rki.news | Doha
DOHA: Uzbekistan has moved from establishing and safeguarding its independence to turning it into an engine of development, H.E. Dr. Ashraf Khodjaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar, said in Doha while addressing a reception marking the country’s 35th anniversary of Independence.
Addressing H.E. Dr Ali bin Saeed Al Marri, Minister of Labour; H.E. Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library; H.E. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, Minister of State; Mr Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaidah, Assistant Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; distinguished heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations, and other guests, Ambassador Khodjaev said 35 years represented a long period in a person’s life but, for a nation, could be only the beginning of a new chapter.
“For Uzbekistan, the 35th anniversary of Independence is therefore more than a date on the calendar. It is a story of identity and the freedom to choose our own path,” he said.
The Ambassador recalled the words of President of Uzbekistan H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has emphasized that the roots of Uzbekistan’s independence go deep into history, reaching back to the traditions of national statehood and ancient civilization.
He said independence restored Uzbekistan’s honor and dignity, sacred religion, native language and values.
Reflecting on the journey of the past 35 years, Ambassador Khodjaev said the first years were focused on laying the foundations of a sovereign state. Over the past decade, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan had been building a New Uzbekistan that was more open, more ambitious and, above all, more focused on its people.
“If I had to describe the journey of these 35 years in one sentence, I would say this: Uzbekistan has moved from establishing and safeguarding its independence to turning that independence into an engine of development,” he said.
The Ambassador highlighted major economic and social achievements, saying Uzbekistan’s economy had tripled in size over the past decade and reached $180 billion this year, the strongest result in the country’s recent history.
He said Uzbekistan had now set a new goal of achieving a $300 billion economy by 2030.
However, Ambassador Khodjaev stressed that the country’s progress could not be measured by economic figures alone.
During the past 10 years, he said, the poverty rate had fallen from 35 percent to 4 percent. The living conditions and well-being of 10 million people had improved, while eight million people had gained access to a stable supply of drinking water.
“These numbers matter because of the lives behind them,” he said.
The Ambassador emphasized that Uzbekistan’s transformation had never been only about economic growth. It had also meant investing in education and healthcare, strengthening social protection and creating greater opportunities for women and young people.
Turning to Qatar, Ambassador Khodjaev said Uzbekistan was deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, for his vision, friendship and personal contribution to bringing the two countries closer together.
He also expressed appreciation for the role of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, as well as Qatari partners across government, business, academia and society.
The Ambassador described Qatar’s own journey as remarkable, saying the country had demonstrated how tradition and modernity, national identity and global ambition, heritage and innovation could coexist and strengthen one another.
He said this shared outlook was one reason Qatar and Uzbekistan understood each other naturally, with both countries deeply rooted in their history while looking confidently towards the future.
Ambassador Khodjaev noted that Uzbekistan and Qatar had always enjoyed friendly relations, but the past three years had marked a particularly significant chapter. In 2024, relations between the two countries were elevated to the level of Strategic Partnership.
“What began as a friendship between two states is increasingly becoming a partnership of real economic substance,” he said, adding that the two countries were still only at the beginning of what they could achieve together.
He said that 35 years after Uzbekistan regained the freedom to choose its own future, the country was now building that future openly and confidently, rooted in its identity and together with partners such as Qatar.
The Ambassador also expressed his deepest appreciation to the Museum of Islamic Art and the leadership of Qatar Museums, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, for hosting the exhibitions and the anniversary reception.
He thanked the sponsors — Sasol, Ali Bin Ali Holding, Al Alfia Holding, Armasite Group and QShield — for their partnership and support.
Ambassador Khodjaev also praised his Embassy team, including diplomats and support staff, for their tireless work, professionalism and commitment to serving the interests of Uzbekistan.
He expressed sincere appreciation to Uzbek citizens living in Doha, saying they made an invaluable contribution to their community and to strengthening the bonds of friendship between Uzbekistan and Qatar.
On a personal note, the Ambassador thanked his family, particularly his wife Malika and children, for their love, support and encouragement.
Concluding his address, Ambassador Khodjaev thanked the distinguished guests for joining the celebration and wished them a wonderful evening, ending with “Rahmat. Shukran. Thank you.”
