Türkiye and Uzbekistan expand tourism cooperation ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Talks aimed at strengthening cooperation between Türkiye and Uzbekistan in tourism, religious, and cultural sectors are underway in Ankara as part of the long-term strategic partnership between the two countries.

A delegation led by Muzaffar Kamilov, head of the Department for Religious Affairs and Education under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan and rector of the International Islamic Academy, is visiting Türkiye.

During the visit, the Uzbek delegation held a meeting with representatives of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The talks were attended by Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Muzaffar Kamilov, and Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan Zayniddin Eshonkulov.

Both sides noted that relations between the two countries, based on mutual trust, have reached a new level in recent years, supported by political engagement from Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Special attention during the discussions was given to the development of the waqf system. The delegations exchanged information on Uzbekistan’s activities in the field of charitable endowments and tourism infrastructure development. The work of the “Waqf” public charitable foundation and the Agency for Social Protection was also highlighted for its role in strengthening social support and public solidarity.

The sides also discussed the development of pilgrimage tourism, ongoing reforms in the sector, and prospects for expanding cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on the link between pilgrimage tourism and waqf property, as well as the importance of jointly developing these areas.

Following the meetings, proposals were put forward to promote the tourism potential of both countries and expand cooperation in the tourism industry.