Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov has stated that organizing national festivals is more important than paving streets when commenting on cultural event expenditures.

At the International Music Festival "Sharq Taronalari" in Samarkand on 28 August, he explained that culture is under threat and that funding for events such as the "Maqom," "Bakhshichilik," and "Hunarmandlar" festivals is crucial for preserving cultural heritage.

Ozodbek Nazarbekov emphasized that the fight to maintain traditional values and culture takes precedence, despite other infrastructural needs.

He also expressed concern about the impact of globalization on traditional cultures and stressed the need to protect and promote cultural values on the international stage.