Beijing, 31 Jan. 2019 (Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani Thursday in Beijing, and they agreed to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership featuring mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and common development.

Xi recalled the establishment of the strategic partnership between the two countries in Beijing in 2014, saying that many consensuses reached at that time on developing bilateral relations were being implemented in joint efforts, which had brought tangible benefits to the two peoples.

China is willing to enhance communication with Qatar to deepen political mutual trust, Xi said, adding that China supports Qatar in exploring its development path suitable to its own conditions.

He said China appreciated Qatar's firm adherence to the one-China policy, and thanked Qatar for its firm support on issues concerning China's core interests.

Xi called on the two sides to further synergize their development strategies and jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative.

The two countries have initially formed a new pattern of cooperation with oil and gas cooperation as the backbone, infrastructure construction as the focus, and finance and investment as the new growth point, Xi said, calling for the progress in cooperation in energy, infrastructure construction, high and new technology, and investment.

The two sides should strengthen exchanges, share experiences and increase cooperation in international anti-terrorism and anti-extremism campaigns, Xi said.

Regarding people-to-people exchange, Xi called on the two sides to advance cooperation in such areas as tourism, culture, sports and media, especially by supporting each other in hosting the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Noting the significance of regional cooperation and stability in the Gulf for the prosperity of the region, Xi voiced China's support for appropriately addressing differences and contradictions through political and diplomatic means, and within the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and the Arab frameworks, in order to resume unity and harmony among the Gulf states.

The Chinese side stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in accordance with the wish of the GCC countries, Xi told the emir of Qatar.

Hailing the rapid development of the bilateral ties, Tamim said the Qatari side was confident of the Chinese economy.

As one of the earliest countries that had responded to the Belt and Road Initiative, Qatar looks forward to cooperating extensively with China in energy, investment, technology, infrastructure construction and other sectors, Tamim said.

Tamim spoke highly of the performance of Chinese enterprises in Qatar, and welcomed Chinese companies' investment in the Gulf country. The Qatari side is committed to enhancing cultural, tourism and media exchanges with China.

Lauding China's constructive stance in multilateral affairs as well as in the Middle East and Gulf issues, Tamim said the Qatari side was willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China, and deepen cooperation with the Chinese side to fight terrorism and extremism.

After the talks, the two heads of state attended a ceremony of the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a ceremony to welcome Tamim at the Great Hall of the People.

Doha, 30 Jan. 2019 (QNA)

Li Chen, Ambassador of the People's Republic of  China said on Wednesday that the visit of Amir of State of Qatar to Beijing, which begins today, will play a key role in enriching the strategic bilateral ties and will enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields.

He said that there is a strong will from the leadership of both sides to enhance strategic ties, expressing confidence that the visit of Amir of Qatar will enhance bilateral cooperation. The two sides will hold talks to enhance their strategic partnership and cooperation in all fields. They will also discuss a number of regional and international issues of joint interest, in addition to signing a number of agreements on the sidelines of the Qatari-Chinese Business Forum.

Chinese envoy to Qatar highlighted the historic ties between the two countries, saying they just celebrated 30 years on establishing diplomatic ties. He added that friendship between the Chinese and Qatari peoples extend for more than a thousand years.

He said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries back in 1988 paved the way for the beginning of a new era of relations between them and the two peoples in terms of equality, mutual respect, understanding, mutual support and sincere cooperation. He added that over the past 30 years, under the patronage and support of the two leaders at various stages, the friendly relations between China and Qatar have witnessed continuous and rapid development. He noted that the two countries support of one another on fundamental issues increases mutual political trust.

Ambassador Li Chen added that, at the level of international cooperation, China and Qatar are keen to coordinate, cooperate and work to maintain peace and stability at the regional and international levels. He also said that the two sides also defend the common interests of developing countries and strive to build a human society in which peace, security and development prevail. He noted that the two countries will announce the establishment of the China-Qatar Friendship Association and the Qatar-China Friendship Association, which the ambassador deemed an important step in the two sides' efforts to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two friendly countries.

