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Doha
23 April 2017
(QU)

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Former Prime Minister of Qatar stressed on the importance of establishing a diplomatic, proactive and preventive joint policy between the Gulf states to face the policies aimed at creating tension and conflicts in the region.

He was Key-note speaker today in Qatar University Doha on 'The States of The Gulf Cooperation Council: Regional Challenges and the Future of the Relations with Neighboring Countries'. Former Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor AlThani said “The Gulf citizens found a gap between their aspirations for unity and integration and the social and political reality. The region needs to create a comprehensive human development plan that prioritizes social development and the empowerment of its citizens to develop their lives in various fields.”

He highlighted the correlation between the security in Arab world and it's impact on Gulf states security. Former Qatar Prime Minister discussed on the regional issues and talked on Iraq, Libya, Palestine, Syria and Yemen.

He said “Iran is the biggest beneficiary of the collapse of Iraq in 2003 and the many revolutions of the Arab Spring. The reaction of the Gulf states towards these issues was not effective enough to deal seriously with the latest developments on the regional and international arena. In this regard, it is necessary to create joint institutions between the Gulf states to offer effective solutions to the economic challenges in the post gas and oil phase.”

He also highlighted the causes of the conflicts in the countries that witnessed the Arab Spring, which resulted in the collapse of the previous systems and the obstruction of political horizons, as well as numerous revolutions and conflicts between yesterday’s allies on authority and power. He noted that the lack of effective planning and cooperation between the Arab states has led to this reality.

Earlier welcoming to the Chief Guest and Key-note speaker of the day and to the guests, Dr Hassan Al Derham, President of Qatar University said “We are honored to host H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani to give us today a lecture on the current situation in the region, as well as his vision on the future and the regional latest developments and their impact on the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Through its Distinguished Lecture Series, Qatar University is committed to offer its students a successful experience during their academic journey by providing them with the opportunity to get acquainted with national and international experts in various areas. The organization is also committed to provide its faculty members, researchers and students with opportunities to get insight into the experiences of policy and decision makers, which is of the benefit of the university members.”

He said “Over the last four decades, Qatar University has provided to Qatar thousands of graduates, experts, intellectuals, scientists and leaders, who contribute to the country’s progress and growth in many areas. Qatar University continues to deliver on its mission to realize the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. To achieve this, the University has implemented many objectives within its development strategy, among which is the objective to drive forward its role as a key partner of intellectual and cultural growth in Qatar and the region through a number of initiatives.”

Upon arrival, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani was received by Dr Hassan Al Derham, President Qatar University and members of academia.

A large number of members of diplomatic corp in Qatar, government officials, representatives of local and international media, members of Qatar University faculty, staff and students attended periodical series of lectures.

Doha
23 April 2017
(QNA)

Kolinda Grabar Kitrovic, President of the Republic of Croatia said that Croatia is an attractive and favorable country for doing business, and has many opportunities for Qatari businessmen to invest in various economic sectors including infrastructure, energy, tourism, health, pharmaceutical, food industry to advanced technology.

Addressing Qatari-Croatian Business Forum held today at the Hotel Granf Hyatt, President of Croatia showed her satisfaction telling that economic and trade cooperation between the two friendly countries grew to the level of political relations and are enhanced since 2002.

She said that her country attaches great importance in building strong economic and trade relations with Qatar. She hoped that cooperation between Qatari and Croatian businessmen will further strengthen these relations. President of Croatia told that many Croatian companies want to enter the Qatari market.

President Kitrovic called on Qatari businessmen to invest in her country and provides an open business environment.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber addressed on the occasion. He said "Qatar and Croatia enjoy distinct relations at all levels and fields. But their trade volume is still below expectations. It reached last year only $ 22 million. It doesn't reflect the available potentials each country own. Therefore, I wish this meeting would be a new start for activating a positive cooperation between the private sector in both friendly countries."

Chairman of Qatar Chamber said that Qatar Chamber and businessmen are keen on strengthening business relations and interested to establish genuine partnerships and joint enterprises whether in Qatar or Croatia.

He hoped that this meeting would be a new start for activating a positive cooperation between the private sector in both friendly countries.

Luka Burilovi, President of Croatian Chamber of Economy in his speech on the occasion said that Croatia is Central European and Mediterranean country, an EU member country. We offer numerous opportunities for joint projects and we guarantee stability and the safety of business and investments. The Republic of Croatia guarantees by law the same rights to foreign investors as it does to the Croatian investors and it ensures free transfer of return on equity from the country upon completion of the investment.

He said that Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two Chambers will be institutional support and encouragement for the development of further cooperation between the two sides.

"We look forward to achieving a new prosperous stage of our bilateral partnership," he said, telling that the Croatian Chamber of Economy has organized several Croatian trade mission to Qatar. "The first one was organized in 2003 and since then we work together with our Qatari partners to strengthen the economic relations between our companies and our two countries."

" (END)

Doha
23 April 2017 (QNA)

Emir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic held an official session of talks at the Emiri Diwan on Sunday.

