Uzbekistan and Qatar Strengthen Diplomatic and Parliamentary Ties in Tashkent
In a major step to enhance diplomatic cooperation, President of Uzbekistan H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the Speaker of Qatar’s Shura Council, H.E. Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, on April 7, 2025, in Tashkent. This high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of the 150th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-150), underscoring the deepening political and parliamentary ties between the two nations.
The visit and bilateral discussions reflected both countries’ mutual interest in advancing strategic relations, especially in light of regional and global developments.
Focus on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation
During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev welcomed the Qatari delegation and commended the ongoing development of relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar. He highlighted the strength of their evolving strategic partnership, which has grown significantly in recent years. The President praised the high level of coordination between Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis (Parliament) and Qatar’s Shura Council, calling parliamentary cooperation a vital pillar of bilateral engagement.
The President noted that the presence of the Qatari delegation in Tashkent during IPU-150 was a valuable opportunity to exchange views, align goals, and further build parliamentary diplomacy that serves both national interests.
He also expressed confidence that the outcomes of IPU-150 would contribute positively to global dialogue, peace, and sustainable development. President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to multilateral collaboration and regional integration.
Qatar Stresses Role of Parliaments in Peace and Progress
Speaker Al Ghanim participated actively in the IPU Assembly, which was inaugurated by President Mirziyoyev. In his address, Al Ghanim underscored the essential role of parliaments in fostering peace, social justice, and inclusive development. He called for stronger cooperation among parliamentary institutions worldwide to address shared challenges like poverty, climate change, and armed conflict.
Al Ghanim stressed the importance of inclusive political processes and the empowerment of marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, in national and international policymaking. He also voiced concern over ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, urging the global parliamentary community to prioritize peaceful resolutions and uphold human rights and international law.
As a forward-looking proposal, he recommended creating a global platform for young parliamentarians, aligning with the IPU’s goals of innovation, inclusion, and intergenerational dialogue.
Deepening Uzbekistan-Qatar Bilateral Relations
This high-level interaction follows a strong momentum in Uzbekistan-Qatar relations, particularly since December 2023 when the Emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, paid a historic state visit to Uzbekistan. During that visit, both nations officially agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership.
Key areas identified for expanded cooperation include green energy, infrastructure development, agriculture, education, banking, and healthcare. Leaders from both sides acknowledged the importance of fostering economic interdependence while supporting each other’s development goals.
As part of institutional support for this partnership, the countries agreed to establish a Coordination Council through their respective ministries of foreign affairs. This council is tasked with ensuring that bilateral agreements are executed efficiently and effectively.
Additionally, Qatar affirmed its support for the ambitious Trans-Afghan Railway Project, a vital infrastructure corridor that aims to improve trade connectivity across Central and South Asia. Uzbekistan views Qatar’s involvement in such initiatives as essential to long-term regional stability and economic growth.
Strong Foundations in Parliamentary Diplomacy
One of the cornerstones of the Uzbekistan-Qatar relationship is their vibrant parliamentary engagement. In February 2024, the Qatari-Uzbek Parliamentary Friendship Group held a virtual meeting with their counterparts in Uzbekistan. This session, co-chaired by Eng. Ahmed bin Hitmi Al Hitmi and Akmal Saidov, focused on strengthening institutional cooperation and sharing legislative best practices.
Eng. Al Hitmi highlighted the “solid and growing relations” between the two nations, noting that continuous dialogue, mutual visits, and collaborative sessions had contributed to a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect. He stressed that parliamentary diplomacy plays a vital role in complementing state-level agreements and broadening people-to-people connections.
Such cooperation has helped both sides address international legislative challenges and promote shared values within multilateral forums such as the IPU.
Expanding Economic and Cultural Horizons
Beyond politics and legislation, Uzbekistan and Qatar are investing heavily in boosting economic and cultural ties. In September 2024, President Mirziyoyev welcomed a senior Qatari delegation led by Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari to Tashkent. Talks focused on attracting Qatari investments in Uzbekistan’s green energy sector, tourism infrastructure, transport corridors, and public healthcare systems.
Both parties discussed hosting the next meeting of the Uzbek-Qatari Intergovernmental Commission and organizing a joint business forum in Doha to facilitate private-sector collaboration.
Cultural diplomacy is also taking center stage in their bilateral agenda. Plans are underway to host a Week of Uzbek Culture and Tourism in Doha, which will feature exhibitions, folk performances, traditional crafts, and culinary showcases. The event aims to foster cultural understanding and showcase Uzbekistan’s rich heritage to Qatari citizens and residents.
These people-to-people initiatives are seen as a vital complement to the growing economic and political alignment between the two countries.
Looking Ahead
The meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim serves as a clear indicator of the shared vision between Uzbekistan and Qatar. With both countries investing in high-level diplomacy, dynamic parliamentary relations, and strategic cooperation across multiple sectors, the future of this bilateral relationship looks promising.
The convergence of interests in economic development, regional connectivity, global peace, and sustainable governance positions Uzbekistan and Qatar as rising partners on the international stage. Through consistent dialogue and collaborative action, the two nations are poised to achieve long-term prosperity, not only for their people but also for the broader region.
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