Samarkand Hosts 2nd Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan Intellect Forum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the visit of a Kazakh parliamentary delegation to Uzbekistan, the "Silk Road" International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand hosted the Second Forum of Scientific and Creative Intelligentsia of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The forum was held under the theme "From a Common Past to a Shared Future."

At the opening ceremony, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbaeva highlighted the historical and cultural commonality of the two nations, which was forged over millennia at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road. She emphasized that contemporary relations continue to flourish thanks to the political will and joint efforts of both countries' leadership.

The Chairperson of the Kazakh Senate, Maulen Ashimbaev, declared a commitment to further expanding inter-parliamentary interaction across political, economic, environmental, educational, and cultural spheres. He specifically underscored the significance of a shared spiritual heritage linked to figures such as Abu Ali ibn Sino (Avicenna), Al-Biruni, Al-Farabi, Mahmud al-Kashgari, Alisher Navoi, Babur, and Abai. It was also noted that cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent, Turkestan, Shymkent, and Almaty serve as vital centers of collective historical and cultural memory.

Participants noted a significant surge in humanitarian cooperation. Last year alone, 18 cultural events were held to promote Uzbek culture and traditions. Kazakh representatives have also been active participants in major international festivals in Uzbekistan, including "Sharq Taronalari" in Samarkand, "Maqom" in Shahrisabz, "Bakhshi" in Termez, "Great Silk Road" in Margilan, and "Hunarmand" in Kokand.

Educational collaboration was a key focus: currently, 8,500 students from Uzbekistan are enrolled in 116 educational institutions in Kazakhstan. Cooperation is also deepening between universities, academies of sciences, museums, and creative unions.

The forum served as a platform for discussing new joint initiatives and strengthening humanitarian bonds. During the event, participants reviewed an exhibition dedicated to scientific and creative heritage, as well as innovative IT projects presented by the university.