Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Amanbay Orinbaev, Chairman of the Jäkeñge Kenges of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, met with Sabina Mahl, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the Chairman first highlighted that in recent years, significant construction projects have been implemented in the region based on decisions and directives that reflect the special attention given by the esteemed President to Karakalpakstan.

The discussion also covered joint projects with the United Nations, cooperation in the tourism sector, and increasing focus on the preservation of cultural heritage sites. They emphasized the importance of protecting historical monuments that are testimonies to the past, safeguarding the centuries-old culture and national heritage, and including them in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Additionally, they discussed expanding cooperation in science and culture.

The meeting also highlighted the development of performing arts, such as bakhshi, zhirovchelik, kyssakhonlik, and opera. Special attention has been given in recent years to preserving the musical heritage, including the kobyz and zhirovchelik, as well as further developing the art of zhirovchelik.

It is worth noting that, following the special instruction of the esteemed President, efforts are underway to include the Karauy (Karakalpak yurta) in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and to protect the kobyz musical instrument as a UNESCO heritage item. As part of practical actions to preserve the cultural heritage of Karakalpakstan for future generations, UNESCO has produced a documentary film about the kobyz instrument and the legacy of zhirovchelik.

At the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Jäkeñge Kenges emphasized that the leaders of the republic are always ready to expand cooperation and support any proposals.