ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1210
"MULTILATERAL CULTURAL DIPLOMACY WITHIN UZBEKISTAN AND SCO”
Azimova Zahroxon Alisher qizi
1st year graduate student
Diplomat University Faculty of international relations and economics
Direction of international relations and modern political processes.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15716625
Annotation.
This article analyzes the directions of multilateral formation and
development of cultural diplomacy relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Within the framework of the SCO, the role of
Uzbekistan in regional integration will be highlighted through mutual cultural relations,
educational programs, youth and art cooperation. The article examines the existing
achievements, problems and prospects on the basis of scientific and analytical methods.
Keywords:
Uzbekistan, SCO, cultural diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, regional
integration.
Introduction
In recent years, special attention has been paid to the development of multilateral
cooperation with international organizations in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan. In particular,
cultural and humanitarian diplomacy within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) is being formed as one of the important directions of Uzbekistan's foreign
policy. SCO is an area of opportunity not only for security and economic cooperation, but also
for inter-civilizational dialogue and convergence of cultures. Uzbekistan has promoted many
initiatives in cultural diplomacy as an active member of the SCO since 2001. This article
analyzes the practical aspects of multilateral cooperation, successful projects and problematic
issues in this particular direction.
It should be noted separately that Uzbekistan is developing multilateral diplomatic
relations even within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an international
organization that emerged at the beginning of the 21st century and today has a huge reputation
and status in the international arena. We are witnessing a period when this organization, which
not only covers a certain region, but also has become a whole community with a political and
economic, cultural-humanitarian scale, developing at a high pace, has become the most optimal
format for the development of Cultural Relations, its potential in all spheres is not only
geographical, but also extremely high. Initially, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was
formed as a multi-purpose structure, relying on three foundations within its framework,
including (1) policy and security, (2) trade and economic activities, and (3) the development of
cultural and humanitarian ties.
The main goal of the SCO is to ensure the development and well
–
being of the peoples
who inhabit its territory1. In the security, economic, political, cultural and humanitarian spheres,
the organization has achieved great achievements to this day, and the growing prestige of the
state on the basis of mutual trust and respect and equality in these spheres provides Uzbekistan
with great opportunities in this regard.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1211
We should especially note that from the organizational potential of our country we are
entering into intensive integration with member states in the fields of Culture, Tourism, ecology,
science and education, sports.
Scientific analysis of the development of multilateral cultural relations within the
framework of the organization, the work carried out by the organization on the emergence and
achievement of the goals set by it is also necessary to establish cultural ties between member
states, observer status, as well as partner states, to create their organizational and legal
framework and to carry out scientific research Initially aiming only to promote cooperation in
the humanitarian sphere, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization came into the world in 2001 in
the “Shanghai Five” succession, which was founded in 1996. Its original members, the Russian
Federation, the people's Republic of China, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic,
and the republics of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, were part of the organization. Looking at cultural
cooperation within the framework of the member states of the SCO, it can be observed that its
organizational and legal foundations have gone through several stages in the process of
evolutionary development. Initially, a document, that is, a charter, which will be the basis for the
development of relations, the further development of the humanitarian sphere, was approved by
the states, and the main priorities were set in it. In contrast, the tasks of developing and
improving cultural and other relations between member states were reflected in
intergovernmental agreements between them. In accordance with the approved Charter, the
expansion, development and deepening of integration processes will create the basis for
deepening the relations between the countries of the region in all areas. It was especially realized
that the development of cultural ties between countries could be the basis of the development of
ties in other areas. As the greatest basis for the development of cooperation, we can highlight not
only the heads of member states, but also the annual meeting of Ministers of culture as the main
format of relations. Often, these meetings are also organized as separate forums.
