Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 31 March, a ceremony was held at the French Ministry of Culture to award the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) in the rank of Officer to Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation, Dunyo news agency reports.

During the event, French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati highlighted the consistency and effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s state cultural policy under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, which has strengthened the strategic partnership with France.

The minister emphasized that the award recognizes Uzbekistan’s efforts in fostering international cultural ties and advancing global artistic dialogue.

The ceremony, attended by government officials, representatives of the French Presidential Administration and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats, cultural figures, and international partners, underscored the high level of cultural diplomacy pursued by New Uzbekistan.

In recent years, cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and France has reached new heights through key initiatives such as the large-scale exhibition of Uzbek heritage at the Louvre and active participation in international cultural forums.

Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation has played a vital role in this partnership, implementing major projects in line with the president’s initiatives.

The rank of Officer in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is one of France’s highest cultural honors, awarded annually to no more than 60 individuals worldwide for outstanding contributions to the arts and literature.