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As part of an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, a delegation led by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, held a meeting with Ding Pengbo, Deputy Director of the National Museum of China.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Chinese side expressed interest in the Uzbek delegation's first impressions of the country.

Firdavs Abdukhalikov noted that relations between Uzbekistan and China have reached an entirely new level in recent years, emphasizing that the two countries have long been connected by strong civilizational ties.

“Our primary mission at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of our esteemed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is to showcase to the world the great civilizations created by our people, their contribution to the development of humanity, and their rich scientific and spiritual heritage. In accordance with the instructions of our Head of State, our exhibitions highlight not only Islamic civilization but also the ancient pre-Islamic civilizations of Sogdiana, Bactria, Chach, and Khwarazm, all of which occupy a worthy place in our displays,” said Firdavs Abdukhalikov.

The Director of the Center also emphasized that cultural ties between Uzbekistan and China date back several millennia and that the Great Silk Road played a vital role in the exchange of knowledge and culture between the two peoples. He particularly noted that the high esteem in which the legendary Fergana horses were held in ancient China stands as a vivid example of the deep historical connection between the two nations.

During the meeting, the Chinese side also provided an overview of the activities of the National Museum of China.

“Nearly 600 million people visit museums across China every year, with 65 percent of them being young people under the age of 35. We consider engaging young people in museum activities to be one of our top priorities. To achieve this, we have established close cooperation with educational institutions, and museum exhibits are also incorporated into school and university textbooks,” said Ding Pengbo.

She added that the museum regularly organizes exhibitions and provides opportunities for young researchers to conduct academic studies. In addition, all necessary facilities and services have been created to ensure that visitors enjoy a comfortable and welcoming experience.

The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in the field of museology, including the exchange of professional experience, the organization of joint exhibitions, the exchange of replica artifacts, the professional development of young scholars and museum specialists, and the implementation of joint research projects.

“We should enrich our cooperation through practical initiatives. The exchange of replica artifacts, the organization of joint exhibitions, and the professional development of young museum specialists will be mutually beneficial. This partnership will make a meaningful contribution to the steadily strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and China under the leadership of our Presidents, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Xi Jinping. In this regard, we cordially invite you to visit Uzbekistan and become closely acquainted with the activities and exhibitions of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan,” said the Director of the Center.

Expressing his appreciation for the invitation, Ding Pengbo noted that she is interested in further expanding cooperation between the two museums.

Following the meeting, the Uzbek delegation toured the exhibitions of the National Museum of China. The delegation members explored the museum’s unique collections, which trace the historical development of Chinese civilization from ancient times to the present day, and highly praised the quality and richness of its exhibitions.