The state visit of Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Republic of Uzbekistan on the invitation of President of Shavkat Mirziyoyev is the most remarkable development in two regions of Middle East and Central Asia. Both countries are emerging economies of both regions.
The two countries established full fledged diplomatic relations this year when State of Qatar opened its Embassy in Tashkent and Uzbekistan is also inaugurating the diplomatic mission in Doha . It is astonishing for the students of international relations as to why the two important countries could not reach this preliminary milestone in the way to close cooperation earlier?
State of Qatar has earned world fame and admiration by hosting the world level event of FIFA Cup 2022. Republic of Uzbekistan has been hosting many international events and summit level meetings and conferences. It was need of the hour for two connecting countries to get connected to each other as well. The visit of Emir of State of Qatar is the strongest knot of brotherhood between two states. Both countries can share their experience and further plan some international events together.
Matter of satisfaction is, like a saying in Persian ” Dair Aayad, Darust Aayad” the leaders of the two nations are now moving forward at fast speed. The visit of Emir within one year of opening of the Embassy is example that Qatar and Uzbekistan are now fulfilling the gaps rapidly that were left unaddressed so far due to certain reasons.
This high level visit and dialogue between the leaders means both countries have done their homework, set the path to build and strengthen close cooperation and have decided to cover the time that passed without any joint working and mutual collaboration.
Qatar will participate in implementation of investment projects worth $12 billion in Uzbekistan. This is the culmination of the bilateral cooperation. The leaders and the nations of both countries deserve appreciation in this regard. These projects are in the sectors of energy, gas and chemical industry, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and other. This will certainly open a new chapter of development and prosperity in Uzbekistan and in the region.
The two leaders delegation level dialogue covered the whole gambit of mutual cooperation. Development of political dialogue and cultural-humanitarian exchange, expansion of trade-economic and investment cooperation, increasing mutual trade indicators, implementation of joint investment projects and trade agreements can lead both countries to big partners in the near future.
The two leaders finalized the cooperation in other key areas as well. They include intensifying exchanges in the fields of culture, education and tourism, including holding joint cultural days, concert programs, exhibitions, crafts and culinary demonstrations, etc.
President Shavkat always emphasize on regional connectivity while Qatar is among the main air junctions in Asia. So it was not possible that connectedness does not come up in the dialogue. Here too both leaders agreed on the needful. Their determination to materialize the planned regular flights between the capitals of the countries will not only bring the people of two countries closer but will also be helpful in promotion of businesses and tourism.
Uzbekistan-Qatar investment forum in September of this year will further help the two countries to consider the issue of financing mechanisms for joint projects.The heads of state noted the importance of forming the shortest, reliable and safe corridors connecting Central Asia with the Gulf countries. The leaders discussion on the prospects for joint promotion of the implementation of the strategic project on the establishment of the Trans-Afghan railway is appreciative in a sense that it will not only benefit Central Asia and South Asia but it will help Afghan people to uplift their lives with the fruits of the connectivity and communication infrastructure.
Uzbekistan expressed its keenness to develop people to people relations with Qatar by introducing visa-free regime for citizens of Qatar ahead of the visit of Emir.Citizens of Qatar can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa. It was a great gesture by President Shavkat to prove how much importance he attaches to the relations with State of Qatar.
Tazeen Akhtar Editor Islamabad
