Doha / Information Office / February 10

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani affirmed that bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain are distinguished, adding that the two countries are looking forward to strengthen and develop these relations in the future in various fields.

During the joint press conference held on Wednesday with HE Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Arancha Gonzalez Laya, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani pointed out that the current visit of HE the Spanish Minister to Doha comes in the framework of the distinguished relations between the two countries, affirming that they are strong and historic relations.

His Excellency added that the meetings and talks held between HE the Spanish Minister, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and officials in the country dealt with the bilateral relations between in the economic side and in terms of cooperation in the developmental fields as well as the different regional issues of joint interest.

Regarding the Qatari-Spanish relations in the investment field, His Excellency pointed out that Qatar has investments in Spain, explaining that the State of Qatar seeks to increase its contributions and investments in the Kingdom of Spain, and the latter, in turn, is looking to increase its investments in the State of Qatar, expressing, in this context, his thanks to Spain for its support and contribution to the World Cup 2022 projects in Qatar.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, expressed the State of Qatar's aspiration to strengthen its cooperation with the Kingdom of Spain in the future, adding that the two sides exchanged views on various regional issues.

His Excellency hailed the Spain's role in various regional issues, especially the Palestinian issue, and Spain's firm stance on the two-state solution, adding that the two sides discussed various issues, related to developments in the GCC, the Iranian nuclear agreement and other issues such as Afghanistan, Libya, and Lebanon.

His Excellency praised discussed that the agreements signed today in the cultural and sports fields, adding that he looked forward to continue consultations and cooperation between the State of Qatar and Spain and that these visits will lead to fruitful results for both countries. His Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar's confidence in the durability of the Spanish economy, pointing out that the economic partnerships between the two countries which Qatar is seeking to develop after the end of the Coronavirus pandemic.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the two sides are working to exploit the investment opportunities available to both sides. His Excellency Praised the Spanish companies operating in Qatar, affirming that this partnership is welcomed and appreciated by the State of Qatar.

Responding to a question on the two phone calls HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani received from US Special Representative

for Iran and the US National Security Advisor and the role Qatar can play in the region given its ties with Tehran and whether lines of communication were open between the two sides, His Excellency said that communication, whether with the American side or the Iranian side were ongoing. His Excellency added that this was normal given Iran is a neighbor of the State of Qatar and anything that would happen in the region would directly impact the State of Qatar. His Excellency said that the US for its part is a strategic ally of the State of Qatar, noting that it was important to avoid escalations in the region. His Excellency said that the two calls were regarding consultations on Iran and other issues, stressing that the State of Qatar is working on de-escalation through a political and diplomatic process to return to the nuclear agreement. His Excellency said that these efforts were part of a wider international one carried by all countries and not just the State of Qatar.

His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar was more than ready to contribute to regaining stability in the region if any of the involved parties request so, noting that Qatar is continuing its effort in that regard given its importance to the country.

For her part, HE the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs said that her visit to Qatar was the first since she assumed her position, praising the distinguished bilateral ties, and noted that the two sides want to build on it to overcome the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Her Excellency expressed her hope that this year will be the end of the pandemic so that life can go back to normal as soon as possible, noting that this was one of the topics she discussed in Doha today. She added that the end of the pandemic will see economic ties between the two countries return to normal, given the special partnerships the two countries have in those fields. She noted that there are a number of Spanish companies operating in Qatar and contributing in infrastructure projects, water treatment, digitalization, and education.

Her Excellency expressed her appreciation of Qatari investments in Spain, noting the depth of economic ties, and adding that the two countries look forward to seizing opportunities to enhance ties further in the future. She also added that the two sides look forward to incentivizing trade and economic partnerships between them.

She touched on an agreement signed between the two sides in the culture and sports field to enhance that type of activity between the two countries. She said that Spain wants to be a main part of World Cup 2022 in Qatar, adding that Spain has high expectations for its participation in the global sporting event. She also noted that one of the stadiums were designed by a Spanish architect.

HE the Spanish minister discussed the regional issues she discussed during her visit to Qatar, stressing that Spain is ready to play a part in helping regain stability in the region.

On how today's signed agreements can enhance ties between Qatar and Spain, She noted that the opportunity for enhancing bilateral cooperation was promising, stressing that there will be field that will play a prominent role in creating a bright future for both countries. Her Excellency noted that the agreements signed today will boost bilateral partnerships, particularly after the Coronavirus pandemic. She said that the two sides signed an agreement to expand cultural partnerships and promote Qatari history and culture, stressing that the Kingdom of Spain supports Qatar's efforts in hosting the World Cup 2022.