Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, and Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, jointly chaired the first meeting of the Coordination Council on Strategic Partnership between the two countries on Thursday in Doha.

At the opening, the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister warmly welcomed the Uzbek delegation, conveying sincere greetings from His Highness Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and emphasizing the Council’s role in further expanding multifaceted Qatar–Uzbekistan relations.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that relations between the two countries have reached the level of a solid strategic partnership, based on the shared will and determination of both countries’ leaderships, reflected in the 2024 Agreement on Establishing Bilateral Strategic Partnership. He also noted that political relations span over 20 years, providing a strong foundation for constructive cooperation and demonstrating the deep ties between the peoples of both nations.

He stated:
"This partnership opens broader horizons for political consultations, regional and international coordination on issues of mutual interest, and strengthens cooperation in development, trade, investment, and energy, reflecting the commitment of both countries to advance joint collaboration in line with the shared interests and expectations of our peoples."

The Qatari Minister further emphasized that economic ties are growing, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $1.8 million in 2024, and expressed a mutual commitment to further expand trade and investment cooperation.

Both sides highlighted the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in recent years, reflecting the strength and ambition of bilateral relations to reach a deeper, more comprehensive level.

The meeting also addressed upcoming events, including the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand (October 30–November 13, 2025) and the Second C5+1 Central Asia Summit in Uzbekistan in 2026.

Minister Saidov expressed gratitude for the warm reception, conveyed greetings from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. He welcomed Doha as the host city for the Second World Social Summit (November 4–6, 2025) and Qatar’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

During discussions, both sides focused on expanding political dialogue, increasing trade and investment, enhancing academic, scientific, and cultural exchanges, supporting youth and sports, improving transport infrastructure, and addressing environmental sustainability and climate change.

The countries confirmed their interest in strengthening comprehensive bilateral relations based on mutual respect, equality, and pragmatism, emphasizing that regular high-level contacts and active delegation exchanges would further solidify strategic partnership.

They also stressed the importance of cooperation within international and regional organizations, coordinating positions on political and security issues of common interest, and exploring mutual support for international candidacies.

Economic cooperation, including investment and trade, was highlighted, with plans for information exchange, joint measures to increase trade volume, and organization of exhibitions and forums. The second meeting of the Coordination Council is planned for Samarkand next year.

The meeting welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on investment cooperation between Qatar Mining Company and the Ministry of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan.

In conclusion, the Qatari and Uzbek ministers emphasized that this meeting marks an important step in implementing the 2024 Strategic Partnership Agreement and reflects a shared commitment to developing and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The Coordination Council, established under the 2024 agreement, serves as a platform for effective implementation of high-level agreements and exploring new opportunities in political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.