The visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Malaysia is a clear expression of the depth of the relationship between the two countries, Qatar's ambassador to Malaysia Fahad bin Mohamed Kafood has said.

The Amir will hold discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed tomorrow and honour the winners of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

“The visit of His Highness the Amir to Malaysia is of particular importance in the light of Qatar's policy to expand its relations with sisterly and friendly countries in all political, economic and cultural spheres,” Kafood explained in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA).

“Qatar's relationship with Malaysia dates back to decades and it is one of the distinguished relations that have covered many sectors and witnessed exchange of visits at different levels.

“This is the second visit of His Highness the Amir, and it is a clear expression of the depth of the relationship between the two countries. The relationship is based on the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in internal affairs and the establishment of the best relations between them,” he said.

The envoy expressed the hope that this important visit will have positive repercussions on the excellent relations between the two countries, which will benefit the people of Qatar and Malaysia.

“The in-depth official talks between His Highness the Amir and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed on Thursday, will be of great importance in laying solid foundations for enhancing bilateral relations in the framework of seeking opportunities to develop political co-ordination and co-operation and economic relations between the two countries.

“The visit also comes as part of meeting Malaysia's new leadership, which took power after the last elections in May 2018.

“Malaysia was selected to present the third edition of the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in recognition of the efforts of the Malaysian government that launched an extensive anti-corruption campaign in the country since it took office.

The award will be given to four people from different countries who have presented outstanding work in the fields of Lifetime/Outstanding Achievement, Innovation, Youth Creativity and Engagement and Academic Research and Education.

“The event will be attended by His Highness the Amir and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, in addition to a number of senior Malaysian officials and representatives of the United Nations.

“His Highness the Amir’s visit to Malaysia follows the Qatar visit of Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail last month, which resulted in constructive talks and constituted an important step in promoting bilateral relations,” the envoy added.

Meanwhile the Malaysian ambassador to Qatar, Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin, said the official visit of His Highness the Amir to Malaysia today will strengthen the standing relations between both countries.

In a statement to QNA, the envoy said Malaysia is once again looking forward to welcoming His Highness the Amir for the official visit and in conjunction with the third Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence in Putrajaya. Malaysia is deeply honoured to be chosen as the third venue for the award after Vienna and Geneva in 2016 and 2017, respectively, he said.

"I foresee that under the new Government of Malaysia, there is a strong political will on both sides to bring the existing relations to a greater height," Shamsuddin observed.

“The bilateral relations between Malaysia and Qatar have been described as the best in history following the recent official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to Doha last month,” he recalled.

"I am also pleased to express Malaysia's satisfaction on the successful state visit to Malaysia by His Highness the Amir in October 2017. I also believe that frequent exchanges of visits at all levels should be maintained for further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

"I wish to extend our appreciation on the opportunities and confidence given by the Qatari government to a number of Malaysian companies participating in various Qatari development projects. Malaysia hopes to participate in more development projects in Qatar. Both countries should intensify efforts to increase the volume of trade and investment," the ambassador added.

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