Doha, December 17 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Qatar Ashraf Khodjaev affirmed that Qatar National Day is a living commemoration of the unification of the country under the founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and a renewal of the founding values that continue to guide Qatar today. He pointed out that this occasion transcends its national dimension to become a unifying symbol of unity and belonging among citizens and residents alike.

In exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency said that the National Day for Qatari citizens is a moment of pride in a remarkable national journey, from a small Gulf community to a confident, forward-looking state with a clear long-term vision. For residents, including the Uzbek community in Doha, it is also a day of belonging. The celebrations bring together people from many cultures around a shared respect for Qatar's heritage and leadership.

"For us as diplomats, National Day is also an opportunity to honour Qatar's contribution to regional peace and development, and to express our sincere appreciation for the hospitality extended to Uzbek citizens who live, study and work here," His Excellency added.

Regarding Qatari foreign policy, HE the Ambassador expressed Uzbekistan's great appreciation and impression for Qatar's dynamic role on the global stage under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, noting that two nations share deep cultural and historical ties.

Qatar's foreign policy stands out for its proactive mediation efforts, which have often helped de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and beyond. For instance, Doha has played a pivotal role in facilitating talks between conflicting parties in conflicts like those in Gaza, Afghanistan, Lebanon and even Africa and Latin America, earning it a reputation as a neutral and reliable intermediary, His Excellency said.

This capacity to talk to everyone from major powers and regional actors to non-state groups, is very unique, and is grounded in trust, he added.

HE the Ambassador noted the great success of the Doha Forum 2025, which has not only showcased Qatar's hospitality, but also fostered global dialogue on pressing issues like regional stability, climate change, energy security, and sustainable development.

"This approach resonates strongly with our own diplomatic philosophy. This aligns well with our own commitment to peaceful resolutions, regional stability and good-neighborhood", he said, noting that Qatar has managed to combine breathtaking modernization with proud preservation of its identity. "What we see around us is not just rapid development, but strategic development guided by Qatar National Vision 2030, with its four pillars of human, social, economic and environmental development," His Excellency said.

HE The Ambassador said that the State of Qatar has succeeded in employing its natural resources to achieve sustainable development and a diversified economy that serves future generations, noting that this is an inspiring experience for Uzbekistan, and an indication of promising cooperation opportunities in multiple fields.

"Our bilateral relations have undergone a remarkable qualitative leap. From traditional diplomatic ties, we have advanced to a comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in trust, shared interests, and a common vision for sustainable development", His Excellency said.

His Excellency said the the Agreement on Establishing a Strategic Partnership between Uzbekistan and Qatar, signed on 15 April 2024 and ratified by the Uzbekistan Parliament in early 2025 became landmark document defined priority cooperation in trade, investment, transport, education, healthcare, culture, tourism, and sports.

HE Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Qatar Ashraf Khodjaev noted that the first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Coordination Council in Doha, launched in August 2025, is a practical mechanism that transforms political will into practical cooperation and real projects. Most recently, HE President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's working visit to Doha for the Second World Summit for Social Development, at the personal invitation of His Highness the Amir, added fresh momentum. The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across all fields, expand trade and investment, and jointly advance global initiatives on social justice. (QNA)