He said that China-Qatar cooperation has made great strides over the past 30 years. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries increased from $50 million at the beginning of the establishment of diplomatic ties to $10.3 billion in 2017, growing about 200 times. China is Qatar's third largest trading partner and second largest source of imports, while Qatar is the second largest exporter of LNG to China.

He pointed to the presence of about 200 Chinese and joint Qatari-Chinese companies in Qatar. They work in a wide range of sectors such as engineering, contracting, information technology, trade and services, and some of them participated and participate in vital projects within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the World Cup 2022 projects. Qatari companies for their part also operate in the Chinese market.

In the financial and investment fields, the two sides signed a 35-billion-yuan currency exchange agreement in 2014 and renewed it in 2017. In 2015, the first Renminbi clearing house in the Middle East and North Africa region was established in Qatar to serve trade and investment exchanges between the two countries. Both the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the Bank of China have opened branches in Doha, while Qatar National Bank and Doha Bank have opened offices in China. Investment cooperation is one of the most promising areas of China-Qatar cooperation, HE the ambassador said.

He pointed out that Qatar is one of the first countries to support and express its desire to participate in the Belt and Road initiative. He noted also that it is a founding member of the Asian Investment Bank for Infrastructure, which was established in this framework at the invitation of China.

The Chinese Ambassador talked about the bilateral relations in the field of culture, tourism and sports. He said that the Chinese-Qatari year of culture, which was organized in 2016 and included a series of artistic performances, exhibitions and festivals, achieved great success and gave impetus to the cultural and humanitarian communication between the two countries.

On tourism between both the countries, he said that Qatar Airways operates 49 direct flights every week to seven Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing and Hong Kong, while Qatar's National Tourism Council opened three representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. He told that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Qatar in 2017 was about 45 thousand tourists, up 26 percent compared to 2016. The number in 2018 exceeded 62 thousand, a 38 percent increase.

He referred to the exemption of citizens of the two countries from visa requirements, which came into effect on December 21 last year, and considered it a step that allows the citizens of the two countries to travel at any time as they want, a sign of the high level of relations between the two countries and the desire of the two sides to further develop them. And push the exchange of visits, business and tourism to a higher level.

He said that there was significant progress made in recent years in the field of education, especially in terms of exchanges of professors and students.

In the sports sector, the two countries have maintained good cooperation, with Qatar supporting China to host the Winter Olympics in 2022 while Beijing supported Qatar as the first Arab country to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, adding that the two countries can share experiences in organizing major sporting events.

On cooperation in field of counter-terrorism, Chinese envoy  praised Qatar's active role in the fight against terrorism and its cooperation in this regard with the relevant United Nations organizations, pointing out that China and Qatar signed in 2017 a cooperation agreement in the field of security and law enforcement.

Doha, 30 Jan. 2019 (QNA)

After two successful visits to South Korea and Japan, Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrives to the People's Republic of China for the third stop of Asian tour, affirming the high level relations have reached to, the mutual trust between both leaders and the goals that both sides seek to achieve which serves the benefits and mutual targets in all fields.

The timing and goals of the tour gives it great importance as it is the second tour Amir of Qatar is conducting in Asia since the unjust blockade on Qatar since June 2017, where the first tour covered Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia in October 2017. The second tour confirms that the State of Qatar succeeded by all means in overcoming the blockade and its goals and was able to promote and expand its relations and strategic partnerships with different world countries, especially major and influential countries that are international decision makers politically and economically. This tour will open new horizons and markets for the Qatari economy, products and investments, which promotes the State economy's position, serves its goals, aspires, programs and plans of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Amir of Qatar and the accompanying delegation will discuss with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and senior Chinese officials, the ways to promote unique relations and strategic partnerships between both countries in different fields, which serves the interests of both countries and their people. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest.

