The First International Forum on Islamic Civilization being held in Uzbekistan is an important opportunity to bring together scholars and intellectuals to address today's contemporary challenges.

In my view, Uzbekistan has set a new example for the Islamic world. The country is taking significant steps to revive Islamic civilization and preserve its rich heritage.

There is no doubt that Uzbekistan is a land of knowledge, scholarship, and great thinkers. Many of the most renowned scholars and imams in Islamic history emerged from the land of Transoxiana, particularly from cities such as Bukhara, Termez, and Samarkand. These blessed lands have made an unparalleled contribution to the Islamic Ummah.

On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Government of Uzbekistan, the people of Uzbekistan, and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan for organizing this forum at the highest level.

The Republic of Maldives and the Republic of Uzbekistan are both part of the Islamic world, and both are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. To my knowledge, many young people and tourists from Uzbekistan visit the Maldives for their holidays. Our country is world-renowned for its tourism industry, and we are always delighted to welcome them.

We also look forward to visiting Uzbekistan. The country is distinguished by its beautiful nature, rich history, and remarkable civilization. God willing, we will also actively promote Uzbekistan's tourism potential in the Republic of Maldives.

The Republic of Maldives has always maintained a firm stance against religious extremism, takfirism, and terrorism. I also encourage our brothers and sisters in Uzbekistan to remain firmly committed to Islam's path of moderation, which calls for tolerance, mutual understanding, and rejection of religious extremism.

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an: "Thus We have made you a middle nation so that you may be witnesses over humanity." We are a nation that calls for goodness, peace, and tolerance. Islam is the religion of peace. Even when we meet one another, we greet each other by saying, "Assalamu Alaikum," a greeting that conveys wishes of peace, safety, and security.

Therefore, as Muslims, we must stand together in combating extremism, religious fanaticism, and terrorism. Terrorism is unequivocally forbidden in Islam.