*Amir and Italian PM witness signing of agreements
Qatar and Italy signed two co-operation agreements and a number of memorandums of understanding on Tuesday in the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome.
The agreement on scientific and educational co-operation between Qatar University and Sapienza University of Rome aims at exchanging information, experiences and lecturers, and joint implementation of scientific projects, especially through interaction in joint meetings and courses.
A scientific co-operation agreement between Qatar Foundation and Sapienza University of Rome aims at consolidating and promoting co-operation in the educational and scientific fields.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte witness the signing of agreements between the governments of Qatar and Italy in Rome
The Amir and the Italian prime minister also witnessed the signing of an MoU for co-operation in youth and sports, for enhancing communication and active participation of youth, and supporting volunteering and training opportunities; and another for co-operation in healthcare services, biomedical research, pharmaceutical products and modern medical equipment.
The two sides also signed an MoU on food security and co-operation in agriculture and agro-food industries, to strengthen the protection of plant and animal genetic resources and phytosanitary issues, as well as research and strategic projects on food security.
The signing ceremonies were attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir and senior Italian officials.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani being received by the Mayor Virginia Raggi during his visit to the headquarters of the Municipality of Rome
The Amir also attended a working lunch hosted by the Italian prime minister. They discussed the strong bilateral relations and ways to promote them in all fields, in light of the distinct friendly ties and growing co-operation between the two countries, especially in energy, economy, education, health, culture and investment.
The two sides discussed a number of regional and international issues, especially the Gulf crisis and Italy's stance that calls for resolving the issue through dialogue and diplomatic means. In addition, they reviewed the international efforts, in particular the Italian and Qatari efforts, to help maintain security and stability in Libya. The Italian premier praised Qatar's role in this regard. Upon his arrival at Villa Doria Pamphili, the Amir was accorded an official reception ceremony.
His Highness the Amir visited the headquarters of the Municipality of Rome on Tuesday. He was greeted upon arrival by the Mayor Virginia Raggi and a number of officials, where they reviewed areas of co-operation between Qatar and Italy and ways to deepen friendship relations, besides exchanging views on issues of mutual concern.
On Monday, the Amir, during a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the presidential palace (The Quirinale) in Rome, stressed that the Qatari-Italian relations have grown significantly stronger over the past few years in different spheres, including investments. The international positions of the two countries are also similar on many issues.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with President of the Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico and other dignitaries during his visit to the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome on Tuesday. His Highness the Amir with the was welcomed upon arrival by HE President of the Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico and a number of Their Excellencies the deputies.
The Amir said that there is a great development in bilateral relations between the two countries, especially the economic relations, pointing to the presence of Italian companies in the Qatari market for many years contributing to building the infrastructure.
He welcomed the participation of Italian companies in the major future projects related to the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar 2022 World Cup and said he discussed with the Italian president co-operation in health, culture and education.
The Amir said that he also discussed with the Italian president during the meeting several issues in the region, notably the Gulf crisis where the two sides agreed that there is no solution except through unconditional dialogue between all parties.
His Highness the Amir also pointed out that the Qatari and Italian sides discussed the situation in Libya, expressing his thanks to Italy for organising the Palermo International Conference on Libya in which Qatar participated, wishing there would be a solution to the situation in Libya, and stressing Qatar's support for the Government of National Accord.
The Italian president welcomed the Amir and the accompanying delegation on his second visit to Italy. Mattarella said Qatar is an important partner in the sensitive and important Gulf region, pointing to the continued communication between the two countries.
He noted that the bilateral relations are positive, stable and have become more effective in various areas, especially economic, trade, scientific, technological and cultural sectors.
The Italian president said that he had discussed with the Amir the issues of the Gulf region and the international community on the security level and the global challenges, stressing that dialogue is the way to resolving differences.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with President of the Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico and other dignitaries during his visit to the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome
The Amir also paid a visit to the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome on Tuesday. He was welcomed upon arrival by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Roberto Fico, and a number of senior officials.
During the visit, His Highness the Amir reviewed the relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them, especially in the area of exchanging expertise in the parliamentary work. Topics related to the sports, health, environment and investment were also discussed.
The Amir also attended a dinner banquet hosted by President Mattarella. A number of ministers, senior officials, politicians, economists, businessmen, intellectuals and academics attended the function.
In a welcoming speech, the Italian president lauded the developmental path of the Qatar under the wise leadership of the Amir. Mattarella praised Qatar's determination to actively integrate in the international community, referring to the reforms adopted by Qatar regarding the rights of migrant workers. He concluded his speech hoping that the Gulf crisis would be resolved through a diplomatic solution based on mutual understanding that will contribute to the stability and security of the region.
His Highness the Amir expressed his aspiration to enhance co-operation between the two countries in international forums and work to support peaceful settlement of crises and disputes between countries, appreciating the invitation of the Italian president to resolve the Gulf crisis through dialogue.
The Amir explained that this has always been the position of Qatar about the siege which was imposed on it without justification. The only solution to the crisis is dialogue with the siege countries in the light of the established principles of relations between states, foremost of which is respect for the sovereignty of each state and non-interference in its internal affairs.
His Highness the Amir also praised Italy's positive stance towards the Palestinian cause supporting a peaceful solution based on the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, which will ease tensions on the regional and international levels.
