Increasing international dialogue of Central Asian countries draws attention at the global level. The region, which is on the radar of European actors and Asian geography, is also an area of close interest to the Gulf countries. In this context, it is very important that the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will go on a tour of Central Asia on June 5, 2023. Sheikh Tamim met with the leaders of the region during his visit covering 5-8 June 2023 and signed important partnerships.[1]
Emir started his Central Asia tour from Uzbekistan and visited Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan respectively. Emir’s comprehensive tour is an important turning point in the relations between Central Asia-Gulf in general and Qatar-Central Asia in particular. Taking steps to strengthen and deepen mutual cooperation creates a win-win partnership for the parties.
Qatar has recently increased its international position and prestige considerably. Especially the role it plays in the Afghan Problem has highlighted Doha as an active international actor. In addition to this, the opportunity and competence it has in construction and infrastructure gives Doha an advantage in its economic partnerships with Central Asian countries. For this reason, it can be said that it is seen as an important and strategic partner for the countries of the region.
On the other hand, Central Asian countries are also actors that provide investment opportunities and have the potential to develop cooperation. Therefore, mutual investment opportunities will be developed after these visits. The common historical culture and civilization also makes a positive contribution to reinforcing the closeness between the parties.
During his visit to Uzbekistan, Sheikh Tamim held talks with senior officials discussing ways to strengthen cooperation and relations. Relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan have recently become more productive with the cooperation established at various levels. It is understood from the steps they have taken that the parties mutually want to increase this dynamic of cooperation. For example, in connection with the third round of political consultations between the two, the Qatar Embassy opened in Tashkent a few weeks ago.[2]
It is also seen that bilateral ties will continue to be developed. As a matter of fact, the President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Şevket Mirziyoyev, in his statement after meeting with Sheikh Tamim, declared that he sees Qatar as a “promising partner”.
The parties agreed on the participation of leading Qatari companies in the implementation of major investment projects worth more than 12 billion dollars in the energy, gas chemical industry, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and other sectors. Doha and Tashkent signed 15 memorandums of understanding in various fields. At the same time, organizing a Qatar-Uzbekistan Investment Forum in September 2023 was also on the agenda.[3]
It is known that within the scope of interregional integration, the leaders of the two countries emphasized the importance of transportation and logistics corridors connecting Central Asia to the Gulf. In addition to this, the parties also touched upon the Afghanistan issue and agreed to establish a pragmatic policy towards the country.[4]
Sheikh Tamim, who went to Kyrgyzstan after Uzbekistan, also had an important meeting with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadir Caparov. In his speech, Mr. Caparov said that the visit of the Emir of Qatar to Kyrgyzstan is not only in terms of cooperation between the two countries; He also emphasized that it has great historical importance in terms of relations with the Arab World as a whole. The two countries intend to increase their cooperation to the level of comprehensive partnership. Emphasizing that Sheikh Tamim is the first leader from the Arab World to visit Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Caparov pointed out that the momentum of relations that have been going on for 25 years will increase.[5] In this context, it can be predicted that the partnerships between the parties will increase and new cooperation processes will emerge in the future.
The Emir’s visit brought about the signing of the agreement on the establishment and operation of cultural centers in Kyrgyzstan-Qatar relations and the signing of memoranda on cooperation in the field of sports between the two governments. Memorandum of understanding was signed in many areas such as ensuring coordination and cooperation between various ministries, customs regulations, agriculture, law and central bank activities.[6]
The Emir of Qatar went to Kazakhstan on 7 June 2023 and participated in the Astana International Forum. As it will be remembered, Emir participated in the Conference on Cooperation and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, in 2022.[7] At the same time, it is known that Qatar is among the first Arab countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence. In this respect, it can be said that bilateral relations have a deep-rooted history and are open to development.
The President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kasim Cömert Tokayev, during his meeting with the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim, announced that Kazakhstan is ready to increase its export to Qatar of approximately 60 types of products worth 250 million dollars. As it is known, Kazakhstan implements a policy aimed at attracting Qatari investors to the country. It is also aimed to strengthen partnerships in various fields. With Sheikh Tamim’s visit, it can be stated that the developments in these matters will accelerate.
Emir’s last stop was Dushanbe. Meeting with President of Tajikistan, Imamali Rahman, Sheikh Tamim inaugurated the largest mosque in Dushanbe.[8] It is expected that the ties between Doha and Dushanbe, which have had close relations since 1994, will be crowned with this visit.
There is a period in which Central Asia develops cooperation within the framework of a proactive policy at the global level. At the same time, there is a tremendous interest in the countries of the region. Central Asian states are also strengthening their multidimensional relations by turning this situation into an advantage within the scope of their national interests. The deepening of relations with Qatar can also be described as a turning point based on mutual gain and opening new doors.
After all, Sheikh Tamim’s visit is not just Qatar’s bilateral relations; it will also develop Central Asia-Gulf or Central Asia-Middle East ties. It can also be predicted that the investments of Arab states in Central Asia will diversify.
[1] “Qatar: Amir to Begin Central Asia Tour on Monday”, Zawya, https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/gcc/qatar-amir-to-begin-central-asia-tour-on-monday-m93zls8y, (Date of Accession: 08.06.2023).
[2] “Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Opens Premises of Qatari Embassy in Uzbekistan”, MFA, https://www.mofa.gov.qa/en/all-mofa-news/details/1444/10/17/minister-of-state-for-foreign-affairs-opens-premises-of-qatari-embassy-in-uzbekistan, (Date of Accession: 08.06.2023).
[3] “Uzbekistan Considers Qatar ‘Promising Partner’: President Mirziyoyev”, AA, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/uzbekistan-considers-qatar-promising-partner-president-mirziyoyev/2916034, (Date of Accession: 08.06.2023).
[4] Ibid.
[5] “Kyrgyzstan and Qatar Intend to Raise Cooperation to Level of Comprehensive Partnership”, Kabar, http://en.kabar.kg/news/kyrgyzstan-and-qatar-intend-to-raise-cooperation-to-level-of-comprehensive-partnership/, (Date of Accession: 08.06.2023).
[6] “Amir and President of Kyrgyzstan Witness Signing of Agreements”, The Peninsula, https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/07/06/2023/amir-and-president-of-kyrgyzstan-witness-signing-of-agreements, (Date of Accession: 08.06.2023).
[7] “Kazakhstan Ready to Increase Exports to Qatar in 60 Commodity Items Worth $250 Million”, Astana Times, https://astanatimes.com/2023/06/kazakhstan-ready-to-increase-exports-to-qatar-in-60-commodity-items-worth-250-million/, (Date of Accession: 08.06.2023).
[8] “Qatar’s Emir Arrives in Dushanbe”, Asia Plus, https://asiaplustj.info/en/news/tajikistan/politics/20230608/qatars-emir-arrives-in-dushanbe, (Date of Accession: 08.06.2023).
