Emir, Croatian president hold talks, witness signing of pacts

Qatar and Croatia signed an agreement and a memorandum of understanding following as session of official talks between HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic at the Emiri Diwan yesterday.
At the outset of the talks, the Croatian President extended her congratulations to HH the Emir on the safe return of the Qatari nationals who were kidnapped in Iraq.
The Croatian president praised the deep-rooted relations between Qatar and Croatia, stressing her keenness to promote and enhance them.
President Kolinda extended an invitation to HH the Emir to visit Croatia.
HH the Emir welcomed the Croatian president and the accompanying delegation, accepting the invitation to visit Croatia.
He stressed that the Croatian president’s visit to Qatar is an important step that would contribute to support and develop co-operation between the two countries in various fields.
Talks also dealt with means of enhancing co-operation and friendship between the two countries, especially in the political, economic, investment and environmental fields.
They also reviewed a number of regional and international issues and the two countries’ stance on them.
On the occasion, the Croatian President awarded HH the Emir the Grand Order of King Tomislav,  the Sash and Great Star, the highest state order of the Republic of Croatia.
Following the session, the Emir and the Croatian president witnessed the signing of an agreement on co-operation in the field of environmental protection and conservation of nature and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Qatar Chamber and the Croatian Chamber of Economy.
The talks and signing ceremony were attended by HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and Qatari Ministers.
On the Croatian side, they were attended by the official delegation accompanying President Kolinda.
Earlier on arrival at the Emiri Diwan, the Croatian president was accorded an official reception ceremony.
Later, the Emir hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the Croatian president and her accompanying delegation. The banquet was attended by several ministers.
Separately, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser met received Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic at her office.
They discussed the scope for co-operation between Qatar Foundation and Croatia in a number of scientific, cultural, and humanitarian fields.
The Croatian President awarded HH Sheikha Moza the Grand Order of Queen Jelena with Sash and Morning Star, which is the highest ranking order given by Croatia to non-heads of state.