Argentina’s ambassador to Qatar, Carlos Hernandez, yesterday affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen relations with Doha.
The ambassador pointed out that His Highness the Amir’s visit to Argentina, the second in two years, is a clear demonstration of the solid relations between the two countries.
Hernandez said that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s visit will witness the signing of an agreement on the cancellation of visa requirements for Qatari passports holders to enter Argentina, noting that the agreement is important for both countries, especially Qatari citizens.
A memorandum of understanding will also be signed on twinning between Doha Municipality and the city of Buenos Aires, he added.
Moreover, there are memorandums of understanding, agreements and letters of intent that have been agreed upon, and others that will be signed during or immediately after the visit, including co-operation in the fields of sports, education, scientific research, agro-industries and foodstuffs, as well as an agreement between Qatar University and the University of Buenos Aires, another between the Qatar National Library and Mariana Marino Library in Argentina, and a memorandum of understanding proposed by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority for co-operation in the areas of air transport, the ambassador said.
Bilateral relations between Qatar and Argentina have witnessed a boom during the last two years, especially after the first visit of His Highness the Amir, the ambassador said noting that the value of Qatari exports to Argentina reached $450mn last year.
Hernandez pointed out that Qatar is the main supplier of liquefied natural gas to Argentina, while exports from Buenos Aires to Doha reached $20mn, more than half of which is related to the export of agricultural products such as cereals, barley, fruit, poultry and meat.
Qatari investments in Argentina are increasing, for example, Qatar Petroleum (QP) is exploring gas in co-operation with ExxonMobil, he said, expressing hope that investments will climb in the next phase and will diversify into the exploration of metals such as gold, copper and others, especially now that relations are developing significantly between the two sides.
Hernandez said Argentina’s position towards the siege crisis is clear, stressing that it is necessary to solve such problems among brothers through diplomatic means and in accordance with international law and human rights principles to avoid the serious repercussions that affect the citizens.
He noted that Argentina has good relations with all parties and hopes the crisis is solved as soon as possible and peacefully.
This crisis is not in the interest of anyone but it has benefited the state of Qatar where it contributed to the strengthening of self-reliance, providing basic needs locally, expanding the circle of dealing with foreign markets and developing the Qatari citizen to contribute to the comprehensive renaissance that emerged after this crisis, the ambassador said.
Qatar has demonstrated its ability to be a very successful country developing itself in a very short span of time, and now offers career opportunities and attracts foreign professionals and investors, the ambassador pointed out.
Qatar has proved to be a great country establishing good relations bilaterally, regionally and internationally, dealing with crisis and difficult situations with maturity and acting in a responsible and professional way in respect of the international law, Hernandez said.
The ambassador said that in the short time since the opening of the Argentina embassy in Doha in 2013, bilateral relations have grown steadily and intraregional trade has risen rapidly. He expressed hope of further strengthening relations.
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