President of Uzbekistan, Amir of Qatar agree to take bilateral cooperation to a new level

Samarkand, The Gulf Observer: Negotiations were held at the Congress Center of Samarkand between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is in our country on a state visit.

Particular attention was paid to the issues of further development of political dialogue and cultural and humanitarian exchanges, building up trade, economic and investment cooperation.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Emir of Qatar expressed his sincere gratitude to the head of our state for the invitation, as well as the warm and cordial welcome extended to the Qatari delegation.

It was emphasized that the first high-level visit in the history of diplomatic relations will open a new stage in bilateral cooperation and will 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 region, but also in the entire 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 played an important role in actively promoting bilateral cooperation.

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, the practical implementation of joint investment projects and trade contracts was confirmed.

An agreement was reached on the participation of leading Qatari companies in the implementation of large investment projects in the energy, gas chemical industry, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and other industries worth over US$12 billion.

To support promising projects, it was proposed to hold an Uzbek-Qatari investment forum in September this year, as well as to consider creating mechanisms for financing joint projects.

The heads of states 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 aimed at enhancing cultural, educational and tourist exchanges, including through holding joint weeks of culture, concerts, expositions, handicraft and culinary exhibitions. It was noted that the planned launch of regular flights between the capitals of the two countries will contribute to the growth of business contacts and increase the mutual tourist flow.