Ambassador of Tajikistan to Qatar, H E Khisrav Sohibzoda
Ambassador of Tajikistan to Qatar, H E Khisrav Sohibzoda, has said that the relations between Qatar and Tajikistan stem from foundations of mutual trust and good understanding and these ties are witnessing a steady growth to meet common interests.
Addressing a press conference yesterday at the Diplomatic Club on the eve of the 30th anniversary of independence of Republic of Tajikistan, which will be celebrated tomorrow (September 9), the Ambassador praised Qatari-Tajik relations at all levels and in various fields.
He said that the close and constructive cooperation between Qatar and Tajikistan is developing dynamically. He stressed that this level of cooperation was put on priority by the leaders of the two countries, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of Tajikistan H E Emomali Rahmon.
On political cooperation, the Tajikistan Ambassador pointed out that his country considers Qatar as one of its most important partners in the Arab world and the Middle East therefore the development of ties with Qatar represents one of the priority directions in foreign policy of Tajikistan.
The Ambassador pointed out that his country is looking forward to the visit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Tajikistan, stressing that it will be a “historic visit” and will set a new qualitative stage in the path of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
He said that the opening of the largest mosque in Central Asia, which was built with funding from the Qatari government in the city of Dushanbe, will increase the historical significance of His Highness’s visit.
The Ambassador explained that the Joint Intergovernmental Committee for Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation represents a pivotal mechanism and an important element for activating and following-up economic, commercial and investment cooperation between Tajikistan and Qatar.
He pointed out that the third session of the Joint Committee was held in Dushanbe in 2018. “Coordination is underway between the two sides to hold the fourth session of the committee’s meetings and it is scheduled to be held during this year in Doha.”
The Ambassador praised the wise policy of H H the Amir and the constructive diplomatic initiatives and endeavours taken by Qatar in order to maintain regional peace and security. He stressed that Qatar plays a constructive and prominent role in the process of activating the peace negotiations in Afghanistan and establishing security and stability in Afghanistan.
Sohibzoda added that there are 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding signed over the past years between the governments of the two countries providing a solid legal ground for activating and strengthening cooperation between Qatar and Tajikistan.
He indicated that Tajikistan is keen to sign a package of cooperation documents soon as there are 14 draft agreements and memoranda of understanding prepared and a number of them have been agreed upon between the two sides while a number of them are still under study.
Regarding trade and economic ties, the Ambassador said that it need to be further developed and increased, expressing his aspiration that the coming period will witness more work from both sides to utilize the full potential.
“However, we are grateful to Qatar for being a leading Arab country in investing in Tajikistan through “Dushanbe Diyar” project, which is being developed by Qatari Diar. The total cost of the project is estimated at $300m. The first phase of the project has been completed and the second phase is scheduled to begin this year. We hope that this project as a successful model for Qatari investments will be an incentive for Qatari investors to confidently enter the investment market in Tajikistan.”
He also expressed his country’s aspiration to establish a joint development fund or to establish a Qatar Investment Bank in Tajikistan to support and implement small and medium projects aimed at improving the social situation and creating job opportunities for young people in Tajikistan, hoping that the establishment of such a fund or bank will be announced soon. The Ambassador stressed that "operating direct flights between Doha and Dushanbe is an important factor in promoting trade, tourism and cultural cooperation and further communication between our brotherly people".