Croatian President extended her congratulations to Emir on Qatar on the safe return of the Qatari nationals who were kidnapped in Iraq. President of Croatia praised the deep relations between the two countries, stressing keenness to promote and enhance them towards wider prospects.

She extended an invitation to the Emir to visit Croatia.

Emir of Qatar welcomed President of Croatia and the accompanying delegation. He accepted the invitation to visit Croatia.

Emir of Qatar said that the Croatian President's visit to Qatar is an important step that would contribute to support and develop cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Talks also dealt with means of enhancing cooperation and friendship between the two countries, especially in the political, economic, investment and environmental fields. They also reviewed a number of regional and international issues and the two countries' stance on them.

Croatian President decorated Emir of Qatar with the Grand Order of King Tomislav with Sash and Great Star, the highest state order of the Republic of Croatia.

Following the session, Emir of Qatar and Croatian President witnessed the signing of an Agreement on Cooperation in the field of environmental protection and conservation of nature along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Qatar Chamber and the Croatian Chamber of Economy.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Emir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, a number of Ministers and members of delegation accompanying Croatian President.

Earlier, on arrival at Diwan-e-Emiri, President of Croatia was accorded Guard of Honour. President of Croatia introduced Emir of Qatar her accompanying members of delegation.

Later in afternoon, President of Croatia addressed Qatari businessmen and Qatar Chamber of Commerce Officials at Hotel Grand Hyatt.

Tribune News Network
Doha
23 April 2017

ABU Issa Holding, one of the Middle East's leading business conglomerates, signed a partnership agreement with Tourvest, South Africa's leading integrated tourism group, at a ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa, recently.

Chairman of Abu Issa Holding Ashraf Abu Issa was present at the ceremony to helm the partnership agreement signing.

Present on the occasion were Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce of Qatar, Abdullah Hussein al Jaber, Ambassador of Qatar to South Africa, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Rob Davis, South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry as well as distinguished members of the Qatari and South African societies and business moguls.

Ashraf Abu Issa said on the occasion "We are very pleased to announce that Abu Issa Holding has signed a partnership agreement with Tourvest, the biggest tourism company in the southern hemisphere and the leading integrated tourism group in South Africa. We are excited about what the future holds for this partnership as we are confident it will bring both parties the success we fully believe in."

He said "We will be guiding Tourvest throughout their endeavours in Qatar and the Middle East, and we will be overlooking their future projects in the region. We will also provide them with our counsel to ensure that their objectives and goals are fully realised to their standards and to ours."

Tourvest is South Africa's leading integrated tourism group, operating businesses which range from travel management companies, hotels, lodges and restaurants to craft, curio and jewellery shops and foreign exchange bureau under some 60 sector-leading brands.

Abu Issa holding will carry out plans to launch Tourvest's first-ever branch in Qatar, expanding their reach in the Qatari and GCC market.

"We are currently working closely with Tourvest to launch their first branch in Qatar. This step will allow Tourvest to connect with its clients in the Qatari market and will allow their clients to fully experience all that Tourvest has to offer," Ashraf Abu Issa told.

Doha
22 April 2017

Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti along with Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi inaugurated 'G' Ring Road today this morning Saturday 22nd April 2017.

The Road has two sections P-11 and P-10. P-11 is over 10 Kms long constructed by China Harbour Company. It took almost 3 1/2 years to complete and contract for P-11 valued around QAR 2 billion. P-10 section also value around QAR 2 billion and on its way to complete.

Project Director P-11 Wong told that he was very happy to join this inauguration of the road built by his company. He said company has handed over already their part of the road and today it will be opened for public to use. He said that his company has prestigious projects in hand including one at Doha New Port.

Washington
22 April 2017
(USDOD News)

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met today with Emir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Defense Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah in Doha, Qatar, Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said in a readout of the meeting.

The meeting closely followed a March 27 meeting between the defense minister and Mattis at the Pentagon, the statement said.

‎The secretary reinforced the importance of deepening the U.S.-Qatari strategic partnership and discussed shared security interests, which include the defeat of ISIS, the statement said.

Mattis reiterated the value of the Qatari support to the counter-ISIS coalition as well as the country's role in maintaining regional stability and security, the statement said.

Picture by US DOD

Sitting to Mattis' left is his advisor, Sally Donnelly, and Dana Smith, U.S. ambassador to Qatar.

Doha
18 April 2017
(QNA/wgoqatar)

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani launched the expansion of Ras Abu Fontas A3 Water Desalination Station, during a ceremony held on Tuesday at the station in Al Wakrah.

On the outset of the event, a documentary about Ras Abu Fontas A3 Water Desalination Station was screened and a detailed presentation given on the plant. The station is set to provide 36 million gallons of desalinated water per day.

Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry said that the opening and operation of Ras Abu Fontas A3 plant at the specified time and within the expected cost confirms the commitment of Qatar Electricity and Water Company to play its role in contributing to the water security of the State. .

