A delegation from the Sultanate of Oman, led by Dr. Hamed bin Mohammed al Dhawyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA), recently engaged in discussions with Uzbek counterparts on expanding documentary and scientific collaboration. The visit, which took place in the Central Asian cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent, aimed to explore opportunities for joint studies and research focusing on historical connections between Oman and the broader Central Asian region.
During their itinerary, the Omani delegation, accompanied by Wafa bint Jabr al Busaidi, Oman’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, met with representatives of several key archival and cultural institutions. These included the Imam Al Bukhari Center, the Document Archive Branch in Samarkand, Bukhara State University, the Abu Rayhan Biruni Institute of Oriental Studies, the Islamic Civilisation Center, and the National Archives of Uzbekistan.
The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in multiple areas related to the preservation and study of historical documents and manuscripts. Topics addressed encompassed preservation techniques, restoration efforts, digitization and microfilming of archival materials, as well as collaborative scientific research and publication initiatives. Capacity-building measures for archival professionals were also emphasized as a vital component of this partnership.
Both sides expressed interest in leveraging their respective collections of documents, manuscripts, and historical sources to better document the longstanding ties between Oman and Central Asia, underscoring the importance of these relations over centuries. The talks signify a mutual commitment to fostering cultural exchange and academic engagement through shared archival and intellectual resources.