Qatar, India to boost ties further

Doha: India’s External Affairs Minister H E Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar yesterday held detailed discussions with his Qatari counterpart on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Dr. S. Jaishankar paid a visit to Qatar on December 27-28, 2020. A statement issued by the Embassy of India yesterday said the Minister handed over a personal message to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani from Prime Minister H E Narendra Modi inviting H H the Amir to visit India and thanking Qatar for taking care of the Indian community during COVID-19 pandemic. H H the Amir accepted the invitation to visit India at an early date, the Embassy statement said.

The External Affairs Minister held detailed discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on bilateral as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Embassy statement further said that both the Ministers discussed ways to strengthen the multifaceted bilateral relationship in areas such as energy, trade, investment, food processing, healthcare, education, culture, defence and security. They agreed to maintain regular consultations and coordination on all issues of mutual interest at multilateral fora. The External Affairs Minister extended invitation to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit India for the first Joint Commission Meeting in 2021.

The Indian Minister interacted with the business leaders from Qatar, including the Chairmen and board members of Qatar Chamber and the Qatar Businessmen Association. The Minister held a virtual interaction with the Indian community in Qatar. He appreciated the contribution of the community in meeting the COVID-19 challenge. 

The Minister visited the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium that has been constructed by Indian company L&T along with Qatari partners Al Balagh Group. He also visited the Qatar National Museum.