Historically, for a short time, cultural events were organized, relying on the
organizational and Legal Foundation formed in the field of cultural cooperation between the
member states of the SCO. For example, the first event was held in the capital of Kazakhstan on
July 4-6, 2005. It was then that the art festival of these states was also organized as part of the
second meeting of the ministers of culture of the member states of the SCO. It was successfully
attended by a creative team of artists from Uzbekistan. At a meeting of the ministers of culture of
the member states held in Astana of the Republic of Kazakhstan, it was agreed to spread
knowledge about the traditions and customs of peoples and nations widely and to further
accelerate cultural exchanges between them. As part of the official event held in the PRC on
April 25-may 2, 2006, an exhibition of works of fine and Applied Art of the member states of the
SCO was also organized in the exhibition hall of the Academy of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan.
Speaking directly about the initiatives of the Republic of Uzbekistan to develop multilateral
cultural relations within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the next
meeting of Ministers of culture of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO)in Tashkent should be noted on April 27-28, 2006. Majlis was the minister of culture and
sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan at that time A.
ISSN:
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«MODERN
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VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
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It was held under the chairmanship of azizkhojaev, which examined the implementation
of the forward plans for multilateral cultural cooperation in 2005-2006 and further improvement
of the coverage of cultural and humanitarian cooperation on the website of the SCO Secretariat.
Also approved was the 2007-2008 multi-cultural cooperation plan, the Working Plan of
the Working Group of experts on cultural cooperation issues under the SCO for 2006-2007, as
well as the Charter of the Second Art Festival in the PRC in June 2006. At the end of the session,
a Joint Information Statement was signed about the meeting of the ministers of culture of the
Member States of the SCO. Within the framework of this session, an exhibition of works of fine
and Applied Art of SCO member states was also organized on April 25 in the exhibition hall of
the Academy of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan. In accordance with the Working Plan of the Working
Group of experts on issues of cultural cooperation within the SCO for 2006-2007, the
participation of Uzbek artists in the Roza Mira-2006 Art Festival in Moscow in October and the
extremely interesting presentation of art samples performed by them, the manifestation of the
extremely active policy of our country in relation to cultural diplomacy, there is no exaggeration.
From the point of view of the interconnection of cultural diplomacy and people's diplomacy, we
can see that the multilateral cultural cooperation program was implemented in the space of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2005 - 2006 in an extremely successful way, and the
situation, as we noted above, became the basis for the development of Public Diplomacy. Also,
as a result of the widespread development of such activities in the following years, in 2007-2008,
the Exposition “spring Rainbow” was organized in the exhibition hall of the Academy of Fine
Arts of Uzbekistan, in which the Applied Art of the member states of the organization was
widely represented. And in 2007, cultural events were organized in Hangzhou, people's Republic
of China, such as the artistic forum “we depict Lake Sixu”, the Issyk
-Kul Film Festival in
Chulponota, Kyrgyzstan. In total, more than 120 art and film representatives took part in this
forum and Film Festival. Viewed from the point of view of the interconnection of cultural
diplomacy and khalqa diplomacy, it can be seen that a program of multilateral cultural
cooperation has been successfully implemented in the SCO space. Including the 6th International
Music Festival “eastern taronas” held in Samarkand on August 25
-30, 2007 and the 2750TH
anniversary of the city of Samarkand, the secretary general of the SCO and the ministers of
culture of the member states of the SCO were invited as honorary guests, and all of them were
held at a high level. And as the main reasons for this, the extremely active participation of all
representatives of the state and the extremely serious treatment of cultural events were
emphasized. The constant meetings held within the framework of the organization, the efforts to
further develop and strengthen the cultural and humanitarian ties of the official representatives of
the countries, laid the groundwork for the further development of people's diplomacy. The
widespread development of cultural diplomacy in particular, the strengthening and continuity of
the permanent relations of representatives of art and culture are also an extremely important
basis for the fact that all member states of the organization realize one another in their
multilateral relations. For example, the constant cultural ties between Uzbekistan and China,
China and Kazakhstan, China and Tajikistan, China and Russia, as well as the rest of the
participants, festivals, cultural days, national days are held, and their ascent to new stages in
relations shows how much power cultural diplomacy has.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
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АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
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Also, the role of the film industry in the unification of peoples and nations, mutual trust
and harmony among states is being realized by all member states, it has always been noted that
cinema is an extremely serious field and an integral part of cultural diplomacy, has become an
extremely important institial and spiritual part of cultural relations. One such important event,
the gala concert program of the festival of Arts of the SCO member states held in Yekaterinburg
(Russian Federation) of 2008, was attended by the vocal instrumental ensemble “Yalla” and
contributed to the widespread spread of the name of our country among members of the
organization. The support of constant cultural cooperation, relations based on mutual trust and
neighborliness by the heads of states and governments, the acceleration of these processes from
year to year-is the basis for the enrichment of cultural diplomacy with new content, and is
constantly recognized by all official representatives of this direction.
