Doha, Qatar, 30 Oct. 2026

Qatar and Uzbekistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural and intellectual cooperation, highlighting their shared Islamic heritage and the role of cultural institutions in preserving the legacy of Islamic civilisation.

The importance of these historical and spiritual connections was highlighted at a symposium titled “Islamic Civilization: The Great Spiritual Heritage of Uzbekistan and Qatar”, organised by the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations in cooperation with the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Islamic Civilization Center of Uzbekistan.

Held on Thursday, the event was attended by HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library (QNL) Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Uzbek Ambassador to Qatar HE Ashraf Khodjaev, Secretary of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations HE Ambassador Abdullah bin Ahmed Ali Al Sada; Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov; diplomats, officials and representatives of scientific and religious institutions.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Al Kawari emphasised Qatar's commitment to cultural diplomacy as an effective means of building bridges between nations. He said culture and books had a unique ability to connect people and promote understanding beyond conventional diplomacy.

He described Qatar National Library as more than a repository of books, highlighting its rare manuscripts and historical publications reflecting the contributions of scholars from Transoxiana and other centres of Islamic learning. He also stressed the potential for cooperation in manuscript preservation, digitisation, exhibitions and research.

Speaking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines, Dr Al Kawari described the symposium as an important initiative demonstrating the Diplomatic Institute's role in promoting dialogue between civilisations.

Uzbek Ambassador HE Ashraf Khodjaev highlighted the longstanding friendship and growing strategic partnership between the two countries, founded on mutual respect, shared values and constructive cooperation.

He recalled Uzbekistan's remarkable contributions to Islamic civilisation in science, education, philosophy and literature through distinguished scholars such as Imam Al Bukhari, Imam Al Tirmidhi and Al Khwarizmi. He stressed that preserving this heritage meant drawing inspiration from the past to build a better future.

HE Secretary of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations Ambassador Abdullah bin Ahmed Ali Al Sada highlighted the contribution of Islamic centres in Qatar through educational programmes, lectures, seminars and exhibitions promoting Islamic history and humanitarian values.

Meanwhile, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov described the symposium as an important cultural and educational initiative, emphasising the potential for wider cooperation.

Speaking exclusively to Qatar Tribune, he said both countries should encourage exchanging books, publications and research, enabling scholars and institutions to benefit from each other's intellectual heritage.

He expressed particular interest in strengthening links between the Islamic Civilization Center and Qatar National Library through sharing historical collections and publications.

“This is the first step. We have organised a very meaningful event together, focusing on what Qatar and Uzbekistan share in Islamic civilisation. There is much more we can do, and we are ready to develop cooperation on a wider scale,” he said.

Dr Abdukhalikov also invited Qatari representatives to visit Uzbekistan to explore further opportunities for collaboration.

The symposium concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Senior Consultant Dr Nowzad Abdulrahman Al Hiti. Participants included Dr Aisha Yousef Al Mannai, Dr Mukhtar Mohammed Mukhtar and Dr Ilhomjon Bekmirzaev, who discussed the shared spiritual and intellectual heritage of the two countries.