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ARTnews, a leading international publication specializing in art and museums, described the memorandum of cooperation signed between the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan as an important step toward strengthening cultural ties between Central Asia and East Asia. According to the publication, the agreement covers joint exhibitions, academic research, and professional training, while the partnership is rooted in the shared history of the Silk Road and a common civilizational heritage. It also noted that the possibility of showcasing works from the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s collection at a major international exhibition planned for October in Uzbekistan, with the participation of nearly 50 of the world's leading museums, is currently under consideration.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum signed an agreement with the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan to cooperate on exhibitions, academic research, and other joint initiatives.

The signing ceremony, held on Monday, officially launched cooperation between the two institutions. The visit marked the first official reciprocal visit to Hong Kong by a Central Asian cultural institution following Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s visit to Central Asia last month, during which he led a delegation that included the director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The agreement also represents a natural continuation of the cooperation framework previously established with the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan.

According to the South China Morning Post, Dr. Louis Ng, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, said:

“During my trip to Uzbekistan, I had the privilege of meeting [the center’s director] to discuss potential collaborative opportunities. I am delighted to see those initial conversations translate so quickly into this present here in Hong Kong today. This swift follow-up [in just a month] is a powerful testament to how eagerly the people of both Uzbekistan and Hong Kong wish to work together to promote cultural exchange and dialogue.”

The signed Memorandum of Understanding provides for the organization of joint exhibitions and academic research, as well as the implementation of initiatives aimed at training specialists and enhancing their professional expertise.

Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, emphasized:

“The Silk Road is actually what connected us. There was not only an exchange of trade and goods, but also ideas and new inventions … We want to bring our exhibitions here, not only in Hong Kong but other cities as well.”

According to Farhod Arziev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to China, the Islamic Civilization Center, established in 2017 at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, showcases the country’s history, the rich heritage of its people, and the outstanding contributions of its ancestors and great scholars to the progress of human civilization.

The South China Morning Post also reported that objects from the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s collection may be displayed at a special exhibition to be held in Uzbekistan this October. The event will form part of a major international project dedicated to the cultural heritage of Central Asia and is expected to bring together nearly 50 of the world’s leading museums, each contributing items from its collections.