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Former UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Rehman Chishti described the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan as a hub of scholarly knowledge that opens the way to the future through a deeper understanding of the past.

“It is a great honor for me to be at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. I deeply admire President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s vision and far-sighted initiative to establish such an international center of knowledge. To prepare for the future, people must first understand their history and heritage.

Islamic civilization has made an extraordinary contribution to medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and many other fields of science. Today, as we speak about quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, we should remember that all of these are built upon knowledge and mathematics. In this sense, the Center inspires young people to draw inspiration from the great scientific achievements of the past and create innovative solutions for the future.

As I walked through the Center, I learned a great deal myself. The legacy of Ibn Sina, the Islamic world’s contribution to the advancement of science, and Uzbekistan’s historic role along the Great Silk Road left a lasting impression on me. This Center is not only an important source of knowledge and inspiration for Uzbekistan, but for the entire world,” said Rehman Chishti.

As part of his visit, Rehman Chishti met with Gulnora Ganiyeva, Deputy Director for Research at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, and Jasur Najmiddinov, Scientific Secretary of the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on the Center’s academic and educational activities, the international promotion of the heritage of Islamic civilization, and opportunities for future cooperation. They also highlighted the Center’s role in expanding partnerships with leading international research institutions. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of scholarly collaboration in promoting the values of Islamic scholarship, enlightenment, and tolerance to a broader global audience.

Rehman Chishti also underscored the Center’s significance as an international platform that brings together Islamic enlightenment, tolerance, scholarship, and cultural heritage. In his view, institutions of this kind play a vital role in presenting the true essence of Islam — its values of knowledge, compassion, respect, and goodness to the international community.

At the conclusion of the visit, the guest signed the Center’s Book of Honored Guests. The Center’s leadership presented Rehman Chishti with a commemorative book highlighting the lives and scholarly contributions of great Muslim scholars, the development of New Uzbekistan, and the vision of the Third Renaissance.