Uzbekistan–Qatar: sustainable development of multifaceted cooperation

In recent years, there has been a significant enhancement in the relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar. In particular, in 2024, relations between the two countries were elevated to the level of strategic partnership.

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

Our country considers Qatar to be a promising economic partner in the Middle East. Both Uzbekistan and Qatar have significant untapped potential in this regard. Intensifying current relations is on the agenda of both countries.

Uzbekistan and Qatar are interested in establishing transport and logistics corridors that are both the shortest and most reliable, whilst also ensuring the highest levels of safety. The aim is to connect Central Asia with the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf.

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

Qatar places great importance on the contribution to the development of Islamic civilisation made by the great thinkers and scholars who lived and worked in the territory of modern Uzbekistan, as well as the historical ties between the Arabian Peninsula and Maverannahr.

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

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

In accordance with the signed air transport agreement between the two countries, on June 2, 2024, Qatar Airways launched direct flights on the Doha-Tashkent-Doha route. The airline operates flights on this route four times per week.

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

In accordance with the provisions of the Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the State of Qatar dated 9 June 2021, My Freighter (Centrum Air) has been designated as the carrier for regular flights on the Tashkent-Doha-Tashkent route.

Centrum Air, the Uzbek airline, operates charter flights on the Tashkent-Doha-Tashkent route, with services provided on a demand-dependent basis.

It is accurate to state that Uzbekistan and Qatar are currently working to increase cooperation in all areas. This will undoubtedly serve to further strengthen the foundation of bilateral relations for the continuation and development of effective and mutually beneficial cooperation.