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.
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Uzbekistan’s national pavilion at the international “Umra Plus and Pilgrimage Tourism” exhibition in Istanbul highlighted the country's pilgrimage tourism potential, rich historical and cultural heritage, and growing opportunities in the tourism sector, reports Dunyo IA.
The exhibition was held at the Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center, bringing together more than 400 international participants and around 1,500 representatives of Türkiye's tourism industry, including hotel chains, airlines, catering and ground service providers, as well as tour operators.
The Uzbekistan national pavilion, organized at the initiative of the Association of Umrah Tourism Organizations, showcased the country's key pilgrimage destinations, sacred sites, rich historical legacy, and modern tourism infrastructure.
Visitors received comprehensive information on the tourism potential of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, Kokand, and Tashkent, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites, renowned Islamic shrines, and the facilities and services created to ensure a comfortable experience for pilgrims.
The exhibition also featured presentations highlighting Uzbekistan's national traditions, handicrafts, cuisine, culture of hospitality, and ongoing reforms in the tourism sector.
In addition, a series of bilateral B2B meetings was held with tour operators, airlines, hotel industry representatives, and pilgrimage tourism stakeholders from Türkiye, the Middle East, and other countries. The discussions focused on increasing the flow of pilgrims to Uzbekistan, developing joint travel packages, and expanding bilateral cooperation.
The event was attended by representatives of the General Directorate of Hajj and Umrah under the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Türkiye (Diyanet), leaders of industry associations, and international tourism professionals.
The exhibition concluded with an award ceremony. It was noted that Uzbekistan's participation marked another important step toward strengthening the country's position as one of Central Asia's leading pilgrimage tourism destinations.