Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - A video conference was held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kuala Lumpur with the leadership of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), during which the parties discussed issues of expanding cooperation with research institutions of Uzbekistan, Dunyo reported.

During the event, information was presented on the reforms being carried out in the republic in the areas of improving the education system, ensuring religious freedom and tolerance, comprehensive support for young people, as well as the activities of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan and the International Research Center Imam Bukhari. It is emphasized that Uzbekistan pays much attention to the issue of the correct perception and understanding of religion of Islam.

In turn, the Director General of the Institute of Islamic Understanding of Malaysia, Azizan Bakharuddin, noted that the whole world and the international community are facing a global threat - the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In this regard, A. Bakharuddin highly appreciated the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to create a nationwide movement “Compassion and Support”. The Institute’s leadership believes that this decision is timely and important in the holy month of Ramadan for all Muslims, when the performance of good deeds is considered a duty of every Muslim.

As a result of the video conference, the parties agreed to sign a cooperation agreement between IKIM and Uzbek scientific institutions. The areas of cooperation will cover the organization of advanced training courses, the exchange of faculty, the organization of internships for students on a parity basis, as well as joint research on the study of ancient manuscripts stored in Uzbekistan and the publication of scientific materials in Uzbek and Malaysian publications.

IKIM management will also take part in the international online conference “Bukhara - the capital of Islamic culture”, which will be held on 28-29 May 2020.

IKIM was established in 1992 to plan and conduct fundamental and in-depth research in the field of scientific Islam. The Institute has a Center for the Study of Sharia, Islamic Law and Politics (Center for the Study of Shari’ah, Law & Politics - SYARAK), a Center for Science and Environment Studies (Center for Science and Environment Studies - KIAS) and a Center for Economic and Social Studies (Center for Economics & Social Studies - EMAS).