The signing ceremony on Monday also marked the first official reciprocal visit by a Central Asian cultural institution since Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu led a delegation to the region last month.
Dr Louis Ng Chi-wa, director of the Palace Museum and a member of the delegation, said the memorandum of understanding would pave the way for joint exhibitions, academic research and professional training and development.
“During my trip to Uzbekistan, I had the privilege of meeting [the centre’s director] to discuss potential collaborative opportunities. I am delighted to see those initial conversations translate so quickly into this present here in Hong Kong today,” he said.
“This swift follow-up [in just a month] is a powerful testament to how eagerly the people of both Uzbekistan and Hong Kong wish to work together to promote cultural exchange and dialogue.”
Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov, director of the Islamic Civilisation Centre, said through an interpreter that the goal of the memorandum was to establish ties with the museum.
