The guest of the “Diplomatic Perspective” project is Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar Ashraf Khojayev.

– Qatar ranks first among Arab countries and fourth in the world in terms of quality of education. At what level is cooperation between Uzbekistan and Qatar in this area?

– At the invitation of the Head of state Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, visited Uzbekistan on a working visit on June 5-6, 2023, – says A. Khojayev. – Agreements on cultural exchanges, education, tourism, joint holding of cultural days, concert programs, and exhibitions have been reached. An Intergovernmental Memorandum of Cooperation in Higher Education and Scientific Research was signed. As part of the implementation of this document, we met with the Minister of Education and Higher Education of Qatar Buthaina Bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, discussed the prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation and agreed to develop a joint action plan for academic cooperation, exchange of students and schoolchildren, and the allocation of educational grants.

At a meeting with the President of Qatar University, Dr. Omar Mohamed Al-Ansari, the Rector of Lusail University, Professor Nitham Mohammed Hindi, issues of joint research, implementation of educational programs, and advanced training were discussed.

Among the 15 bilateral documents signed is an Intergovernmental Memorandum of Cooperation in Culture. This topic was discussed with the Minister of Culture of Qatar, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. They talked about the Days of Culture, Crafts, and Tourism of Uzbekistan held in Doha on February 20-26 this year and the success of our compatriots at the design Biennale, who took part in such an event for the first time. At the meeting, upcoming joint cultural events in the two countries were discussed.

A meeting was also held with the State Minister, President of the Qatar National Library, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al‑Kawari.

– What steps are being taken towards the implementation of social projects?

– At a meeting with the Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam Al Misnad, we discussed issues of mutual exchange of experience in social protection of the population and the implementation of joint social projects. Maryam Al Misnad expressed her readiness to share the experience of Qatar’s achievements in improving urban infrastructure for people with disabilities, caring for orphans and elderly citizens, and strengthening the role of women in society. She proposed becoming more closely acquainted with the activities of public organizations working in these areas and studying joint projects. The minister invited a delegation led by the leadership of the National Social Protection Agency of Uzbekistan to Qatar.

– Journalists are interested in cooperation issues in the media sphere, mutual trips, and exchanging experiences.

– We discussed best practices in media, journalism, and PR with the Al Jazeera Media Institute Director, Eman Al Amri.

The Director General of the private media conglomerate Al Jazeera Media Network, Dr. Mostefa Souag, discussed issues of creating content and programs and conducting training for journalists in Uzbekistan.

– There is a common opinion that tourism is the driving force of economic development. What innovations in this direction can you share?

– At the meeting with the chief executive officer of Qatar Airways, issues of cargo transportation and exchange of experience in modern air services were discussed. Four flights a week will be established, and subsequently daily. Establishing direct flights will help increase the tourist flow and expand the scale of bilateral trade.

Interviewed by Muharrama Pirmatova, UzA