CAECA (Central-Asian European Creative Alliance) invited distinguished guests, speakers and participants for the first cross-cultural dialogue “When cultural diplomacy and international cultural relations collide?!” which took place at the premises of Holland House Brussels on the 18th of June 2026 showing the importance of cultural diplomacy of cultural (also textile) heritage, ornaments, biennials and expos, meaning that diplomacy could be led by government, but also independent players as platforms and playgrounds of cultural representations!
When Cultural Diplomacy and International Cultural Relations Collide” dialogue-soirée was the first event of such kind where we elaborated on cultural events, ranging from art biennials, exhibitions, to expos, pavilions and museums as parts of “soft power” tools in order to foster international trust, mutual understanding and establish dialogues, build bridges between world nations, promote identities, win friends, influence people, also enhance collaborations on complex issues!
© photo Anna Belousova
Central-Asian European Creative Alliance highlighted the importance of international collaborations, forming strategic alliances and use ability to attract rather than coerce! Also jointly create projects together, side-by-side!
The pianist Jannat Huseinzoda © photo Anna Belousova
The event was organized by CAECA and will opened by Yelena Kharitonova and will be followed by Gaia Danese, who is EEAS’s international Cultural Relations and Public Diplomacy Leading Lady and who will explain how cultural diplomacy collides with international cultural relations of the EU!
© photo Anna Belousova
We had special guests from the Embassies of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, based in Belgium. We gathered together and discussed how international biennials, events, fashion shows, expos and museums could be cultural ambassadors with our speakers:
-Yelena van Kharitonova -Founder of CAECA Welcomed and introduced all to the theme;
We had an impressive list of speakers:
-Giulia Elmi Pandolfi-EEAS, Unit-International Cultural Relations, Public Diplomacy: “Bridging Cultural Diplomacy and International Cultural Relations, challenges and opportunities now; thank you Gaia Danese for the inspiration of it!
© photo Anna Belousova
-Sapar Palvanov -Ambassador of Turkmenistan “Antique etnic jewellery, textiles and tapestry’s diplomacy-Treasures from Turkmenistan”;
-Behzod Ikromov -Embassy of Tajikistan, “Textile Diplomacy in Tajikistan as living cultural heritage”;
-Arie Vos-Director of CIVILIZATIONS, participation in antique fair, impact diplomacy;
-Thisvi Ekmetzoglou-President of a Discovery network ASBL; Founder of Initiative “United Hellenic Women Club”-“International Biennials-Art and Cultural Olympics nowadays”!
-Nilufar Bulut, PhD, ex-UN diplomat & artist,
“Countries, cultures and colors we carry within;
© photo Anna Belousova
Musical performance of Jannat Huseinzoda was excellent and a perfect chance to wrap up with the evening!, Jannat is a musician, composer and conductor! We had a magnificent vintage textiles, crafts, kindly provided by Atelier Kal Tapis ( which is based between Sablon and Marolles in Brussels) and traditional delights, kindly offered by The Embassy of Tajikistan in Belgium! This wonderful experience will be continued in September when the third Central-Asian European Creative Forum will take place!
Shanyraq Fest Brussels, Kazakhstan in Belgium
