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The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan and the Palace Museum (Gugong), one of China’s largest and most prestigious museum institutions, have agreed to expand cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage, the implementation of joint research projects, and the organization of international exhibitions. Reflecting the outcomes of the strategic cultural partnership between the two countries, which has been actively advanced under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, this cooperation is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties in the cultural sphere.

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, visited the Palace Museum (Gugong) in Beijing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The delegation was received by Yuan Hong, Deputy Director of the International Exchange Department at The Palace Museum. During the talks, the two sides emphasized that, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Xi Jinping, relations between Uzbekistan and China have been elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, with cultural and humanitarian cooperation becoming one of its key pillars. The discussions also focused on cooperation in museum studies, the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, joint academic research, the publication of books and illustrated albums, specialist training and professional development programs, as well as the establishment of regular exchanges of expertise between the two institutions.

The two sides reached agreements to intensify mutual visits and systematically strengthen institutional cooperation between their museums.

During the visit, the Uzbek delegation explored the Palace Museum’s extensive collections and permanent exhibitions. Built in 1420 by the Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhu Di, the palace complex served as the principal residence of Chinese emperors for nearly five centuries. Today, it is recognized as one of humanity’s most significant cultural heritage sites.

During the meeting, Firdavs Abdukhalikov highlighted the deep historical roots of cultural ties between Uzbekistan and China, noting that while the Palace Museum was being built, the Mirzo Ulugbek Madrasah was under construction in Samarkand. He also emphasized that in the 15th century, envoys of Mirzo Ulugbek and Shahrukh Mirza visited Beijing, while the renowned statesman and artist Ghiyath al-Din Naqqash left valuable historical accounts of the journey, providing compelling evidence that dialogue between the two peoples dates back several centuries.

Following the meeting, the two sides reached agreements on conducting joint academic research, preparing books and illustrated albums, exchanging expertise in the museum sector, and developing their cooperation on a systematic basis.

The parties also reached a preliminary agreement to jointly organize a major international exhibition dedicated to the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and China in January 2027, marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

This initiative is expected to contribute to the advancement of cultural diplomacy, promote deeper research into the historical ties among the civilizations of the Great Silk Road, and further showcase the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and China to the international community.

At the conclusion of the visit, the two sides exchanged commemorative gifts and reaffirmed their readiness to implement joint projects and further expand their long-term cooperation.