On 20 May, the first meeting of the Review Committee of the joint project of UNESCO and the European Union “Silk Roads Heritage Corridors in Afghanistan, Central Asia and Iran – International Dimension of the European Year of Cultural Heritage” was held in Brussels.

The head of Uzbekistan mission to the EU, Ambassador Dilyor Khakimov and the Director of the office of the World Tourism Organization in Uzbekistan Mirtolib Zakhidov attended the event.

Launched in October 2018 in Samarkand, the multi-country project is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNESCO, and designed for 36 months within the framework of the European Year of Cultural Heritage.

According to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry, it will facilitate the sharing of best practices among national museums, defining common themes to promote understanding of the Silk Road heritage as a bridge between East and West.

At the meeting, the parties confirmed that the project focuses on sustainable development of mutual travel of people through tourism-related initiatives and development of arts, crafts and cultural creative industries in the countries along the Silk Road as a means of strengthening peace and cultural understanding.

According to representatives of Uzbekistan delegation, this initiative represents a unique opportunity for development of international cooperation and interchange between Europe and partner countries in the region, strengthening the potential of social cohesion, formation of citizenship and economic development.

In this regard, the composition and terms of reference of the Project Review Committee, its chairman and members were approved at the meeting. In addition, the Review Committee discussed and approved the project work plan and the expected results.

Concerning Uzbekistan, it is expected that one of the top priorities will become the restoration of Bogbonli Mosque on the territory of Ichan-Kala cultural and historical reserve in Khiva, which is a world heritage site of humanity.

After the meeting, the proposal of Uzbekistan delegation to hold the Second Review Committee of the project in the city of Khiva in March 2020 was accepted.