Uzbekistan-Qatar: sustainable development of multifaceted cooperation

In recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar have been rapidly expanding. In particular, in 2024, relations between the two countries were raised to the level of strategic partnership.

The development of such an active dialogue is explained by the high interest of the parties both in expanding bilateral relations and in strengthening regional ties between Central and Southeast Asia.

Our country considers Qatar as a promising economic partner in the Middle East. Both Uzbekistan and Qatar have huge untapped potential in this regard. Activation of current relations is on the agenda of the two countries.

Uzbekistan and Qatar are interested in the formation of the shortest, most reliable and safe transport and logistics corridors connecting Central Asia with the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf.

At the same time, history, culture and religion, the rich spiritual heritage of the two countries serve as a solid basis for further development intercultural dialogue.

Qatar highly values the contribution to the development of Islamic civilization of great thinkers and scientists who lived and worked on the territory of modern Uzbekistan, the historical ties between the Arabian Peninsula and Transoxiana.

These aspects serve the further development of intercultural interaction and open up good prospects for mutual cooperation in the field of tourism, including pilgrimage tourism.

From March 1, 2021, a 10-day visa-free regime was introduced for the entry of Qatari citizens into Uzbekistan, and in June 2023 this period was extended to 30 days. This, in turn, has led to a manifold increase in the number of visitors to our country for business and tourism purposes.

In accordance with the signed agreement on air services between the two countries, from June 2, 2024, Qatar Airways launched direct flights on the route Doha - Tashkent - Doha. Today, the airline operates flights on this route 4 times a week.

This agreement provides for direct flights not only with the capital, but also with other regions of the republic. In the future, Qatar Airways plans to launch flights to such tourist destinations as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, based on the needs and wishes of passengers.

Also, in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on Air Services between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the State of Qatar dated June 9, 2021, the airline "My Freighter" (Centrum Air) is designated as designated carrier to operate scheduled flights on the route Tashkent - Doha - Tashkent.

Currently, the Uzbek airline Centrum Air operates charter flights on the route Tashkent - Doha - Tashkent, depending on supply and demand.

It can be said without exaggeration that today Uzbekistan and Qatar are striving to steadily increase the level of interaction established in all areas. This will undoubtedly serve to further strengthen the basis of bilateral relations for the continuation and development of effective mutually beneficial cooperation.