The Art and Culture Development Foundation under the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic signed a declaration of cooperation with Uzbekistan.
On 6 January 2021, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Art and Culture Development Foundation under the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, had an official ceremony of signing a declaration of on cooperation between France and Uzbekistan. The declaration focuses on establishing long-term partnership between the two countries in education, research and culture fields.
The parties have agreed on establishing a Franco-Uzbek Cultural Center, which is planned to become a multidisciplinary organization for the realization of creative events in Uzbekistan. The center will focus on promoting French culture among Uzbek audience, as well as becoming an informational center for studying the French language and culture in Uzbekistan. The main aim of the project is to develop cultural exchange, applying innovational approach in the cultural sphere in Uzbekistan, at the same time promoting French and Uzbek art and intellectual activities, whereas having respect towards the principles and values of the both cultures.
Uzbek and French side have proposed applying mutual effort in the development of the current project, including its construction process. Two new objects: The Franco-Uzbek Cultural Center and the Cultural Heritage Objects Restoration Center will be located in the new building of the project. The initiating Fund’s office as well as the UNESCO office are also planned to be located to the same building after the reconstruction.
According to the terms and conditions of the Declaration, the administrative council consisting of 8 people headed by the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan or its representative, will lead the organization. The Chairman of the French Alliance in Tashkent will be its eligible member. The French side will include the Ambassador of France in Uzbekistan or His representative and Adviser for Culture and Cooperation of the French Embassy. The Deputy Director of the Center will be an expert from France, mutually selected by both parties. The Deputy Director will be appointed as a facilitator, who will coordinate the events and will be working closely with the French Embassy.
The Uzbek side will be responsible for provision, maintenance and the operation of the building after the reconstruction. The recruitment of the staff, as well as the allocation of an annual budget for the operation of the Center will also be done by the Uzbek side.
The Franco-Uzbek Center will have access to platforms, tools, resources and trainings developed by the Institut Française de Paris. The French Embassy may offer funds to the Center with the aim of supporting cultural projects in Uzbekistan. The French Embassy is planning organize informational events on training opportunities and scientific activities in France, as well as opening an IFEAC branch in Tashkent, together with the French Institute for Central Asian Studies (IFEAC) and the Campus France agency.
The new Declaration on Cooperation was signed by Charge d’Affaires of the French Embassy in Uzbekistan Brice Roquefey and the Executive Director of The Art and Culture Development Foundation under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Gayane Umerova.
