A delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia headed by the Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Abu Bakr Baqader visiting Uzbekistan met with the Minister of Culture and Sport of Uzbekistan Rustam Kurbanov on 31 July.

The parties noted fast development of cooperation in all spheres, including the sphere of culture. The legal framework for this process is constituted by the agreements reached at the meetings of the heads of the two states.

The delegation also held talks at the Agency for Press and Information of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

They also visited the monument of Independence and humanism on Mustakillik Square, an art exhibition titled "The Country of Developed Islamic Culture" at the central gallery of the Arts Academy, and Hazrati Imom (Hastimom) Complex.

"The fact that Tashkent was made the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2007 by the International Islamic Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (ISESCO) illustrates the international recognition of the great contribution Uzbekistan has made to the world civilization and the development of Islamic culture, which fills us with pride," Mr. Baqader said.

"All this is the result of the large-scale work on the revival, preservation, studying and promotion of the rich heritage of great ancestors being implemented under the direction of the country’s President Islam Karimov," he added.