This seminar, featured religious leaders from Uzbekistan (Muslim, Lutheran, Catholic, and Jewish communities), provided a platform for exchanging experiences with Sweden in promoting interfaith harmony, countering religious extremism, and supporting the reintegration and deradicalization of former members of radical Islamist groups.

Uzbekistan seminar in the Swedish Parliament with more than 120 participants, entitled: “Uzbekistan’s Experience in Countering Religious Extremism, Promoting Interreligious Dialogue, and Reintegrating Former Members of International Terrorist Organizations.”

A distinguished delegation from Uzbekistan participated, including Mr. Nuriddin Kholiknazar, Grand Mufti of Uzbekistan; Ms. Lyudmila Schmidt, Head of the German Lutheran Church in Uzbekistan; Mr. Arkadiy Isakharov, Head of the Jewish Community in Uzbekistan; Mr. Davronbek Makhsudov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs; and Mr. Odiljon Ernazarov, Head of Department at the Islamic Studies Academy.

Also participating from Uzbekistan was Ms. Dilnor Normatova, a woman formerly associated with a terrorist organization in the Middle East, who has been repatriated and successfully reintegrated in Uzbekistan under the humanitarian operation “Mehr.”

From the Swedish side, participants included H.E. Mr. Christian Kamill, Ambassador of Sweden and Special Envoy for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue; Dr. Svante E. Cornell, Co-founder and Director of the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP); and Mr. Tomas Koppelman Hellgren, Superintendent in the Stockholm County Police and counter-terrorism expert.

Following introductory remarks from several speakers, a panel discussion was held. Questions from the audience were also raised and addressed by the panel.

H.E. Mr. Nurmuhammad Rahmatulloh, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Sweden, delivered the closing remarks. After the seminar, the delegation held a separate meeting with Mr. Björn Söder and the Second Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Julia Kronlid.

The Members of Parliament, receive very limited support from the Riksdag Administration when organizing seminars, and Mr. Björn Söder was extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the Embassy of Uzbekistan, which made this event possible.