The President of Uzbekistan and the Emir of Qatar have agreed to bring bilateral cooperation to a new level

Negotiations 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, took place in the Congress Center of the city of Samarkand.

Particular attention was paid to the issues of further development of political dialogue and cultural and humanitarian exchanges, increasing 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 provided to the Qatari delegation.

It was stressed that the first visit at the highest level in the history of diplomatic relations will open a new stage in bilateral cooperation and will bring it to the level of 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, a real breakthrough in bilateral relations has taken place in recent years," the Head of our State noted.

It was noted that the opening of the Qatari Embassy in Tashkent this year played an important role in the active promotion of 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 to multiply 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 major investment projects in the fields of energy, gas chemical industry, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and other industries with a total value of over $ 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 the creation of mechanisms for financing joint projects.

The Heads of State stressed the importance of forming the shortest, reliable and safe transport and logistics corridors connecting Central Asia with the Gulf countries.

They expressed readiness to fully support efforts aimed at activating cultural, educational and tourist exchanges, including through joint cultural weeks, 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 mutual tourist flow.

There was also an exchange of views on topical issues of the global and regional agenda. The sides called for building a pragmatic policy towards Afghanistan. The importance of supporting the country's economy and providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people was emphasized.

In this context, the prospects of joint promotion of the implementation of the strategic project for the creation of the Trans-Afghan railway corridor are considered.

In conclusion, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani invited the head of our state to pay a visit to Qatar.

The talks were held in a constructive, open and trusting atmosphere.