Uzbekistan Proposes Joint Expert Group To Address Islamophobia Through Dialogue

By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Uzbekistan has proposed the establishment of a joint expert group comprising Uzbek and Malaysian Islamic scholars as a platform for mutual dialogue, aimed at conveying the humanistic and peaceful nature of Islam to the international community and organising programmes to prevent Islamophobia.

The Rector of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, Prof Dr Muzaffar Kamilov, stated that Islamophobia is on the rise, particularly in Western societies, largely due to a lack of deep understanding of the true essence of Islamic teachings, as well as the destructive activities of fanatical movements operating under the guise of Islam.

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“Therefore, there is a strong need to identify and analyse the causes and factors influencing the formation of Islamophobia now, and to develop scientifically based proposals and recommendations to eliminate them,” he said during a roundtable discussion on the theme Cultural Heritage: A Bridge Between Uzbekistan and Malaysia, held at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia today.

The discussion was held in conjunction with the official visit of Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which begins today.

According to Kamilov, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan is open to and keen on developing bilateral cooperation with educational and scientific research institutions in Malaysia, particularly the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.

Referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Uzbekistan last year, he noted that the agreements reached during the visit to enhance cooperation in the higher education sector include the training and advanced professional development of personnel, the establishment of joint programmes between universities, and facilitating exchanges of expertise, scientific research, and academic staff.

"This cooperation has served to further intensify cooperation between our countries," he added.

Another proposal put forward by Kamilov during the discussion was for students enrolled in tourism courses at Malaysian higher education institutions to visit selected cities in Uzbekistan with a rich cultural heritage, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khorezm.

" This will enable the students to see the holy shrines where thinkers, scholars, and saints reside," he added.

The President of Uzbekistan is on an official visit to Malaysia until February 5, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office in December 2016.

In a statement on Tuesday (Feb 4), Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said Mirziyoyev would be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including seven Cabinet ministers – among them Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov – as well as other senior officials.

-- BERNAMA