Uzbek delegation visits the National Library

On 25th June 2025 a delegation from the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Budapest paid an official visit to the National Széchényi Library of the Hungarian National Museum Public Collection Centre (MNMKK OSZK).

The delegation was led by His Excellency Mr. Oybek Shakhavdinov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Hungary, accompanied by Mr. Shokhruz Samadov, Head of the Department for Political, Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs of the Embassy. The high-ranking guests were welcomed by Director General Dr. Dávid Rózsa, Deputy Director General Judit Gerencsér, and Head of the Director General’s Cabinet Zoltán Lewalt-Jezierski.

In the first part of the meeting, the guests received a comprehensive overview of the more than two-hundred-year history of the National Széchényi Library. This was followed by a discussion on potential avenues for future bilateral cooperation. The two sides held detailed consultations on organizing joint scientific programmes and research projects, sharing library and scientific data between the two countries, and exploring formats for cooperation, including exhibitions, conferences, and joint publication opportunities. The discussions also covered exchanging documents, the organization of joint events, maintaining the regularity of consultations with experts, openness to professional study tours, and collaboration in the field of digitalization.

Following the talks, the delegation took part in a guided tour of the library led by our colleague, Gergő Kovács. The visitors showed great interest in the building and in the exhibited documents, objects, and the historical treasures of the library. The programme concluded with a special presentation showcasing some of the most outstanding rarities of the library. The selection also included ephemera and posters from the collection of the Hungarian National Museum Public Collection Centre (MNMKK OSZK) related to Uzbekistan.