“Walking the Silk Road” Chinese Cultural Exhibition Held in Bishkek

A recent exhibition in Bishkek, titled "Walking the Silk Road, Allowing Cultures to Integrate," centered on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and showcased Chinese culture. Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov, Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan Li Baojie, representatives from educational institutions of both Kyrgyzstan and China, and business delegates attended the event, as reported by Xinhua. Deputy Prime Minister Baisalov emphasized the transformative impact of the BRI on the region, including Kyrgyzstan, stating, "It has actually had a huge impact on the political and economic situation around the world." Charge d'Affaires Li highlighted over a decade of fruitful cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China within the BRI framework. Li emphasized the importance of cultural interaction and exchange within the initiative, noting that exhibitions like this provide opportunities for the Kyrgyz people to gain a deeper insight into Chinese traditional culture and customs, fostering stronger mutual understanding. The exhibition, organized by the Kaifeng Management Committee of the Pilot Free Trade Zone of China (Henan) and the Kyrgyzstan-China Friendship Association, showcased stone carving reflecting the Spring and Autumn period, wood carving themed on "New Year's Pictures," and intricate paper-cutting artistry.

Monument Symbolizing Fight Against Corruption Unveiled in Tashkent

As reported by the President Mirziyoyev’s official website, on December 19th, the opening ceremony of a monument symbolizing the efforts of the international community to combat corruption was held at the Tashkent City International Business Center. The ceremony was attended by the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as Assistant Secretary General of the UN, Alexander Zuev. The twelve-meter transparent metal composition in the form of a hand pointing upward with open fingers represents honesty and purity of actions and thoughts, absolute rejection of corruption, and a call to countries around the world to unite in the fight against it. On the same day, President Mirziyoyev spoke at a ceremony presenting the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in Tashkent. Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude to the founder of this prestigious award, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their proposal to hold this event in Uzbekistan. In his speech, President Mirziyoyev said that “in New Uzbekistan, where democratic reforms have become irreversible, we have also set ambitious plans and tasks to combat corruption.” Mirziyoyev stated that Uzbekistan is committed to mobilize all possible efforts with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and international partners. He also said that Uzbekistan will develop and implement the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2030. “We appreciate the role of the mass media, who are on the front-lines in the fight against corruption,” Mirziyoyev added. “In this regard, we believe that you will support our proposal to hold a Global Media Forum that aims to effectively harness the power of journalists in the fight against corruption and to increase their influence.”