*Amir, German chancellor express satisfaction over ties
*Qatar-German trade increased to over $3bn in 2021 *Qatar views Europe as an important market for its gas *Qatar's efforts in Afghanistan come in for discussionHis Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani expressed his happiness at his working visit to Germany and his talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.During a joint press conference held Friday afternoon with the chancellor at the Chancellery in Berlin, the Amir stressed that bilateral relations are distinguished and strategic in nature, and that they include various political fields and aspects of investment and economic partnerships.His Highness the Amir pointed out that he discussed with the German chancellor bilateral relations, and ways to develop them at all levels, including education, economy, investment, energy and defence, in addition to discussing the latest international developments, and a number of issues of joint interest.
On Qatari investments in Germany, His Highness the Amir said that Qatar is one of the largest investors, indicating that the State will work on increasing its investments in the coming years.The Amir also expressed his satisfaction at the increase in bilateral trade between the two sides, indicating that the trade exchange increased by 80% in 2021 to reach more than $3bn.He also mentioned in this context Volkswagen and the German Association for Small and Medium Businesses' newly-opened regional offices in Doha.Regarding Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, His Highness said that he reviewed with the chancellor Qatar's preparations to host the tournament at the end of this year, noting that German fans had requested about 600,000 tickets so far to attend the tournament, and welcomed those fans to Doha.
With regard to the foreign policy of the two friendly countries, the Amir said that this it is characterised by several common pillars such as mediation and supporting dialogue between conflicting parties to reach comprehensive and sustainable solutions.He expressed his appreciation for Germany's participation and support for peace talks sponsored by Qatar in several places such as Afghanistan and Chad.As for Afghanistan, His Highness the Amir said that he discussed with the chancellor Qatar's efforts in Afghanistan and the evacuation of thousands people to different places.He added that both sides agreed that there remains many challenges that require joint international action to provide a decent life for the Afghan people.On the Iran's nuclear programme, His Highness the Amir said that he discussed with the German chancellor the latest developments in international efforts to peacefully resolve differences with Iran over its nuclear programme, and stressed that this is Qatar's go-to approach in supporting peace and stability in the Gulf region.In response to a question on Qatar's position on the latest developments of the issue and Qatar's position on it, His Highness the Amir stressed the importance of co-operation between Iran, Europe and the US, and stressed the need to resolve their differences by peaceful means, expressing Qatar's optimism regarding the potential for dialogue between these parties.The Amir pointed out that Qatar supports resolving disputes by peaceful means, hoping that an agreement will be reached in the near future.He also expressed Qatartarget="_blank"'>