On September 18, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Dale Brownback, who is in Uzbekistan on a working visit.

Welcoming the guest, the Head of the state noted with deep satisfaction the consistent strengthening of comprehensive cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States.

The results of the high-level negotiations held in Washington this May, which marked the beginning of a new era of Uzbekistan – American strategic partnership, were highly appreciated.

It was emphasized that Uzbekistan attaches great importance to development of constructive dialogue in the field of human dimension, including the provision of religious freedom and interfaith consent. As the President of Uzbekistan noted, the policy of Uzbekistan in the sphere of religion is based on creating equal conditions for representatives of all faiths.

Within the framework of implementation of the Development Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, specific measures have been taken for radically improving the activities in religious and educational sphere.

Large-scale activity is carried out on preserving and increasing the spiritual and moral foundations of our people’s mentality such as tolerance, charity, respect for national and universal values, aspiration for knowledge, as well as careful preservation of cultural heritage related to religious practice.

Particular attention is paid in the country to bringing to the general public the truly humanistic essence of Islam. The Center for Islamic Civilization, the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the International Scientific Research Center named after Imam Bukhari have been established.

Uzbekistan took the initiative to adopt a special resolution of the UN General Assembly “Enlightenment and religious tolerance”, aimed at ensuring universal access to education, strengthening tolerance and mutual respect, protecting freedom of conscience, religion and other rights of believers.

Samuel Dale Brownback, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, highly appreciated and noted the support of the American side for the large-scale reforms taking place in Uzbekistan.

The progress achieved by Uzbekistan in ensuring religious freedom and human rights was particularly noted.

Readiness for expanding the multifaceted Uzbekistan – American cooperation, including in issues of strengthening civil society institutions, ensuring tolerance and interfaith consent in the country was expressed.