Qatar, Colombia sign pacts to boost bilateral relations

Qatar and Colombia signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) following a session of official talks chaired by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President Juan Manuel Santos at the Presidential Palace here yesterday.
During the session, the Emir and the Colombian president discussed relations between the two countries in various fields and ways to promote them, especially in the areas of investment and energy.
The two sides also reviewed regional and international issues.
The talks were attended by the members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir and several Colombian ministers and senior officials.
Following the official talks, the Emir and President Juan Manuel Santos attended a ceremony where the following agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Qatar and Colombia were signed:
lA memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the foreign ministries of Qatar and Colombia was signed with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and co-operation through the establishment of a mechanism for political consultations.
l An agreement on abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports.
lAn MoU on the exchange of expertise and co-operation in legal and judicial affairs between the justice ministries of Qatar and Colombia. The MoU aims to expand areas of co-operation between the two ministries to include legal and judicial affairs, and to promote the exchange of expertise and information as well as training.
lAn MoU between the Qatar Investment Authority and ProColombia on co-operation in the field of investment to enhance co-operation through a variety of activities and exchange of information on investment opportunities in various sectors.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir and Colombian ministers.
Later, HH the Emir and his accompanying delegation attended a luncheon banquet hosted by President Santos at the Presidential Palace. The banquet was attended by Colombian ministers.
Earlier on arrival at the Presidential Palace, HH the Emir was accorded an official reception ceremony.