Uzbekistan’s cultural engagement with Afghanistan deepened this week as the Uzbek embassy’s cultural attaché, Farhad Turabayev, toured the Kabul Public Library and held discussions aimed at fostering literary and historical exchange between the two countries.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Head of Public Libraries, Hafiz Nematullah Muntazir, described Uzbekistan as a nation with a rich historical legacy. He noted that the Ali-Shir Nava’i Library—established in 1870—is one of the most advanced in the Islamic world. Muntazir highlighted that Uzbekistan has produced some of the most renowned scholars of the Islamic civilization, contributing significantly to knowledge and culture.
He further praised the recent 12-article decree by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev promoting public libraries, calling it a milestone in national educational development. He expressed hope that with Uzbekistan’s cooperation, the Afghan Public Library would further expand its Uzbek literature section, showcasing works by the country’s renowned scholars.
Cultural attaché Turabayev reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing bilateral cultural ties, stating that Uzbekistan is actively seeking to broaden cooperation with Afghanistan in the cultural domain. He revealed that under the initiative of the Uzbek president, a new Cultural Center for Islamic Civilization will soon open, with a dedicated section for Afghan contributions.
As part of the visit, the Uzbek diplomat toured various departments of the Kabul Public Library and received a collection of Seraj al-Akhbar publications as a gift from the library administration.