Qatar holds unique relations with China since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between both countries on July 9, 1988, which paved the way to start a new era for relations between both countries and people who have mutual respect and understanding.

Relations between the two countries have gone through three major stages, the first phase started with the establishment till 1999, where both countries worked on exploring the potentials and cooperation opportunities in different fields, especially in the energy and petrochemicals sectors. The second phase started with the visit of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to China in 1999 that launched his Asian vision especially towards China and laid the foundations that built the bilateral relations. During the visit several agreements were signed in Areas of economic, political and cultural cooperation. The third and most important phase in the relations began in November 2014, with the visit of Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, which attracted local, regional and international interest. The visit saw the signing of a joint statement to establish strategic partnership between the two countries, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding on partnership in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, which paved the way for the rapid and comprehensive development of Chinese-Qatari relations and moving it into new stages.

On the other hand, there have been numerous visits by senior Chinese officials to Doha in recent years, most notably the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Qatar in 2008 when he was vice president.

Relations between the two countries have been strengthened through several agreements and memorandums of understanding on economic, trade and investment cooperation, the promotion and protection of mutual investments, the development of joint investments, health, culture and education as well as land, sea and air transport. In addition to the energy sector, oil and gas imports, exploration and participation in production, strategic and military cooperation, banking, as well as cooperation in the field of women's and family affairs, sports and media sectors.

The agreements and memorandums of understanding included a twinning agreement between Doha and Beijing, and the convention on the regulation of the employment of Chinese labor in Qatar. As well as in the field of forests, combating desertification and protecting wild animals and plants. Qatar also organized the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture which was the most important cultural activity in the history of both countries and one of the most important events was the opening of the Treasures of China exhibition and the Pearls, Treasures from the Seas and the Rivers in Beijing.

Last November, Doha hosted the sixth edition of the World Economic Development Forum under the title "Global Mindset for Connecting with pearl of the Middle East-Qatar," in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Qatar-China relations. Qatar's hosting has reflected the State's growing role as the capital of trade, business and investment. Last year, Qatar opened a center for the settlement of transactions in the Chinese currency, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Qatar's investment in China, such as the financial sector, banks and real estate fields, has also increased and considered to be effective investments of a developmental nature. The State of Qatar is represented by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) as a shareholder of the Agricultural Development Bank of China with 13 percent. The bank is currently one of the most important Chinese banks at the moment, and there are many investments for Qatari businessmen in various parts of China.

The governments of Qatar and China strengthened their bilateral relations during the first round of strategic dialogue held in Beijing last December focusing on the economic, security, cultural and tourism fields.

The two countries stressed the importance of strengthening their partnership, coordinating positions on regional issues and increasing cooperation in international organizations. They discussed exchanging information on investment opportunities and signing investment agreements to attract capital through entering into various Chinese country partnerships.

China's position towards the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar stood clear and neutral from the Gulf crisis and stressed that its policy is not to interfere in the affairs of other countries, as well as a need to resolve conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means. During the beginning of the Gulf crisis, China announced the support for Kuwait to mediate the crisis and to launch a dialogue between all parties in order to restore security and stability in the region.

China is an important trade partner for the State of Qatar, with trade between the two countries reached $10.4 billion in 2017. Qatar became China's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), supplying about 40 percent of its LNG needs and meeting the growing demand for energy. Qatargas signed a long-term sale and purchase agreement with PetroChina International Company Limited in September to supply 3.4 million tons of LNG annually to China until 2040. China is expected to become one of the largest gas markets in the world, with 179 Chinese companies registered and operating in Qatar, including 10 wholly-owned Chinese companies operating in the Qatari market.

Qatar Airways has direct flights to seven Chinese cities, and the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is developing programs to attract Chinese tourists, of whom more than 45,000 visited Qatar in 2017, up 26 percent from 2016.

China is a vast country of 9,226,410 square kilometers and a population of more than 1.37 billion people. In recent years China has contributed more than 30 percent to the growth of the world economy, averaging 14.5 percent in 40 years, with China's exports and imports jumping in the reform and opening-up contracts after China entered the World Trade Organization in 2001.

