HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi Sunday opened Qatar's embassy in Uzbekistan.
The opening ceremony was attended by Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Adviser to Uzbek President on Foreign Policy Abdulaziz Komilov, Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister Bahram Aliyev and Qatar's ambassador in Tashkent Hassan bin Hamza Hashim along with a number of Uzbek officials and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Uzbekistan.
In a speech during the ceremony, HE al-Muraikhi welcomed the guests, and said that the embassy's opening comes in implementation of the aspirations of the two countries' leaders to promote bilateral relations and friendly relations between the two brotherly peoples.
He pointed out that the bilateral relations were established in November 1997, with the signing of a protocol to establish diplomatic relations at the level of ambassadors, indicating that since that date, the governments of the two countries have worked to lay the foundations and common principles for their relationship in accordance with international law, human rights and the UN Charter.
He said that the opening of the embassy stems from Qatar's keenness to complete the process of building bridges of co-operation and fraternity to contribute to strengthening joint work, and within the framework of international and multilateral co-operation. The two countries' relations will take a remarkable upward path during the next stage, he stressed.
For his part, Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov stressed said that the opening of the embassy is a historic event that begins a new chapter in the friendly relations between the two countries, expressing confidence in continuing to develop long-term partnership relations between the two friendly peoples in all priority areas, through common aspirations and concerted efforts.
He said that Qatar is an important, close and promising partner for Uzbekistan in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf in particular, adding that the historical and civilisational ties that bind the peoples of Uzbekistan and Qatar for a long history serve as a strong foundation for mutual relations.
He also praised the rapid development of relations between the two countries in recent years, thanks to the political will of their leaders, adding that the scope of co-operation between the two countries in the political, economic, commercial, investment, cultural and humanitarian fields is witnessing a remarkable development.
He stressed that his country is working with Qatar on co-operation based on mutual interests in various fields, especially within the framework of regional and international organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, the UN and others bodies.
He said that Uzbekistan looks forward to establishing comprehensive and long-term co-operation and developing relations based on the principles of respect for mutual interests with Qatar.
Bakhtiyor said that his country welcomes the entry and expansion of Qatari investments, companies and institutions in Uzbek market, affirming the country's readiness to provide the opportunities and capabilities and take appropriate measures in this field.
