Ashraf Khodjaev
In recent years, the relationship between Uzbekistan and Qatar has flourished paving the way for a strategic partnership that holds immense promise for both nations. Focusing on trade, investment cooperation, and tourism, the strong bond between the two countries is opening new growth avenues and enhancing GCC-Central Asia connectivity.
Qatar, renowned for its dynamic approach to international relations, has emerged as a key player and adept mediator in regional and global affairs. The country’s proactive foreign policy has garnered international acclaim and propelled its economic development. Qatar’s multi-sector investments and initiatives have set benchmarks for others to follow.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan stands as a beacon of economic potential in Central Asia. With its strategic location, rich mineral resources, market of 37 million consumers, and rapidly growing economy, the republic represents a lucrative opportunity for Qatari investors and a compelling destination for business ventures.
The deepening of their partnership points to a bright future for both nations in terms of economic prosperity, strengthened interregional connectivity, new diplomatic engagement standards and as an example of bilateral cooperation in the region and beyond.
Diplomacy: The Partnership Cornerstone
Diplomatic relations are a cornerstone of this growing partnership with the last year witnessing high-level visits and the opening of embassies in both countries.
On June 5-6, 2023, the Amir of Qatar, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani paid his inaugural state visit to Uzbekistan becoming the first Arab state leader to be welcomed by the republic’s President H E Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the historic city of Samarkand. The visit concluded with the signing of 15 agreements, a memorandum of understanding, and a cooperation program covering various fields, including politics, security, economics, trade, investment, culture, education, youth, and sports.
The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan HE Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In turn, on October 1-2, 2023, President Mirziyoyev, embarked on a reciprocal state visit to Qatar, where he engaged in fruitful discussions with HH the Amir. This visit culminated in the signing of a new package of agreements and memoranda of understanding covering investments, trade, tourism, internal affairs, and anti-corruption efforts. President Mirziyoyev also had the honor of attending the opening ceremony of Expo 2023 Doha, further strengthening bilateral ties.
Just a few months later, on December 19, 2023, H H the Amir made a working visit to Uzbekistan during which he attended the ceremony for the 7th H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award, held in the presence of President Mirziyoyev. Together, the two leaders unveiled the award monument in Tashkent City Park, symbolizing their joint commitment to anti-corruption.
Yet these high-level exchanges were far from symbolic; they were crucial to advancing the Uzbek-Qatari partnership. The visits facilitated in-depth discussions on a wide array of topics, ranging from strategic cooperation to cultural exchanges and laid a robust foundation for enhanced collaboration across various sectors, propelling the bilateral relationship to new heights. The mutual respect and understanding shown during these high-level engagements also underscored the shared values and vision of Uzbekistan and Qatar and demonstrated the evolution of diplomatic relationship into a strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
A Partnership With A Promising Future
On April 15, 2024, during the Second GCC-Central Asia Joint Ministerial Meeting on Strategic Dialogue in Tashkent, an agreement was signed to establish a strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Qatar marking a significant milestone in high-level engagements between the two nations. This historic document was inked by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Bakhtiyor Saidov, and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
Elevating bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership reflects the mutual trust and understanding between the two countries, opens new avenues for cooperation and contributes to strengthening regional stability and collaboration. The agreement underscores both countries’ aspirations to enhance bilateral ties across various sectors and ensure the implementation of high-level agreements.
On the international stage, Uzbekistan and Qatar share similar positions on many regional and global issues, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the stabilization of Afghanistan. Tashkent values Doha’s growing and constructive role in regional and international affairs and supports its significant efforts to mediate conflicts. Uzbekistan is keen to further deepen multifaceted cooperation with Qatar, fostering a spirit of strategic partnership and brotherly relations.
New Investment Opportunities
Uzbekistan and Qatar are poised to harness significant potential for mutually beneficial economic cooperation. Uzbekistan boasts extensive mineral reserves, ranking 2nd globally for gold, 7th for copper, 8th for tungsten, 9th for silver, 12th for uranium, and 16th for natural gas production.
Since 2017, Uzbekistan’s successful economic reforms and open policy transformation have significantly improved its investment climate, attracting over $60 billion in foreign investments. More than $14 billion of this has been invested in infrastructure, and the volume of foreign investments nearly doubled last year. Uzbekistan aims to double its GDP by 2030 by attracting $120 billion for advanced processing of critical metals and natural gas, industrial and infrastructure projects, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises and commercial banks.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s economic prosperity highlights its visionary approach to wealth management and investment diversification. The country has built a robust economy primarily driven by its natural resources, fostering growth and innovation across various sectors. Central to Qatar’s economic success is its commitment to diversification, which has moved the country beyond its traditional reliance on hydrocarbons. Strategic investments in finance, real estate, tourism, and technology have created a more balanced and resilient economy, less vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations.
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, is one of the world’s largest and has been instrumental in driving economic growth domestically and internationally. Through strategic investments in diverse industries and global markets, Qatar has secured its financial future and contributed to the development of economies worldwide. Additionally, Qatar’s investment strategy, which is aligned with global trends and future growth potential, prioritizes innovation and sustainability, focusing on emerging sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure development, and digital technology.
Qatar’s commitment to diversifying investments and exploring new emerging markets presents new opportunities for Uzbekistan. As the partners build on the momentum of recent landmark visits and agreements, the future of their diplomatic relationship looks promising. With a strong foundation of mutual respect and collaboration, the two nations are set to further strengthen their ties and set new standards for diplomatic engagement in the region and beyond. This strategic partnership will foster greater economic prosperity for both nations and enhance interregional connectivity between the GCC and Central Asia.
