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Italy’s ambassador to Qatar Paolo Toschi has said that relations between the two countries are stronger than ever, highlighting expanding co-operation across politics, security, defence, energy and culture, as Qatar marked its National Day Thursday.Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the envoy described bilateral ties as witnessing "unprecedented strength", adding that Rome and Doha are looking with confidence towards a future of deeper partnerships and shared ambitions.Toschi noted that both countries are keen to strengthen trade co-operation while supporting regional and international stability, expressing confidence that bilateral co-operation will continue to grow in ways that support sustainable development and mutual prosperity in the years ahead.The envoy praised Qatar's foreign policy approach, saying that the country has consistently demonstrated its ability to act as a mediator and constructive partner during periods of regional and global challenge.From Italy's perspective, he said, Qatar's active, balanced and forward-looking diplomacy has helped consolidate its position as a trusted partner in dialogue, peace efforts and international mediation.Toschi added that Qatar's capacity to engage constructively with a wide range of international actors reflects a clear strategic vision, contributing to regional stability and supporting multilateral solutions to global challenges.On security co-operation, he referred to a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the interior ministers of both countries, which will allow Qatar's Lekhwiya force to provide support during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 2026.He also highlighted close defence co-operation, pointing to recent visits by Italy's Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, as well as the Chief of the Italian Carabinieri, General Salvatore Luongo, and Italy's Chief of Police, Vittorio Pisani.Reflecting on Qatar National Day (QND), Toschi said the occasion represents an opportunity for citizens and residents alike to celebrate the country's wise leadership, resilience and achievements in building the modern State of Qatar.For the Italian embassy and the Italian community, he added, the day is also a chance to reaffirm the strong friendship between the two nations, while recognising Qatar's commitment to progress alongside the preservation of its cultural heritage – values that Italy holds in high regard.The envoy said he had witnessed a significant national transformation during his time in Qatar, particularly in infrastructure, culture, education and innovation.He noted that Qatar National Vision 2030 has translated into tangible achievements that have improved quality of life and created opportunities for future generations.Italy, he said, deeply appreciates the determination and strategic planning behind these successes and looks forward to further strengthening trade and economic co-operation on this basis.Toschi extended his warm congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the people of Qatar on National Day, affirming that Italy stands alongside Qatar as a friend and partner committed to promoting peace, dialogue and shared progress, and wishing the country continued stability, innovation and prosperity.  

His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, met with a number of senior US officials during his visit to Washington, DC, to discuss strengthening economic and trade ties between Qatar and the US.His Excellency al-Sayed met with David O Sacks, the White House ‘AI & Crypto Czar’ and co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; Jacob Helberg, Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment; Jeffrey I Kessler, Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security; David L Fogel, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the US & Foreign Commercial Service (Global Markets); and Ben Black, CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation.**media[382148]**The programme also included a meeting with Jeffrey Goettman, candidate for the position of US Deputy Trade Representative. During the discussions, the Minister of State underscored that economic relations between Qatar and the US are defined by strong trade flows, mutual investment, and active private-sector collaboration.His Excellency al-Sayed emphasised the importance of the partnership across key areas, particularly trade and investment, and expressed confidence that mutual relations will continue to grow and deepen in the years ahead.

Qatar and Kuwait have held talks aimed at boosting media collaboration between the two countries. His Excellency CEO of Qatar Media Corp Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim al-Thani met with Minister Plenipotentiary and Charge d'Affaires of the Kuwaiti embassy in Doha, Mohammad Fahad al-Zoubi, in a meeting focused on enhancing bilateral media ties.During the discussions, the officials explored ways to exchange expertise, coordinate media initiatives, and promote joint efforts that reflect the close relationship between the two Gulf states. Both sides emphasized the importance of media co-operation in supporting broader regional and Gulf unity.

India and Bhutan Tuesday expanded their energy ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Himalayan nation where he extended a Rs40bn ($455mn) line of credit and inaugurated a hydroelectric power project.India’s outreach to Bhutan is seen as an effort to grow its influence in the region and draw the country wedged between China and India closer to New Delhi as Beijing steps up its engagement to resolve a long-running border dispute with Bhutan and establish diplomatic relations.Modi is on a two-day visit to the country and Tuesday addressed a gathering to mark the birthday celebrations of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s father. “The partnership of trust and development between India and Bhutan stands as a model for the entire region,” he said. “As both our countries progress rapidly, our energy partnership is further accelerating this growth.”Modi said his visit would deepen ties and that their partnership was a “key pillar” of India’s “neighbourhood first” policy.Later in the day, he inaugurated the India-funded 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric power project, which he said would increase Bhutan’s hydropower generating capacity by nearly 40%.It is the fifth Indian-backed hydropower project in the country which altogether generate a total of nearly 3,000 megawatts of power. The line of credit extended by India Tuesday is also aimed at funding energy projects, the Indian government said.Lok Nath Sharma, a former minister for energy in Bhutan, said the excess energy will be exported to India after meeting local demand which is about 1,000 megawatts.