BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 30. Chairperson of
Uzbekistan's Senate Tanzila Narbayeva met with Ahmad Muzani,
speaker of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), to
discuss expanding strategic cooperation and strengthening
interparliamentary ties during his official visit to
Uzbekistan.


This was reflected in the statement by the Senate of Oliy
Majlis.


The two sides reviewed ways to deepen the strategic partnership
between Uzbekistan and Indonesia, with a focus on enhancing
parliamentary cooperation and broadening political, economic and
cultural relations.


"The parties agreed to intensify the work of interparliamentary
friendship groups, prepare joint cooperation documents, organize
interparliamentary forums and implement academic and educational
projects dedicated to the study of Islamic civilization and its
rich heritage," the Senate said in the statement.


Muzani praised Uzbekistan's ongoing reforms, describing the
country's development efforts, open foreign policy and initiatives
to preserve and promote the heritage of Islamic civilization as
significant achievements, the statement said.


The meeting also highlighted the historical role of the
14th-15th century scholar and Islamic preacher Malik Ibrahim
Samarkandi, who is widely credited with helping spread Islam on the
Indonesian island of Java. Officials said this shared historical
heritage continues to serve as a foundation for close relations
between the two nations.







The parliamentary leaders noted that regular dialogue between
the presidents of Uzbekistan and Indonesia has helped elevate
bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, culture, education and
parliamentary diplomacy.


The sides also discussed accelerating negotiations on a free
trade agreement, advancing the mutual recognition of halal
certificates and expanding exports of agricultural products.


Additional areas of cooperation included strengthening regional
partnerships, promoting tourism, particularly pilgrimage tourism,
further simplifying visa procedures, expanding cooperation between
universities and continuing joint cultural and humanitarian
initiatives.


At the conclusion of the visit, Muzani signed the Senate's Book
of Honored Guests, reaffirming Indonesia's commitment to further
developing interparliamentary relations with Uzbekistan.