C5+1 Countries Discuss Expanding Cultural Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Ministers of culture from Central Asian countries and a representative of the US Secretary of State met in Tashkent in the C5+1 format to discuss the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, implementation of joint projects and strengthening regional engagement.

The meeting was attended by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev, Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture Matluba Sattoriyon, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Gurbanmurad Miradaliev, and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Sarah Rogers.

The meeting was described as a continuation of initiatives proposed following the C5+1 summit held on 7 November 2025 in Washington with the participation of leaders of Central Asian countries and the United States. The development of cultural and humanitarian ties was identified as one of the priority areas of future cooperation.

During the talks, the sides discussed expanding cooperation in culture and the arts, implementing joint cultural projects, developing creative exchange programmes, and preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

Uzbek Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov highlighted the growing importance of the C5+1 format in international relations and stressed the need for practical implementation of existing agreements.

“Today, the ‘Central Asia plus’ format deserves special attention due to its increasing importance in international relations. In a rapidly changing and contradictory modern world, platforms based on dialogue, mutual trust and practical cooperation are no longer just a necessity but an objective requirement,” he said.

He said that an important foundation for further multilateral cooperation is the Joint Statement on Cultural Heritage agreed by heads of state at the C5+1 summit.

The minister added that the main task is to translate political agreements into concrete projects and sustainable regional partnerships.

During the meeting, proposals were made to establish a permanent C5+1 Working Group on Culture, create a C5+1 Culture and Innovation Forum, develop cooperation in creative industries, and expand participation of Central Asian cultural professionals in educational and exchange programmes in the United States.

The sides also proposed establishing joint “English for Culture” centres with US partners at cultural education institutions in Uzbekistan.

At the end of the meeting, participants agreed to further strengthen cultural cooperation in the C5+1 format, continue regular dialogue and implement joint initiatives.

They underlined that the development of cultural and humanitarian ties would contribute to deeper engagement between Central Asian countries and the United States.