Uzbekistan, Poland expand cooperation on historical memory

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Diplomatic representatives of Uzbekistan in Poland held a meeting with the leadership of the Institute of National Remembrance of Poland (IPN) to discuss prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of historical memory, archival work and museum activities, the Dunyo news agency reported.

The meeting, organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan, was attended by IPN Vice President Professor Karol Polejowski, Archive Director Marzena Kruk, Head of the Bureau of Historical Research Dr. Sebastian Pilarski, Head of the Department of International Cooperation Katarzyna Dryńska, and Head of the President’s Office Dr. Marek Jedniak.

The Polish side presented the institute’s key areas of work, including research into crimes committed during the Nazi and communist periods, management of archival collections, as well as scientific and educational activities.

During the talks, it was noted that institutional cooperation between профильные organizations of the two countries has been developing in recent years. In particular, cooperation began in 2021 between the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan and the Uzarchive agency. In 2022, a memorandum was signed between the Institute of National Remembrance of Poland and the National Archive of Uzbekistan.

Special attention was given to historical ties, including the formation of General Władysław Anders’ army on the territory of Uzbekistan in 1942, the location of its headquarters in the city of Yangiyul, as well as the evacuation of more than 115,000 Polish citizens through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to Iran. The sides also discussed the preservation and study of burial sites and memorial objects linked to the shared history of the two nations.

The Polish side expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Uzbek institutions, including the State Museum of Memory of Victims of Repression, the Jadid Heritage Museum and the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation. As next steps, proposals were made to hold online meetings and implement joint scientific, archival and museum projects.

Following the talks, Professor Karol Polejowski confirmed his readiness to visit Uzbekistan. The parties agreed to continue developing direct contacts and deepening institutional cooperation.