President of Uzbekistan receives Arab League Secretary General

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Secretary General of the League of Arab States Amr Moussa at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 14 August.

"We know and respect you as one of the leading political figures not only in the Arab, but in the whole world," Islam Karimov said. "Participation of the Arab League in the international conference 'Contribution of Uzbekistan in development of Islamic civilization' will serve to further opening of Uzbekistan's role in development of Islamic civilization".

The Arab League member states acknowledge Uzbekistan's great role in the history of Islam and welcome current reforms in the country. In particular, they highly evaluate the activities to preserve monuments of Islamic culture in Uzbekistan.

Amr Moussa has headed the Arab League since 2001, and is a former Egyptian Foreign Minister and diplomat.

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) announced Tashkent as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2007. Amr Moussa noted that ISESCO's decision serves as an acknowledgement of Uzbekistan's contribution to preservation and enrichment of Islamic culture and its values. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the international conference and stressed that the Arab League was interested in cooperation with Uzbekistan on the regional and international issues.

Islam Karimov and Amr Moussa discussed further development of relations between Uzbekistan and the Arab League.