Doha, October 29 (QNA) - A symposium organized by the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations, in cooperation with the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the role of Islamic centers in Qatar and Uzbekistan in promoting Islamic civilization. The event formed part of cultural cooperation between the two countries and their joint efforts to promote Islamic cultural heritage.

Held today at the Diplomatic Institute, the symposium was attended by HE Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari and HE Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar Ashraf Khodjaev, along with diplomats, officials, and heads of scientific and religious institutions.

In his opening remarks, HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari emphasized that the State of Qatar has embraced cultural diplomacy as a consistent approach to building bridges between cultures, guided by its belief that culture can achieve what politics sometimes cannot and that books can open hearts in ways that negotiations cannot.

His Excellency said the Qatar National Library sees itself not merely as a repository of books, but as a window through which nations can connect, highlighting its collection of rare manuscripts and printed materials reflecting the contributions of scholars from Transoxiana, as well as its expertise in preservation, restoration, and digitization that can help foster cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Uzbekistan in promoting Islamic civilization.

His Excellency noted that he had discussed prospects for cooperation with the head of the Islamic Civilization Center in the Republic of Uzbekistan. He emphasized the importance of continuing joint work on heritage preservation and digitization, exchanging exhibitions and expertise, and supporting researchers in both countries to help build a more just and humane future.

For his part, HE Ambassador Ashraf Khodjaev affirmed the depth and strength of strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Uzbekistan, praising the historical and cultural ties shared by the two nations.

His Excellency noted the continued development of bilateral relations, noting that they are founded on shared interests, mutual commitment, and constructive cooperation. He highlighted the importance of reciprocal high-level visits by the two countries' leaders in advancing their strategic partnership across various fields.

HE the Ambassador also reviewed the historical significance of Islamic civilization and its contributions to science, education, philosophy, and literature. He noted that Uzbekistan is home to prominent centers of civilization that produced distinguished scholars, including Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, and Al-Khwarizmi.

His Excellency emphasized that preserving this intellectual heritage is not simply about recalling the past, but also about investing in the future and strengthening mechanisms for dialogue between civilizations. He expressed hope that the symposium would enhance diplomatic and cultural cooperation and lead to practical initiatives between the two countries.

For his part, HE Secretary of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations Ambassador Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Sada affirmed that Islamic centers in the State of Qatar play a vital role in promoting Islamic civilization and sharing its humanitarian and cultural values through their outreach and educational activities, lectures, seminars, and exhibitions showcasing the history of Islam and its contributions to the development of arts and literature.

His Excellency said these centers derive their importance from their role in fostering intercultural dialogue and introducing the principles of Islam, which are rooted in tolerance, justice, solidarity, and respect for humanity, pointing out that these efforts are particularly significant in light of the State of Qatar's cultural openness and the diversity of its nationalities and cultures, making Islamic centers an effective channel for building mutual understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Meanwhile, HE Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in the Republic of Uzbekistan Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov affirmed that bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Uzbekistan continue to develop, underpinned by mutual respect, shared values, and the commitment of both countries' leaders to strengthening cooperation across various fields.

His Excellency reviewed the center's efforts to preserve historical and scientific heritage and highlight the contributions of Muslim imams and scholars, including Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, al-Biruni, and others who left a lasting mark on human civilization.

He explained that the center's work rests on several key pillars: preserving and studying manuscripts and historical documents, establishing exhibition halls and miniature museums, and using modern technologies to present history and cultural heritage. Its work also includes strengthening scientific and educational cooperation through exchanges of expertise among scholars and young researchers, and fostering international cultural dialogue between museums and cultural and educational institutions.

The symposium concluded with a panel discussion entitled 'Islamic Civilization: The Great Spiritual Heritage of Uzbekistan and Qatar', moderated by Senior Consultant at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nowzad Abdulrahman Al Hiti. Participants included Director of Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Dr. Aisha Yousef Al Mannai, Researcher at the Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center Dr. Mukhtar Mohammed Mukhtar, and Vice President of the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan Dr. Ilhomjon Bekmirzaev. (QNA)