DOHA, September 3. /Dunyo IA/. General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, Uzbekistan’s Cultural Ambassador to Qatar, Khalid Al-Sulaiti, gave an interview to Dunyo IA ahead of 35^th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, conveying her sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of our country:

Your Excellency, as we mark the 35^th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence, what message would you like to share with the people of Uzbekistan on this occasion?

— On the occasion of the 35^th anniversary of the independence of Uzbekistan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to the friendly Uzbek people, wishing their country continued progress and prosperity.

Over these 35 years, and especially under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recent years, Uzbekistan has undertaken sweeping reforms across many sectors. How do you view this transformation, and what has stood out to you most?

— The development that Uzbekistan has witnessed in recent years reflects a clear vision for the future – one rooted in modernization, openness, and promoting sustainable development across all sectors.

What stands out most in this journey is Uzbekistan’s ability to advance toward the future while steadfastly preserving its national identity and cultural uniqueness. From our perspective in the field of cultural leadership, we consider this balance vital: true development does not mean distancing oneself from one’s roots, but rather building upon them, safeguarding culture and heritage, while simultaneously opening up to the world and engaging with its evolution.

How would you characterize the current level of relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan, particularly in the fields of culture and heritage?

— We view the relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Uzbekistan as strong and steadily growing. Over recent years, these relations have witnessed remarkable development in various fields, particularly in culture and heritage. At the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara, we take pride in the cultural cooperation and exchange achieved between the two countries, believing that culture and heritage serve as a vital bridge to enhance communication and closeness among peoples.

This occasion also represents an opportunity to celebrate Uzbekistan’s progress and its journey, which reflects the aspirations of its people toward a more prosperous future. We look forward to further strengthening cooperation and hosting more joint cultural and heritage initiatives and events, contributing to the consolidation of the bonds of friendship and understanding between the Qatari and Uzbek peoples.

You were recently appointed as Uzbekistan’s Cultural Ambassador in Qatar. What does this honor mean to you personally, and how do you see your role in strengthening this cultural bridge?

— My appointment as Cultural Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar is an honor and a recognition that I deeply cherish on a personal level. I view this honor not merely as a personal tribute, but as a testament to the role that the Cultural Village Foundation “Katara” plays in building bridges of dialogue between cultures.

Relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Uzbekistan are witnessing continuous growth, with culture remaining a vital bridge in deepening mutual understanding and connection between both nations.

At Katara, we share a journey of cultural cooperation with Uzbekistan that spans more than a decade. Since 2013, we have hosted events introducing the public to Uzbek art and heritage, followed by various joint exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural initiatives.

One of Uzbekistan’s defining characteristics is its rich civilizational and cultural legacy, as well as its historical contributions to human civilization. We look forward to building upon this solid foundation by launching further joint initiatives that showcase the rich cultures of both nations and strengthen the ties between the Qatari and Uzbek peoples.

Katara has built a strong reputation as a home for cross-cultural dialogue. Are there specific memories, impressions, or aspects of Uzbek culture and heritage – its history along the Silk Road, its architecture, its arts – that resonate with you?

— Uzbek culture has left a profound impression on me through its ancient civilization, which for centuries served as a vibrant crossroads between East and West. I am particularly captivated by the richness of Uzbek architecture, alongside its traditional crafts and diverse art forms.

We firmly believe that heritage is not merely a past to be celebrated, but a living resource for dialogue and for shaping the future. What further distinguishes Uzbekistan is its rich civilizational diversity and its ability to blend authenticity with openness. Enhancing cultural exchange between Qatar and Uzbekistan creates valuable opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue between our countries.