Amir's visit to Uzbekistan ‘opens new chapter in Arab, Central Asian ‘relations

Two experts in strategic studies and international relations have affirmed that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's visit to Uzbekistan as part of his Central Asian tour opens a new chapter in Arab and Central Asian relations and paves the way for a transitional phase in bilateral co-operation.
The experts said in remarks to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Qatar's approach to strengthening co-operation with Central Asian countries will benefit both sides, given both parties' enormous potential.
Executive director of the Development Strategy Centre in Uzbekistan Eldor Tulyakov described His Highness the Amir's visit as an important and strategic milestone bringing a quantum leap in the co-operation between Qatar and Uzbekistan.
He said that the visit to Uzbekistan is of great importance to both countries as it would open the way for a comprehensive strategic dialogue on strengthening co-operation in economy, trade, energy, transport, culture, and other vital sectors.
Uzbekistan believes that the co-operation relationship with Qatar is important, Tulyakov said, due to reasons that include Qatar's international reputation, its extensive experience gained in the construction and infrastructure fields, and its comprehensive development process, mostly noted during its hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
He said that Uzbekistan has a strategic vision for development and wants to benefit from Qatar’s experience on how to overcome challenges on its journey toward comprehensive development.
The official pointed out the various dimensions in the areas of co-operation with Qatar.
He stressed that the talks that will be held between His Highness the Amir and the Uzbek president will give a strong momentum to co-operation, activate agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), and conclude new agreements in all sectors and fields of interest to the two countries.
The Development Strategy Centre reaffirms that strengthening co-operation between Uzbekistan and Qatar is vital, and called for both countries to take advantage of the enormous potential they enjoy to achieve economic benefits by launching investment projects in Uzbekistan and benefiting from the incentives provided by the Uzbek government.
Tulyakov added that the trade exchange between Uzbekistan and Qatar will increase after His Highness the Amir’s visit thanks to the resolve of the leaderships of the two countries, who realise that the distinguished political relations must be translated into reality.
International relations expert Dr Ahmed Mohamed Ghaith al-Kuwari said that His Highness the Amir's visit will establish s a new phase of relations to serve the two countries.
He said that Qatar and Uzbekistan have shown, in recent years, their determination to move forward in developing their relations at various levels.
This is evident in the opening of the Qatar embassy in Tashkent a few weeks ago, in conjunction with the third round of political consultations between Qatar and Uzbekistan.
Dr al-Kuwari believes that building bridges of communication between Qatar and Uzbekistan and establishing commercial, agricultural, and industrial partnerships serves Qatar National Vision 2030 to achieve sustainable development that guarantees a decent life for its people, as well as coming generations.
He referred to the investment opportunities enjoyed by the Central Asian countries, their political stability, and their aspiration to form partnerships with Qatar, and expressed the importance of involving the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatari businessmen in investing in these countries.
Central Asian countries see Qatar as a reliable partner in light of its international presence, effective diplomacy, strong economy, and role in energy security.
Dr al-Kuwari said that Qatar is confident that His Highness the Amir’s visit will give bilateral relations a strong impetus and establish a new phase of co-operation and partnership.