Doha, 28 Aug. 2023 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Qatar HE Arman Issagaliyey has said that Expo 2023 Doha would become a paramount event, and his country will participate in the event at a significant
level.

In an exclusive conversation, he said that Expo2023 would further elevate Qatar’s position as the primary gateway for introducing cutting-edge innovations, sustainability and technology. This assembly will unite the brightest intellects from around the globe to nurture international collaborations, he said.

The envoy further noted that monumental events like Expo 2023 Doha, along with the Qatar Economic Forum, Doha Forum and the FIFA World Cup 2022, are positioning Qatar as a hub for
decision-makers, economists, startups and investments.

“Qatar is also evolving into a vibrant and rapidly advancing centre for the cultural and entertainment industries,” he said.

The Kazakh envoy praised Qatar’s leadership for turning the country into one of the safest and most welcoming destinations for global visitors, a status that was notably evident during the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Speaking about the economic ties between the two countries, he said the trade turnover for the first half of 2023 surged by an impressive 191 percent, reaching over $4.5 million. Furthermore, Qatar’s exports to Kazakhstan in 2022 were valued at approximately $1.1 million, reflecting an extraordinary increase of $4 million in the ongoing year.

He added that since the establishment of an air link between Doha and Almaty, more than 20,000 Kazakh tourists have explored Qatar.

The ambassador praised Qatar’s moral and technical assistance during Kazakhstan’s early years, a period that saw the nation navigate challenges akin to those faced by newly independent countries worldwide.

He highlighted that Qatar’s support underscored the strong fraternal bond between the two
nations.

Reflecting on Kazakhstan’s present state, the envoy noted that the nation’s primary law now serves as a guiding force for development and prosperity, especially considering Kazakhstan’s upcoming Constitution Day on August 30, a milestone stemming from the document’s initial signing in 1995.

He said that Kazakhstan is situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and maintains friendly relations with nations worldwide. Kazakhstan considers Qatar a pivotal and dependable partner
in the region.

He praised Qatar’s anti-nuclear position as the world marks today, August 29, as the International Day against Nuclear Tests. He pointed out that the historical joint efforts of Qatar and Kazakhstan led to Qatar sponsoring the UN resolution on human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan. This resolution, drafted by Kazakhstan, was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 21, 2020.

The Kazakh envoy praised Qatar’s efforts to promote a culture of peace and interfaith dialogue, along with Qatar National Vision 2030, which encourages the dialogue of civilisations and interfaith coexistence.

He added that both countries share the opinion on the need to combat intolerance, discrimination and violence based on religion or belief, he said.