Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthening Cultural Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Saudi Arabian Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah, met with the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, on the sidelines of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, held on Tuesday in Samarkand.

During the meeting, Prince Badr congratulated Uzbekistan on the successful hosting of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, praising the country’s active participation in the global cultural dialogue. He also highlighted Uzbekistan’s prominent role in the International Book Fair in Riyadh, which showcased a rich array of Uzbek craftsmanship and creative expression.

The parties emphasized their shared commitment to developing cooperation in cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and creative industries. The ministers welcomed the ongoing collaboration between the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and the Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art, where the winning work of the AlMusalla Prize competition, organized by the Saudi side, was presented.

Prince Badr also held a separate meeting with Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Fund for the Development of Arts and Culture, noting the successful organization of the Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art—a major cultural event that unites rich historical heritage with contemporary artistic vision. He underscored the important role of art in fostering intercultural dialogue.

During the discussions, the parties reviewed current cooperation and prospects for further deepening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. Prince Badr highlighted the expanding partnership between the two countries in heritage preservation, artistic exchange, and intercultural interaction.

He also expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s active participation as the Guest of Honor at the 2025 International Book Fair in Riyadh and for the country’s contributions to the Islamic Art Biennale in 2023 and 2025, which featured unique Islamic art exhibits.

Furthermore, the minister recalled the presentation of the “Musalla” project at the first Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art, noting that the project has become a symbol of creative exchange and cultural understanding between the two nations.