As part of the SCO Summit held in Tashkent on June 10-
11, 2010, the exhibition “Great
Silk Road
–
journey on the tichlik road” was organized at the gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan.
A delegation of a total of 47 people attended the exhibition, led by Zhang Deguan,
chairman of the board of the China Foundation for international problem research. The
delegation also included artists from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Bangladesh and Egypt. The opening ceremony of the exhibition, which took place on June 10 at
the gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan, was also attended by the officials of Uzbekistan
(representatives of various ministries and departments), employees of embassies and Deputy
Prime Minister of the people's Republic of China Day Bingo. The opening ceremony was
attended by Uzbek figure skaters. The opening ceremony also featured a concert program
featuring Uzbek artistry.
As a significant basis for the development of cooperation, the annual meetings of not only
the heads of member states, but also the ministers of culture, can be cited as the main form of
communication. It has also become a tradition to organize these meetings as separate forums.
The forums within the SCO, the historical significance of the meetings of the ministers of
Culture, The opinions and statements expressed in the speeches of heads of state and
government, official and diplomatic representatives and parliamentarians of member countries
on the rapid development of relations within the organization are all reflected in the interest of
everyone in further development of relations, especially cultural relations. The contribution of
cultural relations, museums and theaters, art figures to the development of relations between
states is extremely large. At the same time, it was the fruit of cultural diplomacy that was noted
separately.
Uzbekistan continued its efforts to develop its cultural diplomacy in 2012, actively
participating in the meeting of the Working Group of experts on issues of cultural cooperation
within the SCO in Beijing, the capital of the people's Republic of China, on may 22-23. At this
event, the delegation of our country brought the positivity of Uzbekistan to representatives of the
participating countries in the coming years on the development of cultural relations, the
problems that soahada has to date and their solution. At the art festival in Beijing on June 5-12,
our artisans, demonstrating samples of intangible cultural heritage, were able to show the unique
artistic masterpieces of Uzbekistan, the development of crafts on our land from ancient times.
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In the following years, such events were held in Astana, Kazakhstan, Moscow, Kazan,
Naberezhnye Chelny, Elabuga, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Chanji, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou,
Russia. In total, such exhibitions were held in more than 30 cities of the organization's member
countries. Such activities educate the younger generation not only in the spirit of respect for
other cultures, but also teach tolerance and high appreciation of cultures of all nations and
peoples. The importance of the issues of further development of cultural life in the member
countries of the organization, cultural ties between them and bringing cooperation to a new level
the member states all have a very unique culture and enormous cultural potential. Priority was
given to activities within the SCO in the realization of the tasks of developing the diplomacy of
Uzbekistan in the cultural sphere, bringing cultural cooperation to higher stages. This was
reflected in the next meeting of Ministers of culture of the SCO member states, held on June 21-
22, 2016 under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan. Officials of the ministries of culture of member
countries discussed feedback on the further development of cooperation in the field of culture,
the work of the ministers of culture of member states on the development of cooperation in
culture and art in the past period, exchanged views on the implementation of documents on
cooperation in the field of culture between the governments of The parties noted that they seek to
further develop cultural ties within the framework of the SCO, strengthen solidarity and mutual
respect, intensively promote centuries - old national traditions and customs of the peoples of the
member states of the organization. At the same time, the parties noted that the SCO is in favor of
further strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in culture and the arts with its
observer countries and dialogue partners.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan SHavkat Mirziyoev said about the spirit of
Shanghai in his speech at the meeting of the Council of heads of State of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on June 14, 2019, “further strengthening
the role and position of the SCO will depend on how we adhere to the “spirit of Shanghai” and
the principles and values of the In support of these points, it was in relation to this process that
the chairman of the people's Republic of China Xi Jinping also stated that “Shanghai spirit”:
mutual trust, mutual interest, equality, advice, respect for cultural diversity, general
development-
these are the main ideas of the SCO”. Today, the SCO contributes to the
development of the world economy by supporting multilateral consistent cooperation shmoqda.
