On 17 May 2018, the 15th Meeting of Ministers of Culture of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) took place in Sanya, Hainan Province of China.
The meeting was attended by Indian Minister of Culture Mahesh Sharma, Councilor of the Kazakhstani Embassy to China Manarbek Kabaziyev, Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang, State Secretary of the Kyrgyzstani Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism Bakytbek Sekimov, Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Shekera Shahid, Russian First Deputy Minister of Culture Vladimir Aristarkhov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to China Parviz Davlatzoda, Uzbekistani First Deputy Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov and SCO Deputy Secretary-General Aizada Subakozhoyeva.
The meeting was chaired by Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang.
In an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, the heads of the SCO cultural delegations discussed the development of cooperation in culture and the arts during the most recent period, and exchanged opinions on the progress in the implementation of the Agreement Between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Culture (signed in Bishkek, 16 August 2007) and the agreements reached at the previous meetings of the SCO Culture Ministers.
The heads of the delegations welcomed the Indian Minister of Culture and the Pakistani Minister of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage to their first SCO Culture Ministers Meeting.
The participants advocated continuing to improve multilateral and bilateral cooperation based on the Agreement Between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Culture; actively promoting the centuries-old traditions and customs of the SCO member states; strengthening respect for cultural diversity and its preservation; supporting dialogue and peaceful co-existence of different civilisations; and encouraging greater exchanges between the peoples of the SCO to promote mutual understanding and the forging of a community of common destiny.
The participants expressed their commitment to promoting art festivals, contests, camps, forums, academic conferences and other cultural events in order to boost exchanges and cooperation to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the SCO member states, to prevent the theft and illegal export/import of cultural artefacts, to develop the theatrical, musical, and graphic arts, among others, as well as museums, to educate the population about culture and to train specialists in cultural fields.
The participants highlighted the importance of the first SCO Culture and Art Specialist Symposium held by China during the 15th SCO Culture Ministers Meeting.
They stressed that joint culture and art events help enhance mutual understanding between peoples, preserve cultural diversity and spread awareness of world cultures.
The heads of the delegations agreed to boost cultural exchanges and cooperation in the SCO space between the countries situated along the historic Silk Road.
The parties called for continuing to promote cooperation with the SCO observer states and dialogue partners on culture to the extent possible.
The meeting participants approved the Plan of Events to Implement the Agreement Between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Culture for 2018-2020.
They noted the importance of expanding international SCO cooperation and supported the SCO Secretariat's initiative to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the SCO Secretariat and UNESCO in order to develop constructive cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, including popularisation of the SCO member states' culture, achievements and historical heritage.
The heads of the delegations highlighted the SCO Secretariat's events organised and held as part of the SCO Is Our Common Home programme, including musical soirees such as Nine Magic Notes featuring popular pianists from the member states as well as the SCO Marathon held as part of the Organisation's cultural and humanitarian activities.
The member states agreed to hold the next meeting of the SCO Culture Ministers in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2019.
The parties expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China and the People's Government of Hainan Province for their hospitality and excellent organisation of the SCO Culture Ministers Meeting. The ministers are convinced that further fruitful cooperation and cultural exchanges will contribute to mutual understanding and friendship between the SCO member states.