The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Qatar, Ashraf Khodjayev, in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) correspondent, noted the reasons for this country’s accession to the SCO as a dialogue partner.

Ambassador Ashraf Khodjayev confirmed that the State of Qatar’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a Dialogue Partner came as a result of Qatar’s robust economy and visionary investment strategy, which prioritizes innovation and sustainability in sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital technology.

The Ambassador said that the country fully supports Qatar’s accession to the SCO as a Dialogue Partner, stressing that Qatar’s open and balanced foreign policy promotes peace and stability globally, avoiding international or regional conflicts and disputes with neighbors.

Ambassador Ashraf Khodjayev noted that the State of Qatar shares the SCO’s core principles of non-alignment, openness, equality, and counter-based decision-making, adding that Qatar’s involvement will help achieve the SCO’s goals.

Memorandums granting Egypt and Qatar the status of SCO dialogue partners were signed in Tashkent on 14 September 2022 in preparation for the SCO Summit in Samarkand.

During the SCO Summit in July 2023, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening the SCO’s role as an effective international organization addressing pressing regional issues. The SCO region offers vast economic opportunities and serves as a platform for sustainable development, contributing to approximately one-third of the global gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power parity, about 27 percent of foreign direct investment, and up to 20 percent of global trade, the Ambassador added.

The State of Qatar, under the wise and visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has established itself as a key player regionally and internationally, particularly through its successful mediations in global disputes. His Excellency pointed out that Qatar’s diplomatic approach and strategic initiatives have earned a strong reputation for promoting peace and stability in conflict-ridden areas.

Uzbekistan views Qatar as a dynamic player in global affairs, with its proactive foreign policy and adept mediation efforts receiving international acclaim for its support of peace in Sudan, Somalia, and Afghanistan. 

“Uzbekistan and Qatar share similar positions on many regional and global issues, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Afghanistan’s stabilization”, Ambassador Ashraf Khodjayev said. “The strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Qatar could strengthen connectivity between Central Asia and the Gulf, setting new benchmarks for diplomatic engagement and cooperation. The relationship between the two countries has flourished in recent years, forming a strategic partnership focused on investment, trade, and tourism. High-level visits, including the Amir of Qatar’s state visit to Uzbekistan in June 2023 and the visit of the President of our country to Qatar in October 2023, have solidified ties between the two countries. These visits resulted in multiple agreements covering several fields. The diplomatic relationship between the two countries has evolved into a strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, enhancing stability and cooperation and promising a bright future for bilateral cooperation and economic prosperity. A visa-free regime has been established for citizens of both countries, besides launching direct flights between Tashkent and Doha, which facilitates tourism and trade. The Uzbek Culture Week was also held at the beginning of the year in Qatar. Mutual visits and interactions in various spheres, including business circles, have intensified significantly. Uzbekistan and Qatar have strengthened their interaction within international organizations”.

Regarding plans to enhance cooperation between the two sides, especially in economy, trade, and investment, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan said that the flourishing relationship between Uzbekistan and Qatar promises a strategic partnership focused on economy, trade, and investment, as both countries have immense untapped potential for economic cooperation, with dynamic economies, growing business activity, and expanding foreign trade. Since 2017, Uzbekistan’s successful economic reforms and open policy have attracted over $60 billion in foreign investments, with the aim of doubling the GDP by 2030.

Qatar’s robust economy, driven by diversified investments and innovation, sets a high standard. As a significant global investor, Qatar is interested in diversifying its investments. Therefore, Uzbekistan offers many bankable projects in energy, transport infrastructure, oil and gas, chemical industries, finance, agriculture, healthcare, and education. 

In conclusion to his statements to QNA, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar Ashraf Khodjayev said that the recent launch of direct flights between Doha and Tashkent by Qatar Airways, operating four times a week, will further strengthen economic and trade ties. 

In short, there is no doubt that diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar have good prospects.

Muharrama Pirmatova, UzA