Amidst the backdrop of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2023, a high-profile Chinese delegation, spearheaded by Hu Heping, China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, made a significant visit to Uzbekistan. This journey, aimed at solidifying the cultural connections between the two nations, saw the Chinese delegates warmly received by prominent Uzbek officials, including Tanzila Norbaeva, the chairperson of the Senate; Ozodbek Nazarbekov, the Culture and Tourism Minister; and Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.
During the discussions, Norbaeva underscored the vitality of mutual cooperation in archaeology and the restoration of cultural relics. Drawing attention to the necessity of nurturing cross-cultural expertise in these realms, she underscored the potential avenues that awaited exploration.
Historians have long highlighted the central role archaeology has played in fostering mutual appreciation and knowledge sharing between the two nations. A particular point of interest is their combined legacy along the ancient Silk Road, which seamlessly marries historical significance with the contemporary objectives of the BRI.
This joint venture into the mysteries of the Silk Road is not a recent phenomenon. A decade ago, Wang Jianxin, a pioneer as the first Chinese archaeologist to venture into Central Asia, collaborated with the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Archaeology. Together, they embarked on a quest to not only augment his research on Yuezhi Culture but to also reframe global perceptions of the Silk Road. By merging the insights of Chinese and Uzbek scholars, Wang’s initiatives successfully questioned Western-centric views of the Silk Road, asserting a renewed understanding of its history and enhancing China’s cultural narrative globally.
A significant focus during the delegation’s visit was the rich tapestry of artistic exchanges between China and Uzbekistan. Discussions spanned various initiatives, from China’s aid in crafting Uzbekistan’s cultural and artistic policies to the establishment of arts centers and the facilitation of international art performances.
Highlighting the cultural synergy, a grand cultural gala was inaugurated in Xi’an, the capital city of China’s Shaanxi Province. Envisioned by Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, this event celebrated the vibrant interchange of culture and art among the peoples of China and Central Asia.
With the goal of amplifying the “comprehensive strategic partnership” between China and Uzbekistan, Minister Hu also deliberated on the tourism sector’s potential with Abdukhakimov and Zurab Pololikashvili, the chief of the World Tourism Organization. Supported by the BRI, they envisioned crafting innovative tourism packages and routes to catalyze the industry’s growth in both nations.
Uzbekistan’s gesture of introducing a visa-free short-term travel scheme for Chinese tourists in 2020 has paid dividends. Tashkent, the nation’s capital, has emerged as a favored destination for Chinese tourists. This trend is palpably evident on Chinese social platforms, where “Tashkent City Walk” is a trending discussion.
People-to-people exchanges, as highlighted by experts, often serve as the bedrock of international relations, knitting countries closer in mutual understanding and appreciation.
Further accentuating the robust bond in 2023, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping during the China-Central Asia Summit. Xi accentuated the need to diversify collaboration avenues, encompassing areas like economy, trade, health, and more. This sentiment was cemented through a Joint Statement that delineated a visionary roadmap for a renewed strategic partnership between China and Uzbekistan in this evolving era.
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