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| HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani holding talks with Indian Vice-President Hamid Ansari in New Delhi yesterday |
In her speech welcoming the Emir and Sheikha Moza, the Indian president recalled their visit to India in 1999 and in 2005 as well as the visit made by HH Sheikha Moza in 2006, and the visit to Qatar by the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2008 , all serving as significant steps contributing to the enhancement of relations between the two countries.
The economic and trade relations between India and Qatar are based on strong foundations, especially on energy, the major pillar for the ties between the two countries, she said. Qatar, she noted, is an important partner in India’s efforts towards securing stable energy supplies.
“Sustained growth of our economies offers new scopes and opportunities for co-operation, yet the levels of bilateral trade and investments are less than available potentials. Hence, there is an urgent need to intensify economic co-operation for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples,” she added.
Patil noted that there are some half a million Indians in Qatar, expressing her appreciation of the hospitality accorded to the Indian community in the country.
Furthermore, she expressed her appreciation of the success achieved by Qatar in implementing its political and economic agendas. “Your esteemed country may consider India an important partner” in these efforts for the welfare of the two friendly countries and their peoples”, she stressed.
In reference to the current situation in the Middle East, Patil said her country believes it is important to ensure finding solutions to conflicts through conciliation and dialogue without resorting to violence.
The Emir, in his address, expressed his and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s profound thanks and appreciation for the kind feelings expressed in the speech of Indian president, adding “these kind feelings are a reflection of the well-established relations between our two countries which we seek to take them to optimum level”.
The Emir said that his visit to India comes at a time when there are historic changes in the Arab region towards freedom and democracy that protect human dignity and rights.
The Emir stressed that the position of Qatar to these changes has been always in support of any Arab people with urgent and legitimate aspirations.
He said Qatar and India share great opportunities, prospects and common interest in pushing ahead the economic co-operation and co-ordination of their political efforts for the good of their peoples.
The Emir expressed satisfaction over the identity of views on issues of common interest and the contribution to international efforts to fight the scourge of terrorism and establish security and stability in the world.
He stressed that international peace and security were at the forefront of concerns to both countries. For this reason, he said, there is an urgent need to achieve a just settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict. This settlement should ensure security for Israel and restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, he said and added. “We are grateful to the position of the Republic of India on this issue.”
He also expressed his deep appreciation for the friendship between Qatar and India and praised the positive role played by India in the international community.
“We are proud of our strong ties with India at all government and non-governmental levels and in all areas, and we are keen to continue to support and promote such ties,” he said.