Opening of direct flights between Qatar and Uzbekistan is expected

    Transport 8 April 2021 618

    Deputy Prime minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, minister of Tourism and sports Aziz Abdukhakimov received a delegation of the aviation authorities of the State of Qatar. Qatari delegation is visiting the republic to accelerate preparation of the Air Transport Agreement between governments of Uzbekistan and Qatar, as well as issues related to establishment of direct passenger flights between two countries.

    Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov opened the meeting by welcoming guests and informed them about development of tourism industry in Uzbekistan, measures taken by the Government to develop modern infrastructure and new types of tourism, necessary conditions for rapid recovery of international tourism to the country.

    The Qatari side was also familiarized with decisions of the Government on liberalization of air transport sector, introduction of open skies regime at regional airports and “cash-back” mechanisms for organizing charter flights by foreign airlines.

    Mr. Mohammed Faleh Alhajri, head of department Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), noted that Uzbekistan has a great tourism potential and rich historical and cultural heritage, which arousing big interest among Qatari residents. In his opinion, the signing of the Air Transport Agreement between Uzbekistan and Qatar will serve as an impetus for further enhancing of cooperation between our countries and increasing of tourist and business exchange.

    Mr. Salam Al-Samarri, head of department of “Qatar Airways”, confirmed the high interest of the Qatari airline company in launching direct flights to Uzbekistan and using the open skies regime at regional airports of the republic as well as to attract tourists from other Gulf countries.

    Sides welcomed outcomes of the meeting and agreed on early resolution of existing issues regarding finalizing of agreement and its signing, continuation of dialogue on development of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of new projects in the field of tourism.