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Following their official meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the delegation led by Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

The European Union delegation became acquainted with the exhibitions and interactive educational spaces of the Islamic Civilization Center an institution created on the initiative and vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Representatives of the prominent organization acknowledged the Center not only as a place for preserving historical heritage, but also as an important step toward strengthening Uzbekistan’s presence in the international cultural sphere.

The EU commissioners, who had participated in the third “Central Asia – European Union” Economic Forum and the Investors Forum on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity held in Tashkent, explored the Center’s main exhibitions. They closely examined our unique 3,000-year historical heritage, ancient and medieval manuscripts, artifacts, the historical stages of development leading up to the present day, as well as the modern multimedia-equipped educational zones.

The European Union representatives expressed deep interest in the scientific approach employed in the creation of the Center, the modern structure of the exhibitions, the open learning environment, and the innovative solutions integrated throughout the space.

Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, shared his impressions of the Center, describing it as a unique platform that modernizes the presentation of not only Uzbekistan’s history, but also the entire Islamic civilization:

“I am truly impressed. In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to introduce the general public not only to your country’s history, but also to the history of Islam through a very modern and educational approach. With the opening of the Islamic Civilization Center, your country and the beautiful city of Tashkent in particular has gained a new level of attraction. This will help bring even more guests and tourists. My congratulations, because this is a very important initiative. It is essential that we never forget where we come from. When President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke about this Center, he emphasized that its main purpose is to educate people about history and to present Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance. Following the President’s recommendation, we were eager to visit this place,” he said.

Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, remarked that she was deeply impressed by the large-scale construction efforts, the advanced technologies used to preserve historical heritage, and the modern interactive solutions in the exhibitions. She emphasized her joy at being able to see the Center in person and highly praised the President’s efforts to protect and promote the culture and heritage of his people.

“I could not have imagined such a center. I was sincerely amazed by how beautifully you present all the aspects that are important to your history and modern life. I am very pleased to see this Center it is a great honor for me. I would also like to add that, as you know, the Islamic Civilization Center was built on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The idea of creating such a center and its entire purpose deserves the highest respect. I deeply appreciate presidents who do good for their people. Tradition and history are essential we must pass them down from generation to generation. Your President has done a truly noble deed for his people.

I first met President Shavkat Mirziyoyev some time ago in Brussels. This is our second meeting, and what I greatly appreciate is that your President works with a clear plan. During our next meeting, he made several important recommendations regarding our cooperation, and I fully agreed. There are major projects we can jointly implement. I am pleased to have this opportunity.”

Marta Kos further emphasized that tradition and culture are the foundation of every nation, and projects implemented by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in this field are extremely valuable and strategically important.