On 24 November, official welcoming ceremony of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov was held at the Palace of Qatar’s Emir.

During the talks of the heads of states, the sides exchanged opinion on issues on developing bilateral relations, expansion of trade-economic ties, including transport communication sector, humanitarian cooperation, issues of regional and international issues of mutual interests.

President Islam Karimov noted that Uzbekistan and Qatar has great potential and perspectives for development of bilateral ties, in particular in transport communication, oil and gas, chemical industry, construction, trade, tourism and high technologies. The Uzbek leader underlined that the visit is actual for development of relations between Uzbekistan and Persian Gulf states, as well as whole Arab world.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani noted that Qatar is following over reforms in Uzbekistan on modernization of all spheres of life of the state and society, increasing economic potential of the country. Business circles and entrepreneurs of Qatar are expressing interest to investment projects in Uzbekistan, initiative of Uzbek President on formation of transport-communication corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar. Qatari leader praised policy of the Uzbek President on strengthening regional security.

It was noted that Uzbekistan and Qatar are closely cooperating and interacting within many authorized international structures, including the UN, Organization of Islamic Conference and others.

During the talks of the official delegation of two states, the sides considered issues of trade-economic and investment cooperation. Uzbekistan and Qatar are achieving significant results in rational use of natural resources, modernization of economy, introduction of innovative technologies, increasing share of ready products in exports and economic development. Both countries could benefit from exchange of experience in modernization and diversification of economy, development of cooperation in energy, chemical industry, transport communication, construction, tourism, etc.

The special attention was paid to initiative of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov on formation of transport-communication corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar. Recently, Tehran hosted a meeting of representatives of Uzbekistan, Iran, Oman and Turkmenistan. The sides discussed development of transport infrastructure. Establishing railway communication between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan with southern ports of Iran will help to create important linking network between Persian and Oman Gulf and all countries of Central Asia. Attraction of car and sea transport for cargo transportation, including transit, will increase its trade. Participation of Qatar in this process will allow to expand investment cooperation in the region.

It was noted that possessing great investment potential Navoi free industrial-economic zone will serve as foundation for opening new directions of cooperation, including in development of transport corridor.

Uzbekistan and Qatar have great potential for cooperation in processing oil and gas, trade, construction, textile industry and other spheres. In particular, there are huge price difference in prices and ready products in oil and gas, as well as textile industry. Creation of joint ventures in these sectors will allow to development of mutual beneficial relations. Uzbekistan and Qatar gained rich experience in construction industry as well. The sides could cooperation in production of construction materials.

The sides praised results of recently held business forum of entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and Qatar in Doha. The forum helped to determine main directions of bilateral trade-economic and investment cooperation. It was said such events will help to inform businesses to get acquainted with economic potential of two states and create good opportunity for further development of mutual relations.

The official delegations considered issues of humanitarian cooperation, including in science, education, healthcare and pharmaceutics, sport and culture.

Uzbekistan and Qatar could also cooperate in decreasing share of raw material and increasing the volume of ready products in exports.

After the talks, the sides inked several agreements. The sides signed joint statement of Uzbekistan and Qatar, intergovernmental agreement on trade-economic and technical cooperation, memorandum of understanding on cooperation between Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan and Investment Company Qatar Holding, memorandum of understanding between Uzbekneftegaz national holding company, Uzkimyosanoat state joint stock company and Qatar Petroleum International Limited, agreement between Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Qatar on creation of Joint Council of entrepreneurs and other documents. The documents will lay firm base for the Uzbek-Qatari partnership in many spheres.

In the second half of the day, Uzbek President Islam Karimov visited Museum of Islamic Art and Modern Scientific-Educational Complex “City of Knowledge”.

President Islam Karimov also held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah. The sides discussed issues on further developing economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Qatar.

Uzbek President wrapped up his official visit to Qatar and returned to Uzbekistan.