Present on the occasion were HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki As Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State, President of the Qatar National Library; Dr. Ahmad bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; HE Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director of Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; ambassadors; dignitaries; members of the Uzbak community; members of the media and guests.

Citing HH The Amir’s statement that 'Partnership is not only an agreement, but a shared journey', Ambassador Khodjaev affirmed that Uzbekistan and Qatar are walking this path side-by-side, building an ever-closer relationship. He highlighted the relationship's momentum, noting three top-level mutual visits in 2023, the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2024, and the recent convening of the first Coordination Council meeting. He also credited Qatar Airways' direct flights for increasing tourism, strengthening business ties, expanding trade, and deepening people-to-people contacts.

Ambassador Khodjaev praised Qatar’s remarkable economic diversification and its leadership in global competitiveness, government efficiency, and environmental sustainability. He also lauded Qatar’s outstanding diplomatic initiatives, recognizing its role as a key international mediator and balanced actor.

In an address at a grand gala reception held at the Rosewood Doha to celebrate Uzbekistan’s 37th Independence Anniversary,  Dr. Ashraf Khodjaev, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar, declared that bilateral relations between the two nations have reached an unprecedented peak.

Present on the occasion were Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki As Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State, President of the Qatar National Library; Dr. Ahmad bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director of Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; ambassadors; dignitaries; members of the Uzbak community; members of the media and guests.

Citing HH The Amir’s statement that “Partnership is not only an agreement, but a shared journey,” Ambassador Khodjaev affirmed that Uzbekistan and Qatar are walking this path side-by-side, building an ever-closer relationship. He highlighted the relationship's momentum, noting three top-level mutual visits in 2023, the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2024, and the recent convening of the first Coordination Council meeting. He also credited Qatar Airways' direct flights for increasing tourism, strengthening business ties, expanding trade, and deepening people-to-people contacts.

The Ambassador praised Qatar’s remarkable economic diversification and its leadership in global competitiveness, government efficiency, and environmental sustainability. He also lauded Qatar’s outstanding diplomatic initiatives, recognizing its role as a key international mediator and balanced actor.

Furthermore, Dr. Khodjaev expressed Uzbekistan’s strong condemnation of the recent attacks on Doha, a city he described as a peaceful home for all. He confirmed that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev immediately conveyed a message of unwavering solidarity and support to HH The Amir. Uzbekistan’s position, stated at the Doha emergency summit, is that such strikes constitute a violation of Qatari sovereignty and security, are unacceptable, and represent a serious disregard for the UN Charter and international law.

Inviting the guests to explore profound history and vibrant culture, Ambassador Khodjaev highlighted Its ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, crossroads of civilization, are experiencing a tourism surge, with projections of 13 million visitors this year. Samarkand’s upcoming hosting of the UNESCO General Assembly underscores this global interest.

Geographically double landlocked, Uzbekistan has nonetheless achieved remarkable economic growth, sustaining rates above 5% annually. Since 2017, its GDP has doubled, with a target of $200 billion by 2030, supported by a tenfold increase in foreign direct investment.

The nation’s living culture is preserved in its handicrafts, Maqom music, and culinary arts, with plov recognized by UNESCO. The soon-to-open Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent will showcase priceless historical artifacts, including the Quran of Uthman.

With over 60% of its 38-million-strong population under 30, youth and education are priorities. Partnerships with Qatari institutions like the Education Above All foundation provide crucial scholarships, building strong bridges between the nations.

Ambassador Khodjaev evoked the words of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who described independence as living in the hearts of the people. The President’s vision of a "New Uzbekistan" has been realized through large-scale reforms, allowing citizens to fully enjoy the rights and freedoms bestowed by sovereignty. This vision, he noted, is rooted in a re-examination of the nation's three-thousand-year history and the development of its statehood.

The Ambassador emphasized that the celebration was far more than a calendar date; it was a profound affirmation of national identity. Quoting the poet Kahlil Gibran, he illustrated that the homeland is not merely a place of residence, but a spirit carried within. He observed that while many Uzbeks have found a welcoming and productive home in Qatar, they continue to carry the rich culture, traditions, and pride of Uzbekistan in their hearts.

The Ambassador then guided attendees on a journey through his homeland, highlighting several key facets of modern Uzbekistan:

He first pointed to its profound history and culture, noting the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. This cultural wealth is driving a tourism boom, with visitor numbers projected to reach 13 million this year. The global significance of this heritage was underscored by Samarkand’s upcoming hosting of the UNESCO General Assembly, a event held outside Paris for the first time since 1985.

On the economic front, he highlighted Uzbekistan’s consistent growth exceeding 5% annually, despite its unique geographic challenge as one of only two double landlocked countries globally. Since 2017, the nation's GDP has doubled, with an ambitious target of reaching $200 billion by 2030, supported by a tenfold increase in foreign direct investment.

Culturally, he announced the imminent opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, which will house an unparalleled collection, including the historic Quran of Uthman. He extended special gratitude to Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa for her support in restoring the Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, recognizing her leadership in safeguarding culture as a universal bridge.

The Ambassador also celebrated Uzbekistan’s culinary heritage, noting that the iconic dish of plov is not just a meal but "history on a plate." Its inscription on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list has made it a tool of cultural diplomacy, celebrated at festivals with chefs from around the world, including Qatar’s own Chef Hamad Al Hajri.

Looking to the future, he highlighted the nation's youthful demographic, with 60% of its 38 million people under the age of 30. He expressed deep gratitude for the educational partnerships with Qatari institutions like the Education Above All foundation, Qatar Foundation, and local universities, which provide vital bridges between the two nations.

In the fields of innovation and sport, parallels were drawn with Qatar’s own Vision 2030. Uzbekistan’s growing IT Park ecosystem and Qatar’s hosting of the Web Summit were cited as collaborative steps in building a "digital Silk Road." In sports, the Ambassador celebrated Uzbekistan’s recent qualification for its first-ever FIFA World Cup and offered the nation’s full support for Doha’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036.

In closing, the Ambassador expressed sincere gratitude to the event's partners and the artists and chef who brought a taste of Uzbekistan to Doha. He thanked his embassy team and his family, whose constant support sustains him. He reserved profound thanks for the State of Qatar, its Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and its government for their unwavering support of his diplomatic mission, poignantly noting that Qatar is the nation where his family experienced the greatest happiness—the birth of their daughter, Amira.