There is a country in Southwest Asia that borders Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south and southeast, and Israel and Palestine to the west. Its people have a deep appreciation for words and music. They are exceptionally hospitable and passionate about the arts. Have you guessed which country I am referring to? It is Jordan.

In recent years, both economic ties and cultural relations between Uzbekistan and Jordan have reached a new level. Although geographically situated in different regions, the two countries are united by shared values: respect for history, devotion to spiritual heritage, and a profound appreciation for knowledge, education and the arts.

It is no secret that cultural and artistic relations between Uzbekistan and Jordan have been developing steadily in recent years, gaining new substance and opening up fresh opportunities. In particular, the regular participation of Jordanian representatives in international forums and festivals held in our country contributes to strengthening mutual respect and trust between our two peoples.

On 3 October 2024, during our meeting with Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, we also discussed the prospects for further cooperation. Particular attention was given to joint educational programmes, projects involving tangible and intangible cultural heritage, creative exchanges and the development of creative industries. We also noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation within the framework of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).

The participation of Jordanian representatives in the international cultural forum

*“Central Asia at the Crossroads of World Civilisations”*, held in Khiva on 14–16 September 2021, contributed to expanding cultural dialogue between the two regions. It would be no exaggeration to say that Khiva, which holds a special place in world civilisation thanks to its historical legacy and architectural heritage, is an ideal setting for such a dialogue.

The participation of Jordanian representatives in the International Lazgi Dance Festival, held on 25–30 April 2022, as well as in its subsequent edition in 2024,

demonstrates the continuity of our creative ties. Furthermore, the participation of Jordanian representatives in the International Maqom Art Festival, held in Zomin on 26–28 June 2024, created another opportunity for dialogue through our musical heritage. A person listening to maqom may not understand the language in which it is performed, yet they can feel the emotion, elegance and philosophy conveyed through its melodies. This is precisely where the greatness of art lies: it awakens a love of music in

the hearts of people from different nations.

The participation of a Jordanian representative in the international music festival

*“Sharq Taronalari”*, held in Samarkand on 26–30 August this year, also contributed to introducing and sharing the musical traditions of Eastern peoples.

The active participation of Jordanian journalists in the 4th International Festival of Bakhshi Art, organised in Khiva on 26–28 April 2025, revealed another important dimension of cultural dialogue. The art of bakhshi is the historical memory of our people, preserving and conveying their dreams, aspirations and spiritual values across the centuries. Journalism and information exchange also play a significant role in bringing this art to international audiences. After all, introducing one nation's artistic heritage to another is itself an important step towards cultural rapprochement.

Another significant event was the participation of a Jordanian delegation led by Minister of Culture M. Al-Rawashdeh in the opening ceremony of the events marking

*“Samarkand — Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2025”*, held in Samarkand on 26–28 May 2025.

Indeed, we must not limit ourselves to preserving historical values merely as relics of the past. It is essential to make them meaningful, engaging and relevant to today's generation. In this regard, cooperation between specialists from Uzbekistan and Jordan could create new opportunities for innovative ideas and initiatives.

Cooperation in the fields of creative industries and cultural tourism is also particularly promising. After all, integrating culture into economic and social life further strengthens its role in the development of society.

The results of cultural cooperation cannot be measured solely by the number of festivals or meetings held. I believe its true impact becomes evident when the art of one

nation finds a place in the hearts of another, when new creative connections emerge among young people, and when the preservation of cultural heritage is recognised as a shared responsibility.

I sincerely hope that cultural relations between Uzbekistan and Jordan will continue to grow and develop in this spirit. For us, culture is not merely a means of remembering the past; it is a spiritual force that enables us to build the future together.

Geographical boundaries may determine the distance between countries, but it is culture that brings peoples closer together. And the most beautiful aspect of this closeness is that it allows one nation to understand the spiritual world of another without losing its own identity.

Ozodbek Nazarbekov Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan