Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 7 November 2023, the signing ceremony of the “Agreement on the introduction of restrictions on the import of archaeological and ethnological materials of Uzbekistan” between the governments of Uzbekistan and the United States took place in Tashkent. 

The bilateral agreement was signed by the Director of the Cultural Heritage Agency Bakhodir Abdikarimov and the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick.

“This agreement serves as the basis for the development of cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States in preventing illicit trafficking and returning museum objects and cultural property,” the director of the Agency said in his speech.

The agreement establishes restrictions on the import into the United States of objects of archaeological or ethnological significance that have been identified as being in danger of being looted and placed on a special list. It also provides training and advanced training for specialists in this area, and creates the basis for joint exhibitions aimed at popularizing the tangible cultural heritage between the two countries.

“Today is a historic day because Uzbekistan became the first country in Central Asia to sign an agreement on cultural property with the United States. In addition to Uzbekistan, 25 other countries around the world have concluded similar agreements with the United States. Protecting cultural heritage, art and painting is not an easy task. Therefore, this agreement is a very important step today. The US government has allocated US$1 million for the protection and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Uzbekistan. We are interested in collaborating with your efforts to protect the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and show the world its rich history,” said Jonathan Henick.