Ambassador hails growing Peru-Qatar ties

Qatar-Peru bilateral relations have been constantly growing in strength since the two countries established diplomatic relations almost 36 years ago, said Peru’s ambassador Gonzalo Voto Bernales Gatica.The envoy stressed the strong and growing relations between the two countries as the embassy of Peru in Doha marked the 204th anniversary of the Independence of Peru last night in the presence of guests that included HE the Minister of State engineer Issa bin Hilal al-Kuwari, HE Yousef Ibrahim Fakhro, the director of the Protocol Department, senior government officials, and heads of diplomatic missions in Doha.Bernales Gatica expressed his excitement at the warm welcome he received in Doha as he assumed his position almost 11 month ago.This is his first official reception at the embassy.Even though this period seems relatively short, the ambassador stressed his feeling of being at home in Doha due to the excellent support he received since arriving in Qatar.Bernales Gatica praised Doha as a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan city, and a safe city inhabited by friendly and warm people."A great distance separates Peru and Qatar... it is the mission of my embassy to bridge this physical gap by promoting official exchange of all levels between the two countries covering tourism, investment, trade and culture co-operation,” he said.Bernales Gatica noted that there has been high level visits and meetings between officials of the two countries, resulting in the signing of 16 bilateral agreements.This, he said, is the largest number of agreements signed by Peru with an Arab country, covering areas such education, sports, economic and investment affairs, and technical co-operation.With the waiver of the tourist visa introduced for Qatari citizens on July 2, the envoy said that he hopes a new direct flight would be introduced between Doha and Lima.Bernales Gatica said that Peru has a stable and growing market and is considered among the top producers of agriculture crops and fruits, in addition to having a flourishing mining industry.The construction sector in Peru is booming, the envoy added, with all such fields open for foreign investors.He encouraged the Qatar business community to explore the opportunities there.The envoy also praised the efforts exerted by Qatar to bring peace and stability to the world through its various peaceful mediation efforts, especially the Palestinian cause.