The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed business opportunities and investments during his visit to Greece on Wednesday.
Al Thani met the Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, in a meeting where extensive delegations of both sides participated.
Greece and Qatar expressed the mutual will to strengthen bilateral relations and signed two agreements: the Military Cooperation Agreement between the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Qatar and the Memorandum of Cooperation for the conduct of political consultations on matters of common interest between the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
Strengthening cooperation in a number of areas was also discussed, with an emphasis on the economy and investments, as well as energy and culture.
The Prime Minister analyzed the wide range of investment opportunities that Greece offers due to its geostrategic position, its connection to the markets of the Balkans, Southeast Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, as well as the initiatives it has undertaken in infrastructure development, such as the FSRU at Alexandroupolis.
They also exchanged views on international and regional developments, with an emphasis on the situation in Gaza. The Prime Minister reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages, while underlining his growing concern over the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza.
Mitsotakis expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s role in the Gulf region and especially in the Gaza crisis, while emphasizing that the good relations between Greece and Qatar contribute to stability in the region.
Emir of Qatar meets Greece’s President
Earlier Al Thani met the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou who referred to the important and stabilizing role that Greece and Qatar play in the wider region.
Sakellaropoulou noted that the “friendly relations between Greece and Qatar are based on mutual respect and a common observance of the fundamental principles of international law,” adding that “with this as a guideline, our two countries are playing an important stabilizing role in the wider region”.
She also claimed that “in this difficult time for the Middle East, my country highly appreciates Qatar’s mediating role in the armed conflict in the Gaza Strip and the huge humanitarian crisis that has been created there,” and noted that “Greece will continue to strive to contribute to an immediate and viable ceasefire.”
On his part, the Emir of Qatar thanked Sakellaropoulou for her warm welcome and expressed his gratitude and pleasure to be visiting Athens for the first time, expressing hope that the visit will act to strengthen bilateral relations.
He noted that 50 years have already elapsed since diplomatic relations between the two countries were first established and agreed with Sakellaropoulou that there are many opportunities and possibilities for their further enhancement.
The Emir also noted that “we appreciate the role and stance of Greece regarding the war in Gaza,” and stressed that “unfortunately, there are massacres committed every day against the Palestinian people in Gaza and other areas. T
here are millions of people in the city of Rafah who are suffering, unfortunately there are massacres, I cannot describe how this situation is happening. We are talking about Rafah, but there are massacres taking place every day for eight months now; from the north to the south, these tragedies have been happening every day.”
He pointed out that Qatar’s position is known and that it supports a two-state solution, with the two countries, the two peoples, living together in peace in the region.
“We are working with our friends the Greeks to send in humanitarian aid, and we are also working together to free the people held there. This is a human issue, we are working on it and all the people who are there should return to their families, to their parents,” he added.
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