H E Chyngyz Eshimbekov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to Qatar
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to Qatar H E Chyngyz Eshimbekov has said that the private sector of the Kyrgyz Republic and Qatar can be a powerful driver for enhancing bilateral trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations.
In an interview with The Peninsula on the eve of 29th anniversary of independence of the Kyrgyz Republic, which will be celebrated tomorrow (August 31), the Ambassador said that ties between the Kyrgyz Republic and Qatar are traditionally characterised as fraternal and friendly.
“Ties between our peoples have developed for a long time, in particular, our ancestors actively traded with each other through the Great Silk Road. But, our countries, as modern states, started formal relations from March 3, 1998, when they signed the protocol on establishing the diplomatic ties. From that time, relations between the two countries have reached a new level and have been marked by active mutual contacts and bilateral events.”
He said that over the years, the necessary legal basis for bilateral relations had been formed with the signing of 19 different agreements.
Regarding bilateral trade relations, the Ambassador said that despite the fact that Kyrgyzstan and Qatar have been successfully developing bilateral cooperation for over twenty years, bilateral trade relations were still at a developing stage.
“Kyrgyzstan is known for its high-quality, environmentally friendly agricultural products, including vegetables and fruits, meat and dairy products and honey. The economy of Kyrgyzstan is in great need of foreign investment as it has huge tourism potential,” H E Eshimbekov said.
“For several years now, Kyrgyzstan has been successfully exporting Kyrgyz mountain honey to Qatar, which has deservedly won high popularity among Qataris due to its unsurpassed qualities. Also in Qatari shops, you can find some Kyrgyz dried fruits. For its part, Kyrgyzstan is ready to buy goods that are produced in Qatar,” he said.
The Ambassador said that bilateral cooperation in the tourism industry is gradually increasing.
“Kyrgyzstan has become a favoured country for hundreds of Qataris who regularly visit for recreation and tourism. Taking this into account, a visa-free regime has been introduced in Kyrgyzstan for citizens of Qatar,” he added.
“I am very impressed by Qatar, where a lot is being done to develop tourism. And my country, Kyrgyzstan, also strives to keep up with the times and is actively developing the tourism sector. I am sure that our ties in this direction will be strengthened and developed, there is great mutual potential in this sector.”
When asked about plans to sign agreements or memorandum of understanding in the near future, the Ambassador said: “Sure. Our parties are ready to sign a number of important agreements in the fields of finance, sports, healthcare, agriculture and justice. I hope by signing these agreements we will create even more favourable conditions for mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.
“At the same time, we put the main priority in the development of cooperation in the private sector. We believe that the private sector can be a powerful driver for enhancing our trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations.”
On Qatar’s preparation to host 2022 FIFA World Cup, he said that the World Cup will be held for the first time in an Arab country. “This is a well-deserved victory not only for the Qataris, but also for the entire Arab community. I am sure the Qatar World Cup will remain an unforgettable event in history.”
On Qatar’s initiatives for workers welfare, the Ambassador said: “The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs of Qatar works very quickly and efficiently in this direction, all issues are resolved quickly and without bureaucracy in the interests of the employee."
“I am confident that such a progressive approach will allow a free flow of new labour resources into the country, which will certainly affect the success of Qatar’s economic development.”
On Qatar’s handling of COVID-19 crisis, he said that the Qatari experience of action is valuable and exemplary for all.
“Qatar in this situation has shown the highest level of self-organisation and self-mobilisation. We are delighted with the calm and competent work of the government, the Ministry of Public Health, doctors, volunteers, the Ministry of Interior and the media.”
He said that Qatar quickly implemented the mobile application ‘Ehteraz’, which allowed constant monitoring of the main sources of the spread of COVID-19 and promptly took the necessary measures against them.
“As a result, Qatar has the lowest death rate from COVID-19,” he noted.
The Ambassador said that Qatar once again showed its true leadership qualities in the world community towards the global threats of the COVID-19 pandemic, provided enormous financial and humanitarian assistance to the world community, including the Kyrgyz Republic.
“The Kyrgyz people will never forget this fraternal help,” he added.
