The Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia expanded its membership to 26 countries during its fourth council meeting in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sunday. Egypt was approved as a partner state, while Kazakhstan joined as an observer state.
Established in 2023, the alliance serves as the first intergovernmental organization in Asia focused on cultural heritage. The initiative, led by China, aims to promote cooperation among Asian nations in preserving and sharing cultural heritage.
Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted the significance of Egypt’s new status as a partner state, stating it reflects the nation’s longstanding historical exchanges and connections with Asian countries. He expressed Egypt’s commitment to share its expertise in cultural heritage protection and support the alliance’s initiatives.
Aibek Sydykov, Kazakhstan’s vice-minister of culture and information, discussed the importance of his country joining as an observer state, viewing it as a chance to enhance cooperation with Asian nations on cultural heritage matters. He noted that Kazakhstan intends to focus on areas like talent development, technology use, and collaborative research moving forward.
The meeting also addressed the alliance’s recent achievements and future priorities. Over the past year, it has executed over 20 projects across more than 10 countries, including Cambodia, the Maldives, and Azerbaijan. These initiatives encompass activities such as restoring ancient sites, conducting joint archaeological work, and training personnel to protect shared cultural heritage.
Rao Quan, chairman of the Council of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia and director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, mentioned that the alliance has made significant strides toward becoming an established intergovernmental organization. He emphasized the need for the alliance to build on its successes, enhance cooperation, and foster innovation as it moves into its next phase.
