Qatar and Iran share a long history, with Iran being one of the first countries to recognize Qatar’s independence. Since then, both countries have shared regional, religious and economic corporations.
Besides, Qatar has constantly stressed maintaining a stable relationship with regional partners.
These sentiments were further echoed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah during the just-concluded Doha Forum on how an agreement on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) could facilitate a regional security framework.
Qatar and Iran also share the South Pars/North Dome field, reportedly the world’s biggest gas field. Ensuring a peaceful co-existence and at least de-escalating any threat internal and external undoubtedly benefit the GCC states and the entire region – ensuring unparalleled development for all parties.
Recently, Qatar hosted Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on his first official visit to a Gulf Cooperation Council country. This was also the first visit of an Iranian president to Qatar in 11 years as he participated in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
“Bilateral relations and trade, economy, energy, culture and especially investment issues were discussed in the meetings (with H H the Amir and officials),” Raisi was quoted as saying after his visit. Several deals and agreements were signed during that trip in February, including three agreements on ports and maritime affairs, including one on maritime transport, one between the two countries’ port authorities, and another on an idea to connect Iran and Qatar via an underwater tunnel.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that Qatar’s Minister of Transport, H E Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, visited Iran and witnessed the signing of more agreements, none more significant than the operations to link the Doha Flight Information Region (FIR) with the Iranian FIR. Both sides also agreed to increase flights frequency which would go a long way as Iranians prepare to cheer their national team at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The visit also marked a series of meetings to enhance cooperation in the transport sector. All matters related to activating memoranda of understanding about the maritime transport sector and port management were discussed and looked into all issues that would remove all obstacles to supporting the promotion and facilitation of transport and trade between the ports of the two countries.