Bo‘large gala concerts with the participation of art figures from Member States and
observer states are being organized at all the summits of lib. Art festivals and meetings of
Ministers of Culture, on the other hand, set the stage not only for the preparation for these
summits, but also for the growing deepening of cultural ties between them.
As we have already mentioned, in accordance with the agreement signed in Bishkek, on a
permanent basis, various exhibitions of artists, sculptors, painters and other art directions are also
being organized between member states. These exhibitions are part of the art show of all member
states, and the presentation of works created by them is becoming more and more intensive. It
should be noted that the role and role of each state is special for the development of multilateral
cultural dilomation since the establishment of SCO. In addition to the fact that each of the
member countries pays special attention to the organization of various cultural events, art
festivals, film festivals, sports competitions and exhibitions, they also contribute to the
ISSN:
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development of the industry based on their capabilities. But in this regard, the role and role of
China, the Russian Federation and Uzbekistan, their diplomatic activities on the way to the
development of cultural relations are of particular importance. However, in the opinion of the
heads of states and governments, as well as the ministers of culture of member states, all member
states of the organization should pay serious attention to cultural cooperation. At the same time,
it is always noted that between countries there should be free movement of artists, writers and
poets, sculptors and cinematographers, the creation of all conditions for increasing mutual visits,
the availability of lightness in the transfer of art samples from one state to another in the
organization of various exhibitions, cultural events. The most relevant tasks in Kun tarti, on the
other hand, are the tasks of protecting the common cultural Meros, transmitting material and
intangible cultural Meros samples to the next generations, and general protection of copyright.
Including the implementation of colorful and lush programs in the field of Tourism and
culture, “the more extensive use of the possibilities of Public Diplomacy.The president of
Uzbekistan made a proposal to establish another good tradition. It is an initiative to declare one
of the cities in the country, which annually presides over the organization, the “capital of
Tourism and culture of the SCO”. In the words of our president, “it is important to popularize the
historical and cultural heritage of the SCO cities and regions-to more fully demonstrate their
tourist potential.” Cultural relations between member states are one of the main directions,
priorities of the organization, and the ground for the growing deepening, development of the
relations of peoples, nations on colorful culture, art and its spheres.
It should be noted that each of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization has a very ancient history, a cultural Meros (material and intangible), traditions,
customs that will leave the world a lol, which, on the one hand, means that cultural ties between
them go back several millennia, and on the other hand, it will be the basis for This in turn
provides a wide range of opportunities for peoples and nations to become culturally close to each
other, further strengthening their cooperation.
Uzbekistan's multilateral cultural diplomacy within the SCO has developed significantly,
especially in recent years. Through this diplomatic activity, the country is demonstrating its
historical-cultural potential not only to SCO members, but also to a global audience. In the
future, the development of sustainable cooperation mechanisms in the fields of culture, education
and information within the framework of the SCO will become a priority for the foreign policy
of Uzbekistan.
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