During the negotiations between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, in Doha, discussions were held on "strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic cooperation, enhancing investment collaboration, and intensifying cultural and humanitarian exchanges," Gazeta.uz reports.
In June 2023, the Emir of Qatar visited Uzbekistan with the first-ever high-level visit in the history of both countries. During the talks between the heads of state, an agreement was reached to elevate cooperation to the level of a "comprehensive partnership." On the day of the Emir of Qatar's arrival, the President of Uzbekistan signed a decree granting Qatari citizens a visa-free regime for 30 days.
In May of the same year, Qatar opened its embassy in Tashkent. Prior to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to Doha, the Uzbekistan embassy was also opened there.
The President of Uzbekistan and the Emir of Qatar confirmed their readiness for a "significant increase" in trade indicators, the implementation of joint investment projects in traditional and "green" energy, petrochemicals, metallurgy, agriculture, construction, tourism, finance, and other sectors.
To enhance business ties, it was proposed to establish a Joint Intergovernmental Commission and Business Council and hold their inaugural meetings, as well as organize a business forum between the two countries in January 2024 in Doha. An agreement was also reached to hold Uzbekistan Culture and Tourism Week in Doha.
Current global and regional agenda items were discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of supporting the practical advancement of the Trans-Afghan Railway construction project.
Both parties agreed on the importance of continuing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people to ensure peace and stability in the country.
Following the negotiations, several documents were signed covering various areas of cooperation. These include agreements between the governments on cooperation in the field of tourism and business events, as well as an agreement on the establishment of a Joint Business Council between the trade and industry chambers.
Memoranda of understanding and cooperation were also signed between the Uzbekistan Reconstruction and Development Fund and the Qatar Investment Authority on investment cooperation, between Uzbekistan's Anti-Corruption Agency and Qatar's Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, between the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Social Development and Family in Qatar, between the interior ministries, between the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan and Qatar's National Human Rights Committee, and between Uzbekistan's Committee on Religious Affairs and the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 3, 2023