STOCKHOLM, March 26. /Dunyo IA/. On March 24–25, the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) hosted an international seminar titled “Uzbekistan’s Experience in Religious Tolerance, Countering Extremism, and Reintegration of Former Members of Terrorist Groups”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The seminar was attended by a delegation of Uzbekistan led by the Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov. The delegation also included First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs Davronbek Makhsudov, Chairman of the Jewish Religious Community Arkady Isakharov, Head of the German Lutheran Church Lyudmila Schmidt, Member of Parliament Dilorom Fayziyeva, as well as scholars and experts in religious studies.

Participants included members of the Riksdag, representatives of the Swedish government, political and expert communities, law enforcement bodies, religious organizations, media representatives, and ambassadors of several countries accredited in Stockholm.

During the seminar, Uzbek representatives presented comprehensive information on large-scale reforms in the religious sphere, efforts to foster an environment of religious tolerance and freedom of belief, as well as systemic measures aimed at strengthening interethnic harmony and their effective outcomes.

In her remarks, a participant repatriated to Uzbekistan under the “Mehr” humanitarian operation shared insights into the practical significance of the policy of forgiveness toward individuals who had been misled into extremist movements, emphasizing the importance of education and combating ignorance.

Uzbekistan’s experience in promoting religious tolerance and preventing radicalization was highly appreciated by Swedish officials and experts.

Head of the Sweden–Central Asia Friendship Group in the Riksdag, Swedish politician Björn Söder, noted Uzbekistan’s advanced experience in state religious policy and countering extremism and terrorism, emphasizing that expanding practical cooperation in these areas serves the interests of both countries.

Special Representative of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christian Kamil, highlighted that Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen interfaith dialogue and harmony among religions can serve as an example for many countries.

“In recent years, Uzbekistan has chosen a humanitarian and dialogue-based approach to counter religious radicalization and extremism. In particular, the repatriation of women and children under the ‘Mehr’ operation is not merely a humanitarian act but a powerful measure addressing the root causes of radicalization. Uzbekistan’s experience demonstrates that interfaith dialogue is a reliable foundation for security”, - the Swedish diplomat noted.

Director of the Institute for Security and Development Policy, political scientist Svante Cornell, emphasized that Uzbekistan is one of the key historical centers of the Muslim world and contributes significantly to promoting religious tolerance and interethnic harmony. He also noted that the recently established Center of Islamic Civilization, initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, further strengthens this legacy.

“The effectiveness of countering extremism and radicalization in Uzbekistan is demonstrated not only through enforcement measures but also through spiritual and social approaches”, - Svante Cornell stated.

Following the seminar, the parties unanimously emphasized that open dialogue and exchange of experience will contribute to strengthening mutual trust, equal partnership, and long-term cooperation between Uzbekistan and Sweden.