Tourism significantly impacts the development of relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan in inspiring ways

On Friday, the 10th of Rabi al-Awwal 1446, the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Alhaji Mullah Khairullah Khairkhah, met with the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, during the "Cultural Unity" meeting in Saint Petersburg.

At the outset, Mr. Khairkhah emphasized Afghanistan's strong commitment to enhancing cultural relations with Uzbekistan, as well as boosting cultural ties, promoting tourism, and developing handicrafts. Both ministers exchanged ideas during their discussion.

Mr. Khairkhah highlighted the religious, historical, and cultural commonalities between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, stressing the potential for expanding tourism between the two countries. He pointed out that despite the 40-year war, Afghanistan now enjoys improved security, offering diverse tourism opportunities for both foreign and domestic visitors. He suggested that organizing exhibitions in Kabul and Tashkent could help promote mutual cultural understanding.

Furthermore, Mr. Khairkhah mentioned the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan, noting their historical significance as centers of learning, mainly the home of Islamic scholars Imam Bokhari and Imam Tirmizi, experts of Islamic studies, particularly in the field of Hadith.

In his speech, Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Uzbek Minister of Culture, highlighted the current favorable conditions for both countries to strengthen their bilateral relations. He pledged to share Uzbekistan's experiences and stressed the role of tourism in fostering friendship, cooperation, and economic development.

In conclusion, both ministers expressed a mutual interest in exchanging experiences and ideas to further develop the tourism industry, recognizing its importance in enhancing cultural, economic, and political ties between the two nations.

1403/6/23

2024/9/13