Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, today in Samarkand during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, marking another milestone in growing cultural ties between the two nations.
Strengthening Cultural Partnerships
During the high-level meeting, Prince Bader extended congratulations to Uzbekistan for successfully hosting the UNESCO General Conference and praised the nation’s organization of the Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art. The Minister highlighted how this prestigious event effectively bridges Uzbekistan’s rich historical legacy with contemporary artistic expression.
The diplomatic engagement builds upon several years of increasing cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, reflecting both nations’ commitment to fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding and artistic exchange.
Collaborative Achievements
The discussions celebrated recent successful collaborations, including Uzbekistan’s distinguished role as Guest of Honor at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025. Prince Bader specifically acknowledged Uzbekistan’s valuable contributions to the Islamic Arts Biennale in 2023 and 2025, where the country’s loan of significant Islamic artifacts enriched the cultural dialogue between the two nations.
A notable highlight of the creative partnership was the presentation of the Musalla design during the inaugural Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art, which serves as a powerful symbol of artistic exchange between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.
Future Cultural Initiatives
The meeting explored new opportunities for expanding bilateral cultural cooperation, with both leaders expressing commitment to further strengthening ties in heritage preservation and artistic exchange. These initiatives align with both countries’ efforts to promote cultural dialogue and understanding across the Islamic world.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This diplomatic engagement directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s cultural objectives, particularly in establishing the Kingdom as a global cultural hub that bridges East and West. By fostering international cultural partnerships and promoting artistic exchange, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance its position as a leader in cultural diplomacy while preserving and celebrating Islamic heritage for future generations.