DUSHANBE, October 6, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon yesterday afternoon held a number bilateral meetings with representatives of delegations participating at the international conference dedicated to the 1310th birth anniversary of Imam Azam in Dushanbe,  according to presidential press service.

President Rahmon’s meeting with Abdullah Basfar, Secretary General of the Holy Qur’an Memorization International Organization (HQMIO), focused on issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Basfar noted that a group of entrepreneurs accompanied him on the visit to Tajikistan and expressed confidence that they would provide assistance with expansion of bilateral investment cooperation between the two countries.

On the ongoing symposium entitled “The Heritage of Abu Hanifa and Its Significance in the Inter-Civilization Dialogue,” Mr. Basfar said that it would play an important role in establishing dialogue civilizations.

He added that diplomatic mission of Saudi Arabia and the Qur’an memorization center would be opened in Dushanbe in the near future.

Yesterday, Rahmon also held talks with Allahshukur Pashazade, the head of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Azerbaijan and Caucasus.  Pashazade expressed gratitude to Tajik leader for warm reception and good organization of the international conference.

Issues related to protection of interests of Tajik Diaspora in Kazakhstan were the focus of President Rahmon’s talks with ethnic Tajik Yahyo Ismailov, who is imam khatib of North Kazakhstan region.

On Monday, President Rahmon also received Muratali Zhumanov, grant mufti of Kyrgyzstan.