Sergey Kurbanov

(Former Journalist, News Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan)

Author

Sergey Alexandrovich Kurbanov (a.k.a. Savchuk Kurbanov) was born on February, 13, 1956. He graduated from the Tashkent State University (now National University of Uzbekistan) with a degree in History in 1979 (1974-1979). He is Lecturer in history and sociology, Archaeologist, Associate PhD in history, and PhD in philosophy. He is Head of the project"Uzbekistan on the Silk Road", Member of the Artists Commission of the Artists Alliance at Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan. He worked at the news service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan from April 11, 1996 to December 31, 2002, wrote and edited a number of articles as international information chief editor. He has published articles in Japan, the UK, Greece, France, the US, Romania, Russia and other countries of the Commonwealth of the Independent States. He also published more than 150 academic articles in Uzbekistan, and more than 10,000 articles of popular science, current affairs, explanatory articles in magazines, newspapers, and websites.

Abstract

President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping's proposition of co-building the"Silk Road Economic Belt" and"21st Century Maritime Silk Road" is very constructive. It can help promote the ancient spirit of Silk Road and also enhance the mutual beneficial cooperation of many nations. This proposition has already gained immense support from various countries, including Uzbekistan.Uzbekistan plays a vital role in both the land and air traffic of the"Silk Road Economic Belt": Uzbekistan has the land and air traffic network which is highly developed and constantly improved. Uzbekistan occupies important geoeconomic strategic position in Central Asia, by passing Uzbekistan, we can have the shortest, most convenient and secure cross-continental transit passageway connecting the east and the west.The rebuilding of the transit passageway by passing Uzbekistan can stimulate the once active activities on the ancient Silk Road, including commodity exchange, communication of technology, personnel and thoughts. This will promote the development of economy, culture and social progress of all nations, which will also promote the dialogue and communication between different cultures. All these accomplishments will be recorded in the history of mankind.It's evident that the spirit of the Silk Road is peace, cooperation, openness, tolerance, and mutual development.Our ancestors have built such relations more than 2100 years ago: mutual respect, equal and mutual beneficial, and peaceful coexistence. These are all good qualities that we should encourage and inherit. Based upon such understanding, leaders of both Uzbekistan and China put forward the spirit of Silk Road by constructive actions. It is a timely act which shows wisdom, vision, and global viewpoint.Civilizations of China (along the Yellow River and Yangtze River) and Uzbekistan (along the Amu Darya, and Syr Darya) have thousands of years of history, they are among the most ancient civilizations.Scholars have come up with an interesting conclusion. It is proved that these two civilizations enjoyed parallel development, and for centuries these two civilizations have abundant trades and cultural exchanges with each other.At the same time, the more important exchange happened on thoughts, religious teaching, and ideology. Various ethnics in Central Asia have played an important role in introducing the Zoroastrianism and Buddhism into the east.Chinese silk, compass, paper making, movable type, and gunpowder are inventions of worldwide value. With the communication between China and Uzbekistan in history, these inventions have been introduced and promoted in Central Asia.The history of the Silk Road has proved that the best way of communication for different nations and their people lies not only in economic trade and political exchange. What need further expanding is the communication in cultures and technology, with mutual trust and non-governmental diplomacy.