A solemn reception dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan was held in the capital of the State of Qatar, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.
The event was attended by representatives of Qatari government institutions, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Doha, officials from international organizations, members of the public and business community, as well as representatives of the Uzbek diaspora residing in Qatar.
Among the distinguished guests were Abdullah Al-Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the State of Qatar, Hamad Al-Kawari, Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library, Ahmed Al-Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the reception, a video presentation was screened highlighting the dynamic development of friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar, as well as the expanding areas of bilateral strategic partnership. Attendees were also briefed on the history of Uzbek-Qatari relations, ongoing investment projects, trade and economic cooperation, and efforts to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties.
Following the official proceedings, a concert program was held featuring performances of traditional Uzbek maqom music.
Uzbek entrepreneurs operating in Qatar also showcased traditional Uzbek national costumes during the event.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Sulaiti, Director of the "Katara" Cultural Village Foundation:
– It is a great honor for us to participate in this highly organized reception. The economic opportunities, investment projects, and rich cultural program showcased during the event vividly demonstrated the modern image and potential of Uzbekistan. Qatar is committed to further developing its political, economic, and cultural relations with Uzbekistan.
Muhammad Ali, Representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Qatar:
– I once again experienced the genuine warmth and hospitality inherent to the Uzbek people through their national music, traditional cuisine, and various cultural events. Such occasions serve to further strengthen the mutual respect and friendship between our peoples.
Source
The development of road infrastructure and the creation of convenient traffic conditions remain among the key priorities for the capital, whose population and urban area continue to grow rapidly. Consequently, modern roads and bridges are being built across Tashkent, while existing ones are being upgraded to meet contemporary standards.

Shota Rustaveli Street, one of the city’s main arteries, connects several districts of Tashkent. To improve traffic flow, the section from Mirabad Street to Choshtepa Street, nearly 7 kilometers long, has been completely reconstructed.

The new layout includes 10 lanes: six for cars, two for public transport, and two designated for parking.
The President, accompanied by representatives of state agencies and public organizations, traveled by bus along the street, inspected the new features, and spoke with passengers about the improvements.

For the first time in Tashkent, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system – dedicated lanes for public transport – has been introduced, drawing on the experience of developed countries. This innovation has significantly increased bus speed and passenger comfort.
As a result of the $19.2 million project, passenger flow rose from 2,500 to 6,000 people per hour. The road’s capacity reached 40,000 vehicles per day, while the average traffic speed increased from 23 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Most importantly, road safety improved markedly, with a significant reduction in traffic accidents.
Under the project, 21 new bus stops and 463 smart traffic lights were installed, and an intelligent transport management system was implemented. In addition, the street now features parking areas, bicycle lanes, green zones, and modern irrigation and drainage systems.

At the site, the President was also presented with projects to expand the network of dedicated bus lanes and to create new transport hubs around the capital.
“If we had not built new metro lines and purchased modern buses, traffic in Tashkent today would have become extremely difficult. That is why we are improving the roads and developing public transport to make life more convenient for people. We will continue this work in all our cities”, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.

The President instructed responsible officials to improve public transport convenience, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure effective transport connectivity between Tashkent and New Tashkent.
The renovated Shota Rustaveli Street has not only beautified the capital but has also become a symbol of Tashkent’s transition toward a modern and intelligent transport system.