Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Qatar to QNA: Tajikistan is Keen on Supporting Qatar’s Initiatives Within SCO’s Framework
Doha, July 03 (QNA) — HE Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the State of Qatar Nurmurod Mahmadali emphasized that Tajikistan is keen on supporting the State of Qatar’s initiatives within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), noting the steadfast development in the bilateral relations between the two countries across various fields supported by the leadership of the two friendly countries.
In his remarks to Qatar News Agency, HE the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan said that Qatar has become an active member within the SCO, as Tajikistan has supported its accession process from the beginning. He added that Tajikistan is counting on Qatar to work with the member states of the organization to carry out joint activities of a political, economic, and humanitarian nature.
His Excellency pointed out that in 2021 during Tajikistan’s presidency of the SCO, a negotiation process was launched to consider the State of Qatar’s request to obtain the status of a «dialogue partner.» After several rounds of negotiations, the council of heads of member states decided on Sep. 17, 2021, during the SCO’s summit, to grant Qatar the status of dialogue partner.
HE Nurmurod Mahmadali stressed that, within its foreign policy, the Republic of Tajikistan attaches great importance to strengthening relations with the State of Qatar, highlighting the importance of mutual visits at the leadership level of the two countries in giving momentum to bilateral cooperation in a way that reflects the spirit of understanding, trust, and mutual respect between the two countries.
His Excellency said that he is confident that the state visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Tajikistan on June 8, 2023, and the visit of HE President of the friendly Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to the State of Qatar on Jan. 21-22, 2024, gave significant impetus to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
His Excellency voiced Tajikistan’s aspiration to further develop cooperation in areas of common interest, including the sectors of trade, energy, agriculture, industry, and tourism, especially since the two countries enjoy tremendous opportunities and potential.
In that regard, His Excellency pointed out that the State of Qatar is the first Arab country to invest in Tajikistan, including financing the construction of the Dushanbe Grand Mosque, the largest public mosque in Central Asia, with $91.3 million.
His Excellency said that Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company is also implementing the Diar Dushanbe investment project, noting that the company has completed the first phase of this project and intends to complete the second and third phases in the near future.
His Excellency pointed out that plans are being made to establish new mechanisms to further develop priority economic, trade, and investment cooperation relations between the two countries. He noted that this year’s visit of HE the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the State of Qatar focused on highlighting his government’s future priority areas of cooperation.
In that regard, HE the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan voiced his country’s aspiration to increase the volume of trade exchange with the State of Qatar, considering that it does not reflect the reality of the enormous potential that the two countries possess.
His Excellency indicated that work is underway with the relevant authorities regarding opening direct flights between Dushanbe and Doha, stressing that this step will contribute to enhancing trade exchange between the two countries, in addition to the outcomes of the meetings of the joint governmental committee for economic, commercial, technical and scientific cooperation, the implementation of which will consolidate further development.
In addition to trade and economic cooperation, HE the Ambassador of Tajikistan pointed out that various commonalities unite the two countries, including their common vision that diplomacy is the basis for resolving differences and conflicts.
His Excellency emphasized the significance of Qatar’s stance in regional and international mediation under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
His Excellency said that it is well-known that the State of Qatar became a regional and international role model for its approach to reaching a peaceful solution for regional and international conflicts. He pointed out that the State of Qatar took great initiatives in resolving the Palestinian issue and was able to release several hostages through its mediation between Israel and Hamas, in cooperation with its partners, as well as reaching a four-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
