Doha, Qatar: Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the State of Qatar H E Khisrav Sohibzoda stated that the visit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to his country will open a new page in the history of Tajikistan-Qatar relations, and will bear the desired fruits for both countries and the region.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Sohibzoda revealed that the Amir visited the Grand Mosque in Dushanbe which was completed by Qatar as a gift from the Amir to the Tajik people. He called the mosque a unique project in the Central Asian region. He added that the Amir’s visit to Tajikistan aims to discuss bilateral relations and many areas of common concern.
He pointed out that the leaderships of the two countries will hold discussions on issues related to ways and mechanisms for developing trade and economic relations, especially since Qatar is considered a pioneer in the Tajik investment market through the “Diar Dushanbe” real estate project. He also indicated that the visit included signing of bilateral agreements and new memorandums of understanding in investment, trade, economy, industry, agriculture, food security, tourism, youth, sports, environment, banking affairs, and other sectors of common interest. He explained that the upcoming talks also include mechanisms for activating and implementing the 20 bilateral agreements and MoUs signed over the past years.
Sohibzoda stressed the importance of direct flights between Doha and Dushanbe to enhance trade, tourism and cultural cooperation as well as more communication between the two peoples. All procedures were taken by setting the legal framework to launch flights between the capitals of the two countries. He said that the Tajik side took the initiative to grant Qatar Airways the fifth freedom flights, and the issue is being studied by the Qatari side.
He pointed out that Tajikistan hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in 2021, where the participating leaders agreed by consensus to grant Qatar the status of dialogue partner with the organisation, which reflects the strength of cooperation between the two countries through international forums.
Meanwhile, Sohibzoda disclosed that the biggest challenge facing the trade and investment movement between Tajikistan and Qatar is that his country is a landlocked country, as intra-trade in contemporary times in light of the increasing competitions needs less expensive transportation methods. Therefore, resolving the logistical issue is of utmost importance to activate trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
He noted the “Diar Dushanbe” project, which is being developed by the Qatar Diar Company. The total cost of the project is estimated at $300m. Its first phase has been completed, and the second phase is scheduled to start this year.
Sohibzoda said that the renewable energy sector, particularly hydropower, is one of the priorities of the Tajik government to achieve sustainable economic development for the country and looking forward to Qatari investment to implement hydropower projects through the Qatar Investment Authority and specialized Qatari companies.
He touched on the joint governmental committee for economic, commercial and technical cooperation as it represents a pivotal mechanism and an important element for economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Qatar. The third session of the joint committee meetings was held in Dushanbe from August 29-31, 2018, and discussions are taking place to hold the fourth session of the committee’s meetings in Doha, he revealed.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar