With the unparalleled diplomacy and friendly relations with other countries, Qatar has made its presence felt in the international arena and its stature and stance on the global stage is achieving greater significance every day.
Qatar has been keen on exchanging highlevel visits with countries across all the continents boosting bilateral relations and expressing its position on several pressing issues vexing the world affairs.
Yesterday, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held official talks with the Italian President, H E Sergio Mattarella, who is on a state visit to the country. A high-level delegation is accompanying him.
The two leaders discussed close bilateral relations and means to enhance them. They also discussed international issues, especially the latest developments in the region. H H the Amir also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting President and his delegation. Ties between Qatar and Italy have been witnessing a steady growth ever since both countries opened their embassies in 1992.
Mutual visits by leaders and several agreements signed by the two countries have taken the strong bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. H H the Amir visited Italy in January 2016 and in November 2018, while Italian Prime Minister H E Giusseppe Conte paid an official visit to Qatar in April 2018. At the same time, several visits were exchanged by ministerial delegations in both countries, especially the ones which were led by Foreign, Defence and Interior Ministers strengthening mutual trust and relations. Business and economic activities also passed several milestones in the past few years.
The opening of the Adriatic LNG terminal in the Italian coastal city of Rovigo in October last year, which receives eight billion cubic metres of Qatari LNG every year, meeting 10 percent of Italy’s needs, is an example.
Qatar purchased seven Italian naval units worth €5bn and NH90 helicopters, boosting defence ties. Italy is Qatar’s eighth trading partner and the seventh supplier as the trade exchange volume between the countries exceeds €1bn. Qatar has significant investments in different sectors in Italy and some 250 Italian companies are operating in Qatar, out of which 50 companies are with 100 percent Italian capital and ownership.
The visit of H E the Italian President will definitely result in taking the strategic relations between Doha and Rome to new heights, open more horizons for further cooperation and will serve the aspirations and common interests of the two countries and their friendly people.
