposals and initiatives aimed at expanding practical cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The unconditional priority of the Organization was defined as the expansion of economic partnership, given the deteriorating situation in the global economy, the rise of protectionism, and emerging challenges to sustainable development.

It was noted with satisfaction that Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with CIS partners increased by 11 percent last year and continues to grow this year. Such results are attributed to the deepening of intersectoral cooperation and the growth of mutual investment flows.
To make fuller use of existing resources and maintain the achieved pace and dynamics of cooperation, the President of Uzbekistan proposed focusing joint efforts on the following priority areas.
First, the further creation of favorable conditions for expanding trade turnover.

The need to simplify procedures and requirements for the supply of certain goods, particularly agricultural products, and for access to national markets, including public procurement, was emphasized.
Attention was also drawn to the importance of launching rapid-response mechanisms within the CIS Economic Council to adapt to changes in external market conditions and redirect trade flows. The President underscored the need to accelerate the coordination of draft agreements on technical barriers to trade and mutual recognition of conformity assessment documents.
Second, the deepening of cooperation in the field of transport was identified as a key priority.

It was noted that bottlenecks persist in the CIS transport network, reducing the efficiency of existing corridors. In this regard, the establishment of information and logistics centers integrated across all modes of transport was deemed essential.
Considering the importance of attracting private investment for the modernization of freight transport infrastructure, the President proposed to hold a conference in Uzbekistan on expanding public–private partnership in the transport sector.
Third, stimulating mutual investment growth and supporting cooperation projects.

In this regard, it was proposed to develop a roadmap for supporting the development of special economic and industrial zones, as well as establishing a CIS Venture Platform to deepen cooperation and promote innovative startups with private sector participation. It was also suggested to hold an Innovation Industry Forum in Tashkent next year as part of the INNOPROM exhibition.
Fourth, enhancing energy cooperation.
The President of Uzbekistan noted that several major strategic projects are currently being implemented jointly with CIS partners in the field of traditional and alternative energy, including the construction of a nuclear power plant.
He called for the development and implementation of a long-term Program for the Innovative Development of the Energy Sector across CIS countries.
Fifth, cooperation in the field of digitalization.
The President of Uzbekistan noted that the International Forum “Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the CIS”, held in Samarkand this August, demonstrated the growing mutual interest and potential for cooperation among member states. In this regard, he proposed developing a multilateral Action Plan to deepen practical cooperation in this field.
The Head of State also emphasized the importance of expanding joint projects and programs in the fields of science, education, culture, and the arts.
“Considering the dynamic development of the education sector and labor markets in our countries, we propose drafting a new Interstate Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Diplomas, Qualifications, and Academic Programs, as well as introducing a Mechanism for the Harmonization of Professional Standards and Qualification Requirements”, the President said.
Uzbekistan also expressed its readiness to host the CIS Youth Forum in Khiva next year, with the agenda to include the establishment of a Youth Innovation Lab aimed at fostering an innovative ecosystem and supporting the creative and intellectual potential of the younger generation.
Addressing issues of regional security, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of maintaining systematic and close contacts between the foreign ministries and special services. The situation in Afghanistan requires particular attention.
“Uzbekistan remains firmly committed to ensuring long-term peace, stability, and sustainable development in Afghanistan. In this regard, we propose exploring opportunities for joint participation in major investment and infrastructure projects in this country”, the President stated.
In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his support for the reappointment of Sergey Lebedev as Secretary-General of the CIS and extended best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on assuming the chairmanship of the Organization.
During the meeting, heads of delegations from other CIS member states also delivered their remarks.
The summit concluded with the signing of a package of agreements and decisions aimed at strengthening cooperation across the priority areas within the Commonwealth of Independent States.
UzA