Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

An article titled "Diplomatic Relations Between Uzbekistan and the State of Kuwait Are Reaching a New Level" by the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, has been published in the print edition of The Times Kuwait.

Friendly relations with foreign countries play an invaluable role in the development of any country. In today’s era of globalization, where international relations are becoming increasingly complex, protecting national interests and enhancing a country’s reputation on the global stage have become critically important.

A country's level of development is not only measured by its industrial or export potential but also by its ability to showcase its rich culture to the world. From this perspective, the effective organization of cultural diplomacy as a key component of foreign policy is of great significance.

Currently, Uzbekistan is actively fostering cultural diplomacy by engaging in productive cooperation with foreign countries.

Located in the Arabian Peninsula on the northwestern coast of the Persian Gulf, Kuwait has been expanding its relations with Uzbekistan in recent years.

Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Kuwait were established on July 8, 1994. Since then, various cultural events, exhibitions, festivals, and academic conferences have been organized, further strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.

To enhance cultural cooperation, institutions from both countries are engaged in continuous dialogue and exchange of experiences. Organizing mutual cultural events, arranging visits for representatives of art and culture, and fostering collaboration in these fields have become an important tradition.

Key Highlights of Cultural Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and Kuwait:

• December 15-22, 2017 – "Uzbekistan Culture Days" were held in Kuwait City, featuring an exhibition on Uzbekistan at the Al-Adwaniya gallery and concert programs.
• September 14-16, 2021 – Kuwaiti representatives participated in the international cultural forum "Central Asia at the Crossroads of World Civilizations" in Khiva.
• April 25-30, 2022 & 2024 – Kuwaiti delegations attended the "Lazgi" International Dance Festival and its accompanying conference in Khiva.
• May 5-8, 2023 – Kuwait took part in the III International Bakhshi Art Festival in Gulistan.
• June 27-30, 2024 – Kuwaiti representatives joined the II International Maqom Art Forum in Zomin.
• February 9-13, 2024 – A creative group from the Uzbekistan State Conservatory toured Kuwait.
• August 26-30, 2024 – Famous Kuwaiti journalist and blogger Abdulkarim Al-Hindal Al-Hashimi, who has over 20 million subscribers, participated in the "Sharq Taronalari" International Music Festival in Samarkand. His social media videos featuring Uzbekistan’s sacred sites, historical monuments, and cultural traditions received widespread recognition.

To further strengthen bilateral cooperation and present Uzbek culture and art to the people of Kuwait, Uzbekistan plans to hold "Uzbekistan Culture Days" in Kuwait in 2025. Additionally, joint educational programs between cultural and artistic institutions and initiatives to develop cultural tourism between the two countries are being planned.

Furthermore, opportunities exist to expand cooperation in preserving and promoting national culture, implementing joint projects, fostering institutional partnerships, and developing cultural tourism. Several important agreements aimed at strengthening cultural ties and deepening mutual understanding between the two nations are expected to be signed.

I am confident that our cultural relations with Kuwait will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.