DUSHANBE, February 3, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- A delegation of the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan (IRP), led by its leader, Muhiddin Kabiri, has visited Saudi Arabia, according to IRP’s headquarters in Dushanbe.

The delegation has reportedly visited Riyadh, Jeddah and Mecca.  The delegation members performed Umrah (Umrah that means “to visit a populated place” is a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year) and met with Tajik students studying in Saudi Arabia.

In Riyadh, Muhiddin Kabiri held talks with Dr. Salih bin Sulayman al-Wuhaybi, Associate General Director, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.  The two reportedly discussed the latest developments in the Islamic world.

Kabiri’s meeting with Salih bin Hussein Al Aid, Secretary General of the Supreme Assembly for Islamic Affairs, focused on attraction of investments from Saudi Arabia for development of Tajikistan’s economy, the source said.

A friendly football match between the delegation members and Tajik students studying at higher educational institutions in Riyadh took place in the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Founded in October 1990, the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan was registered on December 4, 1991.  It was banned by the Supreme Court in June 1993 and legalized in August 1999.  Its official newspaper is Najot (Salvation).  According to some sources, IRP now has some 25,000-30,000 members.  It won two seats in the 2010 parliamentary elections.  The Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan is the only Islamic party registered in CIS Central Asia.