Uzbekistan’s policy of religious tolerance praised in Sweden

An international seminar titled “Religious tolerance in Uzbekistan, countering extremism and the reintegration of former members of terrorist groups” was held at the Swedish Parliament, the Riksdag, on March 24–25, the Dunyo news agency reported.

According to the report, an Uzbek delegation visited Stockholm to participate in the event. The delegation included Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan and Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiqnazar, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs Davronbek Makhsudov, Chairman of the Jewish Religious Community Arkadiy Isakharov, head of the German Lutheran Church Lyudmila Shmidt, Oliy Majlis deputy Dilorom Fayzieva, as well as prominent religious scholars and experts.

The seminar was attended by more than 120 participants, including members of the Riksdag, representatives of the Swedish government, political and expert circles, law enforcement agencies, religious communities, media representatives, and foreign ambassadors accredited in Stockholm.

Members of the delegation presented the results of comprehensive reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years in the religious sphere, particularly measures aimed at strengthening freedom of conscience and promoting an environment of tolerance.

In particular, a participant identified as D.N., who had been repatriated from conflict zones under the “Mehr” humanitarian operation, shared personal experiences highlighting Uzbekistan’s policy of forgiveness and its approach of combating ignorance through education. His remarks left a strong impression on the participants.