The parties discussed in detail the development of mutually beneficial cooperation, primarily the expansion of ties in pilgrimage tourism. They exchanged views on improving the organization of visits by Indonesian pilgrims to Samarkand, particularly to the Imam Bukhari Complex.

“Strengthening trade and economic cooperation with Indonesia and developing tourism ties undoubtedly serve the interests of both sides”, says Mr. Boboyev. “The implementation of the Umrah+ program, which will enable Indonesian Muslims to visit Samarkand, the Imam Bukhari Mausoleum, and other holy sites, benefits both parties. We also welcome the expansion of cooperation in education and culture and are ready to develop these areas consistently”.

“Before arriving in Uzbekistan, we considered shortening our trip, but now we regret it and are already planning to make our next visit longer”, says Ahmad Muzani. “Despite its brevity, the visit proved highly productive, and important agreements were reached to expand cooperation. The Umrah+ program is particularly important to us. Muslims make up a significant share of our country’s population of 244 million, and Samarkand is of great interest to them. The religious figures who accompanied us are already discussing the development of pilgrimage tourism with representatives of the relevant agencies. This will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the number of Indonesian restaurants in Samarkand and more Indonesian-speaking staff at retail outlets”.

Proposals were put forward to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly through the launch of direct flights. The Hokim of Samarkand region said that a Samarkand entrepreneur would soon open a restaurant serving Uzbek national cuisine in Indonesia.

At the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, the delegation met with representatives of the religious community and Islamic scholars from the Samarkand Region, visited the Imam Bukhari Complex, and performed Friday prayers at the mosque on its grounds.

The delegation also became familiar with the industrial and investment potential of Samarkand region, major manufacturing enterprises, and fruit and vegetable packaging and processing plants.

G. Khasanov, photos by A. Isroilov, UzA