At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, paid a state visit to Uzbekistan on June 5-6.
The main events of the visit began with the official welcoming ceremony of the Amir of Qatar, in the city of Samarkand.
Negotiations were held at the Congress Center of Samarkand between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Particular attention was paid to the issues of further development of political dialogue, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and building up trade, economic, and investment interaction.
The Amir of Qatar expressed his sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the invitation and the warm and cordial welcome extended to the Qatari delegation.
To support promising projects, it was proposed to hold Uzbekistan – Qatar Investment Forum in September this year and consider creating mechanisms for financing joint projects.
The heads of state stressed the importance of forming the shortest, most reliable, and safe transport and logistics corridors connecting Central Asia with the countries of the Gulf.
Readiness was expressed for all-round support of efforts to enhance cultural, educational, and tourist exchanges, including holding joint weeks of culture, concerts, expositions, handicraft, and culinary exhibitions. It was noted that the planned launch of regular flights between the two countries’ capitals would contribute to the growth of business contacts and increase the mutual tourist flow.
Views were exchanged on the current issues of the global and regional agenda. The parties spoke in favor of building a pragmatic policy toward Afghanistan. The importance of supporting the country’s economy and providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people was emphasized.
In this context, the prospects for joint promotion of implementing the strategic project to create the Trans-Afghan Railway Corridor were considered.
In conclusion, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani invited the President of Uzbekistan to visit Qatar.
The talks were held in a constructive, open, and trusting atmosphere.
It was emphasized that the first high-level visit in the history of diplomatic relations would open a new stage in bilateral cooperation and allow it to be brought to the level of a comprehensive partnership.
“We consider Qatar our promising partner not only in the Middle East region, but also in the Arab-Muslim world. Thanks to our contacts with you in recent years, there has been a real breakthrough in bilateral relations”, the President of Uzbekistan noted.
It was noted that the opening of the Embassy of Qatar in Tashkent this year was influential in promoting bilateral interaction.
The Qatari side expressed confidence that the opening of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Doha will give a powerful impetus to this process.
The readiness for a multiple increase in the indicators of bilateral trade and the practical implementation of joint investment projects and trade contracts were confirmed.
An agreement was reached on the participation of leading Qatari companies in implementing large investment projects in the energy, gas, chemical industry, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and other sectors worth over $12 billion.
Following the high-level talks, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a ceremony of signing 15 bilateral documents aimed at further developing and deepening trade, economic, investment, cultural, humanitarian and other areas of cooperation was held.
The Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, got acquainted with the majestic architectural monuments of the ancient and beautiful city of Samarkand.
The heads of state visited the observatory and museum of Mirzo Ulugbek. The great astronomer and ruler Muhammad Taragay Mirzo Ulugbek made a considerable contribution to the development of science and culture. He built an observatory unique to the Middle Ages, in which he studied celestial bodies accurately. For many years, his “New Astronomical Tables of Kuragoni” served as the leading guide to astronomical science.
During the acquaintance, it was noted that science, culture, and architecture flourished in the era of the Timurids. This period entered the history of Uzbekistan as the second Renaissance. It was emphasized that today many centers for studying Islamic civilization and the heritage of ancestors have been organized in Uzbekistan.
Further, the leaders visited the Afrasiab Museum, whose unique exhibits and wall paintings reveal the three-thousand-year history of the great Samarkand. One of the murals depicts the ceremony of receiving ambassadors by the ruler of Afrasiab, which testifies to the great attention of our ancestors to diplomacy and ties with the peoples of the East that go deep into the past.
The world-famous Registan ensemble is another hallmark of Uzbekistan, reflecting the creative potential of our ancestors. The majestic madrasahs of Mirzo Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillaqori can impress everyone with their scale and unique architecture.
During the visit, the distinguished guest was told about the history of construction and the features of the ornaments of this building, and the restoration work carried out on the square. The Amir of Qatar got acquainted with the madrasah with sincere delight.
The heads of state visited the Eternal City Complex at the International Tourist Center of Samarkand.