Qatar's ambassador (non-resident) to the Czech Republic HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani emphasised the importance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's state visit to the Czech Republic, explaining that the visit will give a strong impetus to the bilateral relations in various fields.
The ambassador said, in an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), that the first visit of the Amir to Prague will contribute to opening new horizons of bilateral co-operation in various fields, especially in political, economic and cultural fields, in addition to health, tourism, sports and other fields, pointing out that the relations between Doha and Prague witnessed great and rapid development during the last two years reflected in the readiness to announce the opening Qatar's embassy in Prague, which will contribute to strengthening relations.
He noted that the Czech Republic is one of the fastest growing countries in Europe in the fields of infrastructure and medical tourism in recent years, pointing to the readiness of the Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar Airways to make visits to health institutions in the Czech Republic to strengthen relations in the field of medical tourism.
On economic cooperation between the two countries, he said that the current exchange volume reached $600mn.
He expected the trade exchange to accelerate after the Amir's visit, pointing to the existence an agreement on avoiding double taxation between Qatar and the Czech Republic, which was concluded last June.
The ambassador pointed out that a work group of 12 Czech parliamentarians is working on strengthening economic, cultural relations, and scientific research between the two countries.
He stressed the readiness of Qatar and the Czech Republic to sign trade and investment agreements during the Amir's visit to Prague.
He also noted the organisation of a forum that will bring together businessmen from the two countries to discuss the development and promotion of trade and investment exchange, especially in light of the great interest by the Czech Republic and its businessmen in the field of energy and their conviction and appreciation of the great position occupied by Qatar in the global energy market, especially in gas production and export.
Regarding Qatar's organisation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the ambassador highlighted the extent to which Czech officials, including ministers, businessmen, and sports fans alike, admire the great preparations made by Qatar to host the largest football competition in the world, expressing their full confidence in Qatar's success in organising an exceptional and unprecedented tournament.
The ambassador stressed that the European countries highly value the central and great role of Qatar in resolving global conflicts, especially its pivotal role in Afghanistan, in addition to its relief role in many countries that have been hit by natural disasters, and its mediation to resolve disputes such as the Iranian nuclear issue.
He said that the whole world views Qatar as an appreciated mediator because of its clear vision on global issues.