KYIV, June 24. /Dunyo IA/. Ukrainian capital hosted an international “roundtable” discussion titled “Ukraine and the World of Central Asia. Cultural and historical context and forgotten names: Igor Savitsky”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Embassy of Uzbekistan, in partnership with the Institute of World History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, co-organized the event. The discussion centered on Uzbekistan's cultural heritage and the pivotal role of Kyiv-born art historian and collector Igor Savitsky in establishing and developing the State Museum of Arts of Karakalpakstan, famously dubbed the “Louvre in the Desert”.

The cultural-diplomatic event aimed to promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential by showcasing its rich historical and cultural heritage to a foreign audience, along with new avenues of cultural tourism.

“Roundtable” brought together diplomats, members of the research and expert community and academic figures.

Addressing the event, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Kurmanov underlined the importance of further advancing traditionally friendly Uzbek-Ukrainian ties. He also highlighted Uzbekistan’s humanitarian initiatives aimed at the convalescence and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children from affected regions, emphasizing that this program will continue during the current year.

As part of the event, excerpts from the documentary “The Desert of Forbidden Art”, focusing on the I.V. Savitsky Museum in Nukus, were screened. Attendees also viewed video materials showcasing the Ukrainian-language audio guide project, which was launched at the initiative of Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Following the event, a presentation of traditional Uzbek cuisine was hosted for the attendees and members of the diplomatic corps, showcasing plov and other national dishes.