Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The interaction of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has positive dynamics in all sectors. At the same time, since 2016, there has been a clear trend towards deepening and expanding traditionally close relations. This is confirmed by the signing in 2017 of the Joint Declaration on further deepening strategic partnership and strengthening good-neighborliness.

Expansion of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere is of key importance for strengthening good-neighborliness and deepening strategic partnership. Moreover, we have everything we need to achieve this goal.

Our peoples have a long history of mutually beneficial relations that are not limited to recent history. We are united by a common centuries-old history, culture, customs and traditions. All this is clearly manifested in our daily life, a similar view and attitude towards many things.

In this regard, it is not surprising that cultural ties are dynamically developing, expanding every year.

The significant events in relations between the two countries were the holding of the Year of Uzbekistan in Kazakhstan in 2018 and the Year of Kazakhstan in Uzbekistan in 2019. These events met with tremendous support from the population of the countries, demonstrating the continuing spiritual closeness and family ties of our peoples.

Within the framework of the Year of Uzbekistan in Kazakhstan, a number of cultural events took place, including creative evenings, concerts, film screenings, conferences and symposia. Uzbekistan handed over to the Kazakh side more than 400 units of literature in the Uzbek language.

The first president of Kazakhstan - Elbasy N. Nazarbayev allocated grants for applicants from Uzbekistan wishing to get higher education in Kazakhstan.

In 2019, a Resolution of the President of Uzbekistan was adopted on the deep study and promotion of the heritage of the poet, thinker and humanist Abai Kunanbayev in the country.

In 2019, the Uzbek-Kazakh National Cultural Center was opened in Mirzachul district, in which the Kazakh National Theater was also opened, the activities of national music, dance, song, and fine arts circles were established.

In general, the dynamic development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation reflects the objective demand of the societies of our countries. Today, there are many opportunities for further strengthening and expanding interaction. Moreover, all the necessary conditions have been created for this at the political level.

The following are seen as further promising directions for building up interaction:

First, the expansion of cooperation between the higher educational institutions of the countries. It can consist both in the mutual opening of branches of universities and institutes, and in the provision of quotas for training for students.

Secondly, the intensification of cooperation in the field of tourism. In this case, we can talk about both a joint entry into the world tourism market, and an increase in bilateral tourist flows.

Thirdly, the expansion of cooperation between the creative circles of the countries. The implementation of joint projects in cinematographic, theater and other spheres may be of interest.

Christina Dzhurakuova,

Leading Research Fellow, International Institute of Central Asia