QNA/New Delhi
Qatar and India signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding following a session of official talks chaired by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here yesterday.
HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani reviewing a guard of honour during a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi yesterday
During the session, the Emir discussed with the Indian premier bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them in various fields, in addition to the latest international and regional developments.
The talks were attended by the members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir and a number of Indian ministers and senior officials.
Later the Emir and the Indian Prime Minister witnessed the signing of a set of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) .
The two sides signed legal and cultural co-operation agreements between the government of Qatar and the government of India, in addition to an agreement on establishing a joint business council between Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Qatar’s Ministry of Energy and Industry and India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on co-operation in the field of oil and natural gas, a memorandum of understanding for co-operation on the organisation of exhibitions between Qatar’s General Authority for Tourism and India’s Trade Promotion Organisation, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between the Reserve Bank of India and Qatar Central Bank, and an exchange programme between the government of India and the government of Qatar on educational co-operation.
Earlier the Emir was accorded a red-carpet reception ceremony on arrival at the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi. The Emir and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser were welcomed by Indian President Pratibha Patil. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also present to welcome the Emir and Sheikha Moza.
Emir holds talks with Indian leaders
The Emir met Indian Vice-President Hamid Ansari at his residence in New Delhi yesterday. They discussed bilateral relations and means of strengthening them.
HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, along with Indian President Pratibha Patil, meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur in New Delhi yesterday
The Emir also met Sonia Gandhi, the president of the Indian National Congress Party and chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance.
Talks during the meeting dealt with a set of issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by the members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir.
Later the Emir received Indian opposition leader, Sushma Swaraj. Talks during the audience dealt with a set of issues of mutual concern.