China is one of the major industries in the world and it occupies advanced positions in several industries such as steel, iron, electronic games, televisions, automobiles and smart phones. The industry accounts for 45 percent of China's GDP. The Chinese government has implemented five five-year plans since 1952 that are currently achieving remarkable success, with China's economic strength jumped to the world's second-largest economy. China is currently implementing the 13th five-year plan 2016-2020 which will help China's per capita income in cities and rural areas to double by 2020 to an average income of $20,000 per year.

 

 

 

Doha, 30 Jan. 2019 (QNA)

Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, Attorney-General of State of Qatar met on Wednesday with Mirza Shahzad Akbar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Accountability.

During the meeting, they discussed enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the field of criminal justice, technical support and exchange of experiences.

The two sides also discussed ways of cooperating with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a number of topics of common interest and possible projects.

Present on the occasion was also Jouhaida Hanano,  Criminal Justice Advisor at UNODC in Pakistan.

Kabul, 30 Jan. 2019

(QNA)

Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan met today Ambassador Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani, Special Envoy for Counter-terrorism and Mediation in Disputes' Settlements, Minister of Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar, currently visiting Afghanistan.

Qatar News Agency reported that  they discussed bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them during their meeting. They also discussed means to achieve stability and peace in Afghanistan, as well as the Qatari mediation efforts and good offices in bringing together the views of the parties concerned in this conflict.

Qatar's Special Envoy briefed the Afghan President on the US talks with Taliban, which took place in a constructive and positive atmosphere, reflecting the seriousness of both sides in achieving progress in the path of reconciliation and achieving peace in Afghanistan.

Afghan President hailed the efforts exerted by the State of Qatar in mediating between the Afghan parties and its efforts to achieve peace in Afghanistan.

In the same context, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs met separately with Salahuddin Rabbani, Afghan Foreign Minister, Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, Head of National Directorate of Security (NDS)  and Abdulkarim Khalili, Chairman of the National Peace Council of Afghanistan .

The meetings focused on a number of topics, notably the distinguished role played by State of Qatar in the mediation and its position on the process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, the rejection by all parties of a military solution to the peace process in Afghanistan, regional and international attitudes towards Afghanistan and the importance of regional and international cooperation in this regard.

Dubai, 29 Jan. 2019

(CNBC)

The United Arab Emirates, host of the 2019 AFC Asia Cup, reached the end of its tournament run with a 4-0 loss to Qatar at Tuesday night's semi-final in a heated match marred by outbursts from angry spectators.

Fans threw a barrage of shoes and water bottles onto the soccer field after successive Qatari goals, prompting event security officials to urge calm and restraint. Match attendees posted videos on Twitter capturing boos and jeering during Qatar's national anthem and a field littered with objects that spectators had lobbed at players.

Dubbed the "Blockade Derby" by some, emotions ran high between the rivals at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium, whose teams met for the first time since the UAE, together with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain launched an economic and political blockade against Qatar 18 months ago. They accuse Doha of financing terrorism and getting too close to Iran, charges the Qataris deny.

Wednesday marked Qatar's first-ever Asia Cup semi-final. Algerian-born midfielder Boualem Khoukhi scored Qatar's first goal in the 22nd minute, with Sudanese-born Almoez Ali notching a second 15 minutes later.

 

Doha, 28 January 2019

(Qatar News Agency/Amiri Diwan News)

Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived Monday in Tokyo on an official visit to Japan, Qatar News Agency reported a while ago.

Norikazu Suzuki, Vice Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan received Amir of Qatar and accompanying members of delegation on arrival at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) . Present on the occasion were Tadahiko Ito, Secretary General of Japan-Qatar Friendship Association,   Hassan bin Mohammed Rafi Al Emadi, Ambassador of Qatar to Japan, Seiichi Otsuka, Ambassador of Japan to State of Qatar, a number of Arab Ambassadors accredited to Japan and members of Qatari embassy in Tokyo.

