Kazakhstan Gains Observer Status in Asian Cultural Heritage Protection Alliance

Kazakhstan has obtained observer status in the Asian Alliance for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, according to the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan. The decision was announced at the alliance's fourth Council meeting in Hangzhou, China. More than 20 states sent officials from relevant agencies, along with representatives of international organisations working on heritage conservation and protection in conflict zones.

Kazakhstan was represented by Vice Minister of Culture and Information Aibek Sydykov. He described the country's experience cooperating with UNESCO and proposed three areas of cooperation with the alliance: training specialists and exchanging experience; remote monitoring of monuments using digital technologies and artificial intelligence; and joint archaeological and scientific research on Great Silk Road sites.

Sydykov also met the alliance's executive secretary-general, Xie Bin, to discuss future cooperation. Xie Bin praised Kazakhstan's decision to join as a resolute step and expressed hope for closer engagement, including possible full membership. He stressed that China and Kazakhstan share unique cultural ties. The alliance was created in 2023 at China's initiative and has operated as an intergovernmental organisation since 2024, headquartered in Beijing.