SAINT PETERSBURG, June 7. /Dunyo IA/. Within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), a cultural programme dedicated to promoting Uzbekistan’s rich historical heritage and modern cultural potential on the international stage was presented by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The programme, held in Saint Petersburg, attracted significant attention through exhibition projects, scientific and educational events, and a major international opera production.

SPIEF is one of the world’s largest platforms for economic dialogue, bringing together more than 20,000 participants from over 130 countries and territories this year. The main theme of the forum was “Pragmatic Dialogue – The Path to a Stable Future.” President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the plenary session, speaking about the country’s development path based on openness and inclusivity, as well as reforms under the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy.

As part of the cultural programme, large-scale exhibitions were organized to strengthen cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia. In particular, the exhibition “Earthly Love and Heavenly Love. Vladimir and Konstantin Makovsky” opened at the Fabergé Museum became an important example of international art collaboration. It featured nearly 170 works from more than 25 museums around the world, with Uzbekistan participating with 9 exhibits from its own collection.

In addition, the exhibition “Opening the Palace Chambers: Art at the Court of the Emir of Bukhara” opened at the General Staff Building of the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. The project is aimed at presenting the rich cultural heritage and craft traditions of the Bukhara Emirate period, featuring 58 exhibits from Uzbek museums and 9 exhibits from the Hermitage collection.

One of the major cultural highlights of the festival was a performance of George Frideric Handel’s opera “Tamerlano” at the Mariinsky Theatre. In a new directorial interpretation, the historical image of Amir Temur was combined with contemporary artistic expression. The production also incorporated Uzbek national musical instruments, creating a distinctive example of cultural synthesis.

The opera featured renowned performers from Uzbekistan and abroad, including People’s Artist of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan Jennisbek Piyazov. The performance attracted approximately 2,000 spectators and was regarded as an important event strengthening international cultural ties.

Overall, the programme presented by the ACDF demonstrated the country’s consistent policy of actively promoting its cultural heritage on the global stage, developing international cooperation and cultural dialogue.