Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Abdullah Badawi invited Uzbek scholars to Malaysia to study how the Islam Hadhari concept was being practised.

Abdullah said the scholars could undertake research and engage in discussions with their Malaysian counterparts and experience first-hand Islam Hadhari as practised in Malaysia.

“I have been speaking about Islam Hadhari in many countries over the past five years,” the prime minister said, adding that he would be happy to engage in deeper discussions with Uzbekistan on this subject.

“Both Malaysia and Uzbekistan are fully aware that at the international level, Islam promotes peace and friendship, not only between Muslims but also between Muslims and non-Muslims.”

On developing cooperation in the trade sector, Abdullah said Uzbekistan should look beyond its borders and work towards becoming a trading hub in Central Asia.

“Just like Malaysia, Uzbekistan has vast natural resources. Both countries should look at developing an industry based on agriculture. This is one area where both countries will have to cooperate further as the returns are high.”

Later, at a press conference at the Presidential Residence (Durmen) here, Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, a stong supporter of the Islam Hadhari concept, was full of praise for Malaysia which he described as “progressive and one of the top trading nations in the world".

He said Uzbekistan was looking to using Malaysia as a springboard to further its trade in Southeast Asia.

“I am amazed with the progress made by Malaysia in the trade sector.

“They are one of the top 10 trading nations in the world,” the president said.

“We are now learning hard and scrutinising the Malaysian experience. We want to emulate Malaysia.”