This morning of Monday in Seoul, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in held a session of official talks  at the Presidential Palace (the Blue House) in the Capital Seoul.  Moon Jae-in, in his welcoming address expressed his pleasure to meet Amir of Qatar and the accompanying delegation, looking forward to the positive outcomes of the visit, especially as it coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Korean Republic President also expressed hope to develop and promote these relations at the international level.

In his statement at the beginning of the talks, Korean President extended his congratulations to Amir of Qatar on the victory of the Qatari national team over the Korean team in the Asian Cup, wishing the Qatari team success at the Qatar World Cup 2022.

Earlier, in an interview with Qatar News agency, Seiichi Otsuka, Ambassador of Japan to State of Qatar said that visit to Japan by Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's is a precious opportunity for both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation and hold talks that will develop the joint cooperation between the two sides.

He said that Amir of Qatar's visit to Japan enables the first high level meeting of the two countries after the blockade. He added, "We are looking forward to holding substantial discussions. This is a precious opportunity for both of us to advance the bilateral cooperative relations."

Forthcoming discussions will cover ways and means to promote the bilateral cooperative relationship, as well as to exchange views on the regional and international situations, Ambassador said.

He said that talks between the Qatari and Japanese sides will include exchange of views and policies, in particular, on how to make the MENA region stabilized.

The economic and commercial circle of Japan will expect a growth of their activities in the State of Qatar, the Ambassador added.

Qatar's decision on building additional LNG production capacity by 33 million tons last year is the key decision to not only domestic economic development but also substantial supply to the international gas market, he said. Japan considers it critical and a key project for both countries, he added.

Otsuka said that the Japanese side wishes to diversify the cooperation field between the two countries. Knowledge based industries and economy will be able to be introduced under new investment circumstance in Qatar where more foreign investors can be attracted.

He said that the approach for forming joint venture between the two sides can provide an opportunity to make smooth transfer of technology to the indigenous companies, noting in this regards that the recent enactment of new law on non- Qatari investment is noteworthy.

Japanese ambassador said that Qatari active diplomacy and its exposure to the Japanese public will bring about more attention and interest of Japanese private sector people toward the future potential of the Qatari market, it will enhance the existing economic and trade ties.

Japanese ambassador said that during this visit of Amir of Qatar to Japan, in addition to establishing of bilateral strategic dialogues between both countries, a  number of MOUs will be signed  in areas of environment, transport, economic, commercial, technical cooperation and culture.

 

Doha, 28 Jan. 2019

(Qatar News Agency)

Qatari newspapers highlighted Sunday Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's official visit to Republic of Korea, Japan and the People's Republic of China.

The newspapers said that the tour aims at giving new  momentum to existing cooperation, as well as strengthening Qatar's economic standing, developing partnerships with Asian powers, promoting the Qatari business environment, attracting more partnerships and diversifying investment portfolios.

In its editorial published on Sunday, Al-Watan stressed that the State of Qatar sets a distinguished model of political, economic and diplomatic action in a well-considered way based on a clear strategic vision which has always earned Qatar respect and admiration in all regional and international forums.

In a short period of time, Qatar has achieved remarkable development and successes in its knowledge-based economy and in the use of the best technology in various fields, keeping abreast of the rapid scientific development in today's world, the paper underlined.

Amir of Qatar's Asian tour is attracting attention due to Qatar's significant economic, political and diplomatic standing both regionally and internationally, and due its keenness on establishing successful economic partnerships, the Qatari daily said. It also reflects Qatar's desire to open markets and strengthen mutual trade growth with East Asia in an effort to promote economic partnership with Asian giants in the economic arena, the paper added.

In conclusion, Al-Watan said that economic figures and statistics affirm that Qatar is at the forefront of countries that commit to international initiatives that are based on promoting peace and security, achieving sustainable economic and social development, defending fair issues, entering into successful economic partnerships and strengthening economic cooperation with various countries and international groups to achieve common economic benefits.

