His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan commended the achievements of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in implementing the joint action plan with Uzbekistan, reaffirming his country’s commitment to continuing this partnership.

This came during a meeting held on Friday, 10 July 2026, at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, where the Uzbek President received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, accompanied by his delegation.

His Excellency the President expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s successful implementation of all the initiatives and programs included in the joint action plan signed more than two years ago, highlighting the tangible outcomes achieved in education, culture, science, and heritage preservation.

Moreover, the President praised the programs and projects carried out by ICESCO in Uzbekistan over recent years, noting his country’s strong commitment to Islamic civilization, safeguarding heritage, disseminating knowledge, promoting a culture of peace, and supporting initiatives that showcase the civilizational contributions of the Islamic world.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the President, commending his civilizational vision, personal engagement in overseeing joint projects, and dedication to advancing this partnership to broader horizons.

The ICESCO Director-General noted that the meeting addressed the development of a new action plan encompassing flagship initiatives in Islamic civilization, education, culture, science, heritage protection, and capacity building, with a view to strengthening Uzbekistan’s position and serving ICESCO Member States.

Additionally, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation for the strong support extended by the President to ICESCO, emphasizing that such support reflects his belief in the importance of joint action in advancing development efforts.

Dr. AlMalik further conveyed to the President the admiration expressed by participants in the International Forum on Islamic Civilization, The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment, held at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent on 7–8 July 2026, as well as the International Conference on Imam Al-Bukhari, hosted at the Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand. He noted that both events brought together leading muftis, ministers, scholars, researchers, intellectuals, and business leaders from across the world.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik renewed his thanks to the President, praising his vision, which has positioned the Republic of Uzbekistan as a global center for Islamic civilization, a hub for knowledge, and a platform for civilizational initiatives.

The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector. On the Uzbek side, attendees included Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; His Eminence Shaykh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan and Mufti of the Republic; Mr. Khayriddin Sultanov, Advisor to the President; and a number of senior presidential officials.