The United States and Central Asian Countries Integrate Cultural Heritage into Economic Goals
The governments of the United States and the Central Asian countries (C5+1) adopted a Joint Statement of Intent on Cultural Heritage. The document highlights the region's unique contribution to human development and outlines specific measures to protect and promote the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan and its neighbors.
The countries reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in protecting and preserving unique cultural heritage. An agreement was reached to strengthen information exchange in law enforcement, customs, and border security to protect cultural property. Additional regional networks will be established to prevent illicit trafficking and protect the integrity of the art market.
The statement for the first time directly links cultural heritage to economic goals: the parties will explore opportunities to integrate cultural heritage into shared economic goals, including English language training and benefits for the tourism sector and creative industries.
The countries also agreed to support national handicraft traditions, masters of decorative and applied arts, and the preservation of traditional culture, music, and dance.
A separate section is dedicated to strengthening institutional ties and exchanging expertise: institutional partnerships will be expanded and expert exchanges will be conducted to disseminate best practices in the fields of conservation, curation, digitization, restoration, and exhibition of cultural heritage sites (archaeology, architecture, ethnology).
The countries will promote comprehensive support and participation in the Council of National Museums, as well as museum exchanges, including the provision of cultural property for exhibitions and displays at leading institutions of the C5+1 countries.
Cooperation in education, science, and innovation will be supported to protect cultural property, including strengthening academic and research ties between higher education institutions.
The statement also emphasizes the importance of public diplomacy and cultural events. Countries commit to communicating their positions at international forums related to the promotion, protection, and preservation of cultural heritage.
Support will be provided for cooperation in holding festivals and cultural events that promote each country's rich cultural heritage.
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