Baku: Strengthening cooperation in the fields of religion and education across the Turkic world is essential, Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sodik Toshboyev said at the first meeting of the heads of religious institutions of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Shusha, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Sodik Toshboyev emphasized that the event marks the beginning of a new stage of cooperation in religious affairs within the framework of the OTS. He highlighted the pressing need for closer coordination among state institutions due to global challenges, radicalism, extremism, and attempts to exploit religious issues for political purposes.

The committee chairman proposed the establishment of a permanent working group composed of representatives from the religious institutions of OTS member states. He advocated for strengthening joint efforts against radicalism and the exchange of experiences in combating religious fanaticism in the online environment.

Toshboyev also stated Uzbekistan's readiness to offer educational opportunities for young people from OTS member states at institutions such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Mir Arab. He proposed organizing short-term scientific exchange programs for scholars and researchers, developing pilgrimage tourism, and preparing joint religious and educational materials. Additionally, he suggested creating an encyclopedia titled "Scholars of the Turkic World."

In conclusion, he invited all delegations to the "Islam Forum," scheduled for July 9-11 in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez. Toshboyev emphasized Uzbekistan's readiness for open and systematic cooperation with brotherly countries to implement the proposed initiatives.