Russia and Uzbekistan have elevated their cooperation to a new level in various cultural and humanitarian areas in recent years, according to Botirjon Asadov, the Republic of Uzbekistan's ambassador to Russia.
"The dynamics of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia in the cultural and humanitarian sphere have reached a new, higher level in recent years. Presently, our countries are expanding relations in various cultural domains, including art, theater, cinema, and other aspects of the cultural and humanitarian sphere," Asadov emphasized.
He highlighted that 14 branches of Russia's top universities are already operational in Uzbekistan, with approximately 7,500 students currently enrolled. The diplomat also pointed out that an annual Uzbek-Russian educational forum has been held since 2020.
Forums and premieres
He mentioned that more than 15 cultural and humanitarian events are scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan this year as part of the "Russian Seasons" international cultural project. Asadov also noted that two conferences involving museum professionals were conducted in Tashkent and Moscow last year. Furthermore, Moscow and St. Petersburg hosted Days of Uzbek Culture and Days of Uzbek Cinema last year, and this year, Uzbekistan's state dance ensemble Bakhor embarked on a tour of Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Ufa, Kazan, and St. Petersburg.
Additionally, in June, the Russian premiere of the performance "Lazgi: Dance of Soul and Love" by the National Ballet of Uzbekistan took place. In Moscow, this production will be shown at the Bolshoi Theater on September 10, with support from the Fund for the Development of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan.
Gayane Umerova, chairwoman of the fund, informed TASS that the ballet "Lazgi: Dance of Soul and Love" represents a fusion of the Lazgi dance with modern choreography and elements of theatrical production. She further mentioned that an international team contributed to the ballet's creation, including composer Davidson Giaconello for the music, Japanese artist Yoko Seyama for scenery and lighting effects, and Raoul Raimondo Rebeck, the renowned German dancer and choreographer, who is the artistic director of NRW Junior Ballet and choreographed the piece. The concept was developed by Saida Mirziyoyeva.
Umerova added that international audiences have already highly praised the production. She recalled that the ballet premiered at the Alisher Navoi Bolshoi Theater in Tashkent, emphasizing that "the ancient Khorezm dance 'Lazgi' remains relevant due to its historical depth, as its roots are connected to various eras, making it captivating in terms of studying Uzbekistan's traditions and cultural heritage."
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS