President Shavkat Mirziyoyev today held talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Samarkand. According to the presidential press service, the parties explored the ways to advance political dialogue and cultural and humanitarian exchanges, building up trade, economic and investment cooperation.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the first high-level visit in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries would open a new stage in bilateral cooperation and allow it to be brought to the level of a comprehensive partnership.
“We consider Qatar as our promising partner not only in the Middle East, but throughout the Arab-Muslim world,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
He stressed that the opening of the Embassy of Qatar in Tashkent this year played an important role in actively promoting bilateral cooperation.
The Emir of Qatar expressed confidence that the opening of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Doha would give a powerful impetus to this process.
The two leaders confirmed their readiness for a "fold increase" in the two-way trade figures.
They also reached an agreement on the participation of Qatari companies in the implementation of large investment projects in the energy, gas chemical industry, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and other sectors in Uzbekistan worth total of over $12 billion.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed to hold an Uzbek-Qatari investment forum in September and consider the creation of mechanisms for financing joint projects.
The leaders discussed the creation of "the shortest, most reliable and safe" transport and logistics corridors connecting Central Asia with the Gulf countries.
The President of Uzbekistan and the Emir of Qatar expressed confidence that the planned launch of regular flights between the capitals of the two countries would contribute to the growth of business contacts and promote the tourist flow.
They also exchange views on topical issues of the global and regional agenda, spoke in favor of building a pragmatic policy course towards Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of supporting the economy of this country and providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
