Uzbek and Kyrgyz people have been living shoulder to shoulder for centuries. The root of these nations is the same. They lived in peace by exchanging in marriages.
Two great writers and state figures Chingiz Aytmatov and Sharof Rashidov were close friends.
After acquiring independence, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan established diplomatic relations. In 1992 Kyrgyzstan opened its embassy, while Uzbekistan opened its embassy in Bishkek in 1998. In 1996 two countries signed “Agreement on Eternal Friendship” which became legal basis for the relationship for two countries. 181 official documents had been signed until 2005.
But the issue of using trans-border rivers has lately caused misunderstanding between two countries.
Nowadays these two countries which have missed previous ties are renovating their relationships now. Sooranbay Jeenbekov, President of Kyrgyzstan paid an official visit to Uzbekistan.
“Kyrgyzstan is our close neighbor. That’s why there should not be any border between us. We opened our hearts to each other and for this reason we need to solve any issue”, said President of Uzbekistan.
In its turn, Sooronbay Jeenbekov expressed deep gratitude to Shavkat for the invitation and on behalf of people conveyed deep respect. President of Kyrgyzstan highly evaluated the efforts of Shavkat Mirziyoyev by saying: “You have turned our borders into real friendship, good neighborhood and partnership borders.”
Uzbekistan’s foreign policy highlights the importance of development successful relationships with neighbors. It has lately been observed an active integration process among Central Asian countries. Particularly, relations with Kyrgyzstan are leveling up. Visits between governmental bodies are widening.
During the meeting President Jeenbekov stressed his support for the President Mirziyoyev’s initiative for organizing constant advisory meetings with Central Asian leaders.
It is meaningful here to mention the participation of Maksatbek Toktomeshov, Muftiy of Kyrgyzstan at the International Scientific-practical conference called “Islamic solidarity in the example of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan” which was hosted by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on October 18th of the current year. Muftiy of Kyrgyzstan Maksatbek Toktomeshov:
The visit of President of Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan will bring our relationships into new level. For this reason people of both countries are observing with great positive hopes.
Press service,
Muslim Board of Uzbekistan
At the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the mosque that is being built in Chilanzar district will be named after Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf.
The President of Uzbekistan visited the construction site of this mosque, in Tashkent.
Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf was a scholar, not only well-known in Uzbekistan, but also recognized throughout the Islamic world, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He devoted his life to studying and promoting the foundations of our sacred religion, educating youth in the spirit of enlightened Islam.
Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf in 1989, in a very difficult time, became chairman, mufti of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. That period has a special place in the history as the time of revival of Islamic science, religious traditions and values. He made a great contribution to resolution of many unnecessary disagreements in those difficult years.
As mufti he conducted wide international activity, became able to establish and develop cultural and enlightenment ties with many Islamic countries.
Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf as mufti and as a deputy of the Supreme Council of the former union introduced an appeal to the government, which set out issues of respecting the rights of Muslims, creating necessary conditions for them.
Coming out with such an initiative at a time when the totalitarian ideology was dominant, without a doubt, was a great feat, said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. As a result, the Soviet government changed its policy towards Muslims, mosques and madrassas were opened, the number of pilgrims performing the Hajj increased. In 1990, 500 Muslims succeeded in performing the Hajj from the Central Asian republics through the city of Tashkent. This is a great result, considering that at that time only 20-30 people from the whole union went to the Hajj annually.
Sheikh Muhammad Sadik enjoyed great respect and authority among Muslims of the whole world. He was a member of such authoritative organizations as the Executive Bureau of the Assembly of Islamic Scholars and World Thinkers, the International Union of Muslim Scholars, the Muslim World League, the Royal Academy of Jordan. He was awarded the “Laurel of the Nile” gold medal of the Arab Republic of Egypt. It should be emphasized that no one in the history of modern Uzbekistan has reached such heights in the Islamic sciences as he did.
An outstanding scholar wrote more than 100 books on various religious and enlightenment themes. Wise words, conversations, speeches on radio and television, books, including audiobooks of the Sheikh took a firm place in the life of people of Uzbekistan.
With his profound knowledge, good instruction and exemplary activities, Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf is an example of conscientious service for the sake of the Motherland and development of religion. Studying his life and scientific activity, familiarizing people with his heritage is an honorable duty.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, getting acquainted with the project of the mosque, noted the need for its further improvement, studying the proposals of the population and religious figures.