*Conte: Qatar, Italy want to see stability and peace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
*Permanent 'Coldiretti' corner opened at LuLu Messila
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at the Amiri Diwan on Wedday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in the economy, investment and defence sector.
According to the official Qatar News Agency, the meeting was held in the presence of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and several ministers, as well as the Italian premier’s official accompanying delegation.
QNA also reported that both leaders also discussed a number of regional and international issues of joint interest, particularly developments in Libya.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, accompanied by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the official reception ceremony at the Amiri Diwan .
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani receiving Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at the Amiri Diwan.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holds discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte
His Highness the Amir also hosted a luncheon banquet for Conte and his accompanying delegation in the presence of their Qatari counterparts.
Later, Conte visited iconic infrastructures in Doha - which involved the participation of blue chip Italian companies - such as the National Museum of Qatar and one of the stations of the Doha Metro Project’s Red Line.
Conte also led the inauguration of the new Italian embassy located at the Alfardan Office Tower in West Bay, and at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Messila, he officially opened the first permanent corner featuring 100% Italian products by Coldiretti, the main institutional agricultural organisation comprising a large number of associates in Italy and Europe.
On the sidelines of Italian embassy’s inauguration rites, Conte met with the media and described his meeting with the Amir as “very fruitful.”
“We talked about political issues because we would like to see stability and peace in the Middle East and North Africa. At the same time, we also talked about the presence of Italian companies in Qatar and their contributions to the infrastructure of the country.
“Earlier today, I was able to visit one of the stations of the Red Line…and I was also able to visit one of the stadiums that was almost entirely built by an Italian company, and this is an example of an important contribution of Italian companies to Qatar’s infrastructure network, such as manpower and expertise,” he said.
He added: “And I believe these companies did much more for this country that is why today’s visit was an opportunity to strengthen co-operation, economic, and trade exchange. Also, I had the opportunity to listen to His Highness the Amir about the keen intention to invest in Italy in infrastructure, both material and immaterial infrastructure, and this is something we welcome very much, indeed. ”
“Discussions also revolved on energy and Italian companies that are active in Qatar, such as Leonardo and Fincantieri, among others. They are leading companies in the world for their know-how and are already operating in Qatar, so we believe that this visit will contribute to strengthening their presence here, as well.”
