Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan notes the intensification of bilateral dialogue with Belarus in the field of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, Shavkatjon Ortikov, adviser to the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan, said before a gala concert on the stage of the Belarusian State Philharmonic, which opened the Days of Culture of Uzbekistan in Belarus, BELTA reported.

“This January marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our states. Speaking about this anniversary date, it is worth noting that relations between Uzbekistan and Belarus have been successfully developing in recent years, especially in the spirit of friendship and partnership,” said Shavkatjon Ortikov.

According to him, an important basis for this is the established good, friendly relations between the heads of state, their regular meetings and communication. In September 2018, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko paid an official visit to Uzbekistan. In 2019, the return official visit to Belarus of the leader of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took place. Contacts at the highest level have opened a new page in cooperation between the countries.

The intensification of bilateral dialogue is also directly manifested in the field of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, Shavkatjon Ortikov noted. In recent years, creative teams from Belarus have been actively participating in the music festival "Sharq taronalari" ("Melodies of the East"), and representatives of Uzbekistan - in the international festivals "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" and "Golden Bee", as well as in the Minsk International Christmas Vocal Competition.

In April 2018, Tashkent hosted the Days of Culture and Cinema of Belarus in Uzbekistan, and in July 2019, the Days of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan in Belarus.

In September 2021, the Days of Uzbek Cinema were organized in Minsk with a demonstration of a number of new films by Uzbek filmmakers. Cinematographers from both countries actively participate in international film festivals in Tashkent and Minsk.

In addition, both countries have unique opportunities and potential in the tourism sector, the adviser to the minister is sure. He noted that in Uzbekistan much attention is paid to the rapid development of the tourism sector, the creation of all amenities for foreign guests. This year Uzbekistan will host a regular session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization. The country plans to attract 7 million foreign tourists in 2023. Belarusians are also invited to visit Uzbekistan, including such historical cities as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, to see unique architectural monuments, to get acquainted with the rich culture and national values of the people, to feel oriental hospitality.

“This is a significant event in the cultural life of our countries, which speaks first of all of the sincere mutual interest in each other and the desire to develop and further strengthen our cooperation. It is the historical memory of the people, their culture and traditions - this is where the original spiritual and universal values of any generation are concentrated,” said First Deputy Minister of Culture of Belarus Valery Gromada.

The two countries have much in common, the First Deputy Minister continued. "We have a lot in common. And today we carefully preserve and honor the memory, including those of people who, at the cost of their own lives, gained victory in the Great Patriotic War. Among them are 32 natives of Uzbekistan who participated in the battles for the liberation of Belarus and were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union,” he said.

In addition, a monument to the classic of Belarusian literature, Yakub Kolas, was unveiled in Tashkent, and a street was named after him. And in one of the squares in Minsk there is a bust of the great Uzbek poet, thinker and statesman Alisher Navoi.

“Today our cooperation with Uzbekistan is developing in various directions. Uzbek performers, artists, scientists are participants and guests of international festivals and competitions, scientific conferences (which are held in Belarus. - Note by BelTA),” said Valery Gromada. As examples, he mentioned the International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk", the Minsk International Film Festival "Listapad". Uzbekistan itself is a multinational, beautiful and very tolerant country, in which wonderful and talented people, kind and reliable friends live, concluded Valery Gromada.

The most prominent, outstanding artists and creative teams of Uzbekistan take part in the concert program dedicated to the official opening of the Days of Culture of Uzbekistan. Among them are people’s, honored artists of Uzbekistan and other artists who have received state awards.

The events of the Days of Culture of Uzbekistan will continue on 14 April in Slutsk, the cultural capital of Belarus in 2023.