Arabic daily 'Al-Arab' said that Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani starts today a new foreign trip as part of his continuous efforts to enhance and strengthen Qatar's relationships with various countries of the world, noting that the tour includes three of the world's major countries in the technological development and economic growth, which are South Korea, Japan and China.

The paper added that the Asian trip is the twelfth Amir's foreign tours and visits after the blockade, the last of which was in December when he visited Malaysia,  that gained a special significance as it came following the election of Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad.

Prior to that visit, Amir of Qatar has met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul in November followed by Amir's European tour to Croatia and Italy. Earlier, Amir of Qatar visited Latin American states of Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay and Argentina, the paper added.

He has also paid an important visit to Germany in September, and a visit to France in July. In March, the Amir paid visited Belgium and Bulgaria, Al-Arab said.

Amir of Qatar  also took part in Munich Security Conference in February, and toured six African countries and a number of Asian countries, it noted.

Daily Al-Arab underlined that Amir's tours and visits come in the framework of a studied strategic orientation, through which Amir was able to expand the country's political relations and economic investments in various world continents and friendly countries, for the interest of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Today, after 600 days of the unjust blockade, the relationships of the State of Qatar with world have grown stronger and closer, while those countries which imposed the blockade have plunged into a quagmire of endless political and economic losses, Al-Arab concluded.

Arabic Daily 'Al-Raya' newspaper stressed the importance of Amir's visits to South Korea, Japan and China in achieving economic gains, including strengthening Qatar's economic position and developing its partnerships with Asian powers.

The paper added that the Asian tour of the Amir gains great importance in light of the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar and carries clear indications that Qatar's foreign relations were not affected by the blockade.

Through this tour, Qatar is seeking to upgrade its relations with the three countries from bilateral cooperation to strategic partnership in various fields by signing joint agreements and memorandums of understanding. Amir's tour opens new horizons for establishing political, economic and commercial partnerships, and sends a clear message to the blockading countries that they have failed to isolate Qatar from its regional and international environment, Al-Raya said.

Al-Raya stressed the keenness of the wise leadership on strengthening and developing Qatar's relations with all sisterly and friendly countries, in addition to exerting maximum efforts and harnessing all capacities to build modern Qatar and enhance its development.

The Qatari daily also noted that Qatar is keen on its distinguished relations with South Korea which have been developing for more than four decades. Amir's visit and his talks with the Korean leadership will affirm the common desire to consolidate the bilateral relations, promote the mutual cooperation and the strategic partnership and strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

 

 

Doha, 27 Jan. 2019

(QNA)

Communications Regulatory Authority of Qatar (CRA) and Ministry of Transport and Communications, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman (TRA) signed an agreement for coordination of satellite networks. CRA President, Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, and Eng. Yousuf Abdullah al Balushi, Senior Manager, Spectrum Management Unit of TRA signed the agreement.

The ceremony took place in CRA Head Quarters, Doha, Present on the occasion were representatives from Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company.

Agreement stems from the joint cooperation that started by an earlier visit from CRA to its counterpart at its headquarters in Muscat, where the two regulatory bodies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance their cooperation in the field of radio spectrum monitoring.

On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the two parties discussed various matters of mutual interest and prospects for future cooperation, including signing another MoU for cooperation in spectrum monitoring during Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, exchanging of experiences related to satellite projects, in addition to training and development of Omani and Qatari competencies in the field of radio spectrum monitoring.

Doha, 21 Jan. 2019

(QNA)

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani,  Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of State of Qatar met with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday evening.

During the meeting, they discussed the means of promoting the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The Prime Minister of Qatar also hosted a banquet in honour of Khan's visit to Qatar.

Earlier, on arrival in the evening of Monday at Hamad International Airport Doha, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on an official visit to Qatar was received by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al Muraikhi, Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan Saqr bin Mubarak al Mansouri and Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar Syed Ahsan Raza Shah.