Within the framework of the “Lazgi” III International Dance Festival, held from April 25 to 30 in the city of Khiva, Khorezm region, the III meeting of the Joint Commission between Uzbekistan and Turkey dedicated to the development of cultural cooperation took place on April 27.

This meeting aims to further strengthen the multifaceted cultural ties between the two countries, ensure the systematic development of existing cooperation, and identify new promising areas of collaboration.

The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Murodjon Madjidov and Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey Batuhan Mumcu. It brought together leading experts and senior officials from both countries responsible for cultural heritage, museum affairs, intangible cultural heritage, the film industry, theater, and performing arts.

In particular, the Uzbek delegation included heads of structural divisions of the Ministry of Culture, representatives of the Cinematography Agency, the Cultural Heritage Agency, the State Philharmonic of Uzbekistan, the Research Institute of Cultural Studies and Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as the leadership of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Opera and Ballet.

From the Turkish side, representatives of relevant departments of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, including State Theatres, the General Directorate of Cinema, and divisions responsible for applied arts and cultural events, were expected to participate.

The meeting agenda included reviewing the implementation of tasks outlined in the protocol of the Joint Commission meeting held in 2025, discussing joint projects and initiatives carried out in 2025–2026 in the cultural sphere, as well as identifying future areas of cooperation.

The parties thoroughly discussed issues such as the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, expanding cooperation between museums, implementing joint film projects, developing theater and performing arts, exchanging creative groups, and organizing cultural events.

Following the meeting, it is expected that concrete measures will be defined to elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level and that agreements will be reached on promising projects.

As part of the meeting, visits for the Turkish delegation to historical and cultural landmarks of Khiva are also planned, allowing guests to closely experience the unique cultural environment of Uzbekistan.

This event plays an important role in further strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkey and in advancing mutual trust and cooperation in the cultural sphere to a new stage.