The Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On March 24 of this year, within the framework of the visit of the Uzbek delegation to Sweden, a series of important meetings were held aimed at strengthening religious, educational, and social ties between the two countries.

The program began with talks held with the Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden for interfaith dialogue, Ambassador Kristian Kamil, as well as officials responsible for Central Asia and the Middle East.

Members of the delegation, led by First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs Davronbek Makhsudov and Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, Mufti Shaykh Nuriddin Kholiqnazar, provided detailed information on the reforms being implemented in the country based on the principle of “Enlightenment against Ignorance,” as well as on the positive developments in ensuring interfaith tolerance and freedom of conscience.

The Swedish side highly appreciated Uzbekistan’s efforts to create an environment of unity among representatives of different religious confessions and its leading role in fostering regional cooperation, expressing readiness for open and constructive dialogue in the religious sphere.

In the afternoon, during a meeting with Vice-Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Yulia Kronlid, issues related to the development of interparliamentary cooperation and the practical outcomes of reforms in the socio-religious sphere were discussed.

During the dialogue, particular emphasis was placed on the historic reforms carried out in recent years at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, aimed at ensuring freedom of religion, improving mosques and madrasas, and developing religious education.

Furthermore, discussions were held on establishing direct cooperation between the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan and relevant Swedish organizations to meet the spiritual needs of Uzbek citizens residing and working in Sweden, as well as to convey the authentic values of Islam.

In addition, meetings were held with representatives of various religious confessions.

At the conclusion of the meetings, representatives of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis put forward important proposals to elevate interparliamentary cooperation to a new level and once again emphasized the strategic importance of bilateral relations.

Committee on Religious Affairs
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