A solemn reception dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan was held in the capital of the State of Qatar, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.
The event was attended by representatives of Qatari government institutions, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Doha, officials from international organizations, members of the public and business community, as well as representatives of the Uzbek diaspora residing in Qatar.
Among the distinguished guests were Abdullah Al-Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the State of Qatar, Hamad Al-Kawari, Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library, Ahmed Al-Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the reception, a video presentation was screened highlighting the dynamic development of friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar, as well as the expanding areas of bilateral strategic partnership. Attendees were also briefed on the history of Uzbek-Qatari relations, ongoing investment projects, trade and economic cooperation, and efforts to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties.
Following the official proceedings, a concert program was held featuring performances of traditional Uzbek maqom music.
Uzbek entrepreneurs operating in Qatar also showcased traditional Uzbek national costumes during the event.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Sulaiti, Director of the "Katara" Cultural Village Foundation:
– It is a great honor for us to participate in this highly organized reception. The economic opportunities, investment projects, and rich cultural program showcased during the event vividly demonstrated the modern image and potential of Uzbekistan. Qatar is committed to further developing its political, economic, and cultural relations with Uzbekistan.
Muhammad Ali, Representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Qatar:
– I once again experienced the genuine warmth and hospitality inherent to the Uzbek people through their national music, traditional cuisine, and various cultural events. Such occasions serve to further strengthen the mutual respect and friendship between our peoples.
Source
Egyptian publication “Al-Ahram Weekly” has published an article titled “Uzbekistan’s cultural renaissance: How the Silk Road Civilization is reclaiming its voice on the global stage”, highlights the country's cultural revival, the development of the creative economy and the expansion of international cultural cooperation, reports Dunyo IA.
Publication notes that for centuries, Uzbekistan sat at the very heart of the Great Silk Road, connecting the civilizations, religions and cultures of Asia, the Middle East and Europe and today, it is once again capturing the attention of the global community.
According to Gayane Umerova, Head of the Department of Creative Economy and Tourism of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, culture, tourism and the creative economy are envisioned as fundamental pillars of the nation’s future, alongside infrastructure and industry. This approach, as noted, defines the state mandate to open Uzbekistan to the world and to welcome the world back to Uzbekistan.
Publication highlights that the nation's strategy extends beyond restoring historical sites to establishing new cultural platforms, including the Bukhara Biennial, the Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent, the future Jadid Heritage Museum and international exhibition participation. This approach signifies a multifaceted cultural development policy.
Publication separately underscores the development of the creative economy and its nexus with cultural diplomacy and the nation’s investment attractiveness. It notes that every major cultural initiative in Uzbekistan is originally designed with a strategic focus on tourism development and investment attraction, including the “Samarkand Express” project, implemented in partnership with the Italian company “Arsenale Group”.
Publication also highlights the international acclaim received by Uzbekistan’s cultural projects, including the nation’s “Garden of Knowledge” pavilion at “Expo 2025 Osaka”, which was honored with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award.
Particular emphasis is placed on the preservation of Uzbekistan’s Islamic heritage, the advancement of museum infrastructure and the implementation of projects aimed at integrating historical legacy into the contemporary cultural context, including the Bukhara master development plan designed by the “Wilmotte & Associés” architectural bureau.
A dedicated section of the article focuses on Uzbekistan’s cultural cooperation with Egypt and the Arab world. It notes that the sides are discussing prospects for interaction in the fields of museum management, tourism, and cultural heritage preservation, alongside the development of institutional partnerships.
According to the publication, a highly symbolic milestone was the election of Professor Khaled El-Anany as Director-General of UNESCO during the 43rd session of the organization’s General Conference, which took place in Samarkand.
In conclusion, it underscores that Uzbekistan is envisioned as a nation that remains profoundly loyal to its traditions while simultaneously advancing modern cultural and creative industries, thereby strengthening international cultural cooperation.