Rome - Information Office - February 14
The first strategic dialogue between the State of Qatar and the Italian Republic was held on Monday in the capital city of Rome, under the chairmanship of HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic Luigi Di Maio.
During the dialogue, they discussed the latest developments in the region, regional issues, and international developments, in addition to exchanging views on issues of common interest.
In his speech during the dialogue, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the Qatari-Italian strategic dialogue reaffirms the determination to deepen partnership in areas of common interest for the benefit of the people of the two friendly countries.
The dialogue represents a milestone in the close diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the Italian Republic, especially since it comes before the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the opening of the two countries' embassies in Doha and Rome, he said.
His Excellency pointed out that the strategic dialogue provides a pivotal framework for initiatives to enhance joint cooperation between the two countries in various sectors. This is an opportunity to accelerate the pace of development of the bilateral relations and advance them to the aspirations of the two friendly people, he added.
The strategic dialogue also comes to express the two countries' joint commitment, which started years ago, to continue strengthening political and economic relations, and to complement the long-term vision related to developing the bilateral relationship in various fields, he continued.
His Excellency pointed out that in the past ten years, the State of Qatar's economic partnership with Italy has grown by more than 320 percent, making the Italian Republic the eighth largest trading partner of the State of Qatar, and one of the most important destinations for Qatari investment.
He added that the cultural and educational links and cooperation in innovation, science, and technology open new horizons and cooperation in the areas of health, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar will remain a tool for peace and stability in the region and a reliable partner for allies and friends, pointing to Qatar's contribution to facilitating the evacuation of a number of nationals of friendly countries from Afghanistan.
Qatar has worked tirelessly for the safe transit of Italian citizens and Afghan citizens at risk, including women and girls, journalists, activists, and civic leaders, he said.
His Excellency expressed hope to welcome the second Qatari-Italian strategic dialogue in Doha in 2023, expressing confidence in the success of the dialogue in its second edition in Doha, like the first in Rome on Monday.
In a related context, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani attended a luncheon banquet on the sidelines of the strategic dialogue with a number of government agencies, institutions, and Italian companies.