In a speech delivered on behalf of Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Social and Cultural Affairs Tarig Ali Bakheet emphasised the importance of promoting and strengthening cultural exchange among OIC member states at a conference on ‘The Role of Scholars and Intellectuals of the Tajiks in the Development of Islamic Culture and Civilisation’ in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and organised in collaboration with the OIC.
He also said cultural meetings showcase the beauty of the Islamic cultural heritage and bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings among Muslims and the surrounding community as well as crucial steps toward fostering greater understanding and cooperation.
Two officials from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Dr Haji Supri bin Haji Sudin and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Development Management Muhammed Sahrin bin Haji Masri were among the attendees at the conference. Other notable attendees included Tajikistan’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of Islamic affairs and representatives from OIC institutions.
The international conference featured a variety of cultural activities, academic panels and intellectual debates aimed at showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Tajikistan. – Azlan Othman
