DOHA, September 18. /Dunyo IA/.   A lecture titled “Uzbekistan’s New Foreign Policy: The “Central Asia+” Format and Strategic Relations with Qatar” was held in Doha in cooperation with the Global Institute for Strategic Studies, with the participation of Ambassador of Uzbekistan Ashraf Khojaev, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event brought together representatives of Qatar’s academic and educational communities, diplomatic corps, think tanks and media. The lecture focused on the key principles of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, the development of cooperation in Central Asia and prospects for the Uzbek-Qatari strategic partnership.

Lecture highlighted that Central Asia has become a priority area of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, while strengthening trust with neighboring states has contributed to the development of regional dialogue. Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with Central Asian countries increased from $2.4 billion in 2016 to $12.3 billion in 2025.

Particular attention was paid to Uzbekistan’s participation in the “Central Asia+” formats and the development of cooperation with Russia, China, the United States, the European Union, Türkiye, the Republic of Korea, Japan and the Gulf states.

A significant part of the meeting was devoted to Uzbekistan-Qatar relations. It was noted that political dialogue between the leaders of the two countries, high-level visits in 2023–2025, the strategic partnership agreement and the launch of direct air connectivity have brought bilateral relations to a new stage.

At the conclusion of the event, participants exchanged views on Uzbekistan’s regional policy, initiatives within the “Central Asia+” formats, its approach to Afghanistan and prospects for strategic cooperation with Qatar.