Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 17 November, an international scientific and practical conference on the topic "Interethnic harmony and religious tolerance is the guarantee of society’s stability" was held at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan.

The event was opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Minister of Tourism and Sports Aziz Abdukhakimov. The chairman of the committee on interethnic relations and relations of friendship with foreign countries under the Cabinet of Ministers Rustam Kurbonov, deputy chairman of the committee on international affairs and inter-parliamentary relations of the Legislative Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan, doctor of political sciences Kadir Juraev, chairman of the committee on religious affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers Sodik Tashboev, Pierre von Arcs, OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan attended the event.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov especially noted that Uzbekistan, an ancient and glorious land for many centuries, was a center located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, where various civilizations and cultures interacted, and not only trade, but also humanitarian ties were carried out.

“In recognition of our practical work on the implementation of democratic reforms, ensuring human rights and freedoms and the rule of law in recent years, Uzbekistan was first elected a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council. In turn, the consistent and thoughtful strategy of the head of state, aimed at strengthening the atmosphere of cooperation, mutual respect and solidarity between different nationalities and confessions, support for interethnic and intercultural dialogue, finds full support from the international community. Uzbekistan is a country with enormous opportunities and wealth, but our greatest wealth is peace and stability, mutual respect and harmony between representatives of different nationalities and ethnic groups, religious confessions,” Aziz Abdukhakimov said.

In order to appeal to the peoples of the world for tolerance, the preservation of peace and the achievement of socio-economic well-being, on 16 November 1995, at the 28th session of the UNESCO General Conference, the Declaration on the Principles of Tolerance was adopted. In accordance with it, this date is celebrated as "International Day of Tolerance". In this regard, the country has a unique experience in approaching the issues of religious tolerance, interethnic harmony, these principles are enshrined in Article 18 of the Constitution of Uzbekistan.

In addition, in the strategy of actions in five priority areas of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021, special attention is paid to the issues of ensuring interethnic harmony and religious tolerance.

Currently in Uzbekistan, representatives of more than 130 nationalities profess 16 different confessions and live in peace and harmony. All the necessary conditions have been created to ensure their rights and freedoms, receive education, acquire a profession, respect and develop the traditions and values inherent in their nation. 

The International Day of Tolerance is widely celebrated throughout the republic every year. In order to strengthen the atmosphere of friendship and tolerance in our society, educate young people in the spirit of love and devotion to the Motherland, respect for national and universal values, develop friendly relations with foreign countries, a "Week of Tolerance" is held, consisting of various events, conferences, round tables, concert programs.