Uzbekistan seeks deeper ICESCO partnership to preserve Islamic heritage
Uzbekistan is stepping up cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev calling for broader collaboration on cultural preservation, education and heritage digitisation as the country continues to position itself as a leading centre of Islamic civilisation.
Uzbekistan has reaffirmed its ambition to become a leading centre for Islamic civilisation and cultural heritage, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev calling for expanded cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
The commitment was made during a meeting with ICESCO Director-General Dr Salim M. AlMalik, who was in Tashkent to participate in the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization. During the talks, both sides reviewed progress in their growing partnership and explored new opportunities to strengthen cooperation across education, science, culture and heritage preservation.
Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan attached great importance to working with ICESCO, one of the principal institutions under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as part of its broader efforts to preserve and promote the country's rich Islamic and historical legacy.
The meeting highlighted several milestones in the relationship. An ICESCO Chair has been established at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, while the organisation opened a representative office in Tashkent earlier this year, reflecting closer institutional cooperation.
The two sides also welcomed the inclusion of seven Uzbek tangible and intangible cultural heritage sites on the ICESCO Heritage List following the committee's meeting in February, a move seen as strengthening international recognition of the country's historical and cultural assets.
Looking ahead, discussions focused on expanding joint initiatives to restore, preserve and digitally archive historical monuments and rare manuscripts, while promoting Uzbekistan's cultural heritage through international media platforms and collaborative events.
The emphasis on digitisation aligns with Uzbekistan's broader strategy of combining heritage conservation with modern technology to increase global access to its centuries old historical treasures.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev presented Dr AlMalik with Uzbekistan's "Dustlik" (Friendship) Order in recognition of his personal contribution to promoting the country's cultural heritage and strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and ICESCO.
The award underscores the growing importance Tashkent places on cultural diplomacy as it seeks to deepen engagement with the wider Islamic world and reinforce its position as a regional hub for education, research and intercultural dialogue.