Dr. Al Sada, who also chairs the Qatar Electricity and Water Company said in his speech on the occasion that project is also a qualitative leap in water production using reverse osmosis technology, which is characterized by its low cost and complete independence from generating Electricity, as well as it is an environmentally friendly technology, as it does not generate any thermal effect on the sea water, in contrast to the traditional method of water production, known as "thermal distillers."

He told that the new expansion will add 36 million gallons of desalinated water per day, which will raise the production capacity of the Ras AbU Fontas plant to 60 percent of the country's water needs.

He also told that with the operation of the first phase of the project, "Umm al-Hall" by the middle of this year, the production will use reverse osmosis technology to about 100 million gallons of desalinated water per day, becoming the State of Qatar, one of the largest water producing countries in the region using this technology.

'Production capacity of the State of Qatar will increase in one year from 8,600 megawatts of electricity to more than 11,000 megawatts, in addition to more than 530 million gallons of desalinated water per day by 2018,' Minister of Energy & Industry of Qatar said.

Budapest
21 April 2017
(Xinhua)

The first freight train from Xi'an, China to Budapest arrived here on Friday.

"The arrival of the train is the symbol of the revival of the old Silk Road from an economic aspect," Deputy Secretary of State Tamas Molnar, who is responsible for customs and international affairs of the Ministry of National Economy, said at a welcoming reception of the train.

"It is also a recognition for Hungary and its entrepreneurs, who have yet again proven to be part of Europe's elite, as we have been chosen as the location for custom clearing," he added.

The cargo train left Xi'an, capital of China's Shaanxi province, for Budapest on April 1. It passed through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland and Slovakia before reaching Budapest.

According to Xi'an Logistics Park authorities, it's the fourth China-Europe freight train service in Xi'an.

The train, which has a total of 41 carriages, brought mostly clothes, toys and electronic products from Yiwu city in Zhejiang province.

"The time of travel of the goods between China and Hungary has been greatly reduced, thus, its efficiency has much increased," Duan Jielong, Chinese Ambassador to Hungary, said in his welcoming speech.

"This route plays a very important role in the bilateral trade," he added, thanking both the Chinese and the Hungarian governments for their joint efforts.

"I hope that our mutual efforts and cooperation will lead to new results," he added. In 2016, the Sino-Hungarian bilateral trade volume reached 8.89 billion U.S. dollars.

Afghanistan
22 April 2017
(AlJazeera)

Taliban fighters dressed in military uniforms attacked a key army base in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing and wounding dozens of soldiers, officials said.

An Afghan official, speaking to Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity, said more than 50 soldiers had been killed and many others wounded at the military base near Mazar-i-Sharif, capital of Balkh province.

An American military official said the Taliban may have killed and wounded more than 50 Afghan troops.

The attack was launched near a mosque on the base as soldiers were leaving Friday prayers, said army spokesman Nasratullah Jamshidi.

Six attackers in two military vehicles told guards at the gates that they were carrying wounded soldiers and urgently needed to enter, he said.

"In total, there were 10 attackers involved in the attack on the Afghan army corps. Seven of them were killed, two blew themselves up, and one was detained by Afghan forces," defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told AFP news agency.

The base is the headquarters of the Afghan National Army's 209th Corps. It covers most of northern Afghanistan, including Kunduz province, which has been the scene of heavy fighting.

IN PICTURES: The Afghans on the frontlines fighting the Taliban

Colonel John Thomas, from the US military's Central Command, said the casualty toll would likely rise significantly.

"We're talking probably more than 50 casualties," Thomas said, adding he was unaware of any US-led coalition forces who were directly involved.

"There is a mosque and a dining facility on the base that seemed to, at this point from our reports, be the subject of significant attack from enemy forces."

Al Jazeera's Rob McBride, reporting from the capital Kabul, said the assailants had been surrounded by Afghan commandos.

"The attack followed a familiar pattern with a suicide bomb ramming into the gates of the base and detonating. After that the attackers were able to get inside," McBride reported, quoting an interior ministry statement.

"The attackers were heavily armed with suicide vests and automatic weapons, trying to cause as much damage as they can."

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the assault.

"Our fighters have inflicted heavy casualties on the Afghan army stationed there," he said.

The NATO command in Kabul called the attack "murderous and reprehensible".

The Western-backed Afghan government is locked in a prolonged war with the Taliban, as well as other armed groups. The country has seen rising violence since the US-led invasion in October 2001 ousted the Taliban-led government.

Islamabad
21 April 2017
'The Exprerss'

A day after the Panamagate verdict, the opposition heavily staged a protest in the National Assembly, demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.

The opposition unanimously announced on Friday it would not accept the premier as the leader of the House in the wake of the adverse judgment made by the five-judge bench.

According to the verdict, there wasn’t enough evidence to disqualify the premier, but he and his sons will still have to appear before a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), comprising members of various government agencies, to explain how they came to acquire their foreign assets.

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