Tanzila Narbaeva and Ahmad Muzani Discuss Free Trade Agreement and Halal Certification

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva held an official meeting with a representative delegation from the Republic of Indonesia, led by the Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly, Ahmad Muzani.

During the high-level dialogue, the parties thoroughly discussed a range of issues related to further strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership, elevating interparliamentary cooperation to a fundamentally new level, and expanding multifaceted trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties.

The institutional development of interparliamentary contacts was a central theme of the agenda. The interlocutors reached a firm agreement to activate the activities of relevant friendship groups, jointly develop roadmaps for cooperation, and regularly organize bilateral interparliamentary forums. Special emphasis was placed on launching joint scientific and educational projects dedicated to the deep study and popularization of the rich heritage of Islamic civilization.

Ahmad Muzani highly praised the large-scale internal reforms and constructive foreign policy of New Uzbekistan. He specifically noted the unique historical role of the great Sufi scholar Malik Ibrahim Samarkandi (late 14th – early 15th centuries), who played a key role in the spread of Islam on the island of Java, emphasizing that due to this spiritual connection, the Indonesian people regard Uzbekistan with special sacred respect.

Turning to trade and economic cooperation, the participants noted that the trust-based dialogue between the leaders of the two states has opened up new opportunities for business. The parties exchanged views on priority economic tracks, such as accelerating intergovernmental negotiations on the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the mutual recognition of national Halal certificates of conformity, and the diversification of agricultural product supplies to the markets of both countries.

At the conclusion of the talks, the sides emphasized the importance of boosting pilgrimage tourism (Ziyorat tourism), further simplifying visa procedures for citizens on a mutual basis, and strengthening direct academic ties between the leading universities of Uzbekistan and Indonesia.

Following the visit, Ahmad Muzani left a commemorative entry in the Book of Honored Guests of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.