Leaders of Islamic institutions and centres in Uzbekistan have commended the pioneering role played by Qatar in spreading the principles of the tolerant Islamic religion in the world, and providing various types of support and assistance to Islamic countries in normal circumstances or times of crisis.
Deputy chairperson of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan Dr Uygun Gafurov said that Qatar has become a role model for developed Islamic countries, which have kept pace with renaissance and modernity, while preserving their traditions and customs derived from the principles of the Islamic region.
In a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was an opportunity for Qatar to appear as a developed and advanced country, adding that Qatar has presented to the world an unprecedented edition of the World Cup, which at the same time contributed to spreading the principles of Islam, and promoting Islam's tolerance to the world.
Qatar is also a pioneer in the field of dialogue among civilisations and dialogue between religions, especially after having launched multiple editions of the Conference of Inter-faith Dialogue over the past years, which granted the country a prominent role in this field, at the regional and global level, Dr Gafurov added.
He described the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Uzbekistan as an important step to enhance bilateral relations in Islamic matters, which will not only benefit the two countries, but the entire Islamic world.
He emphasised the importance of co-operation between Uzbekistan and Qatar in Islamic sciences and modern knowledge, which serve the Muslim world, especially since Qatar is one of the advanced countries in education and research.
Uzbekistan is one of the countries interested in Islamic sciences and their development, based on its long history in this field, he added.
Director of the Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan Shaazim Minovarov said that the Uzbek people welcome the visit of His Highness the Amir, noting that they also appreciate the noble and courageous stances that Qatar has always taken in support of the Islamic world.
In addition to strengthening bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar, the visit of His Highness will also contribute to strengthening fraternal ties between two Islamic countries, he added.
Minovarov explained that Uzbekistan, which has been the homeland of prominent scholars of the Islamic nation, such as Imam Bukhari, Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Sina, is proud of its similarity to Qatar in terms of focusing on science, research and innovation in all fields.
He added that the distinguished relations between the two countries will pave the way for more co-operation in the field of Islamic sciences and modern science.
Minovarov also stressed the importance of strengthening economic and trade ties between Qatar and Uzbekistan.
He welcomed the co-operation with Qatar authorities that specialise in the field of research, science and Islamic studies, citing the memorandum of understanding signed by the centre with the Qatar National Library (QNL) to enhance co-operation in efforts to preserve and protect the documentary heritage, to facilitate access to it, and to the exchange of publications and digital copies of manuscripts, which fall within the public domain on topics of mutual interest.
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