The Shura Council State of Qatar

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to the Italian Republic gains significant momentum in light of the growing bilateral relations, and comes at a critical time in view of the current developments in the Middle East, affirmed HE Mohammed bin Fahad Al Mesallam, Member of the Shura Council and Chairman of the Qatar-Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group, and HE MP Salvatore Caiata, Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Inter-group for the Gulf Countries at the Italian Parliament.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Member of the Shura Council and Chairman of the Qatar-Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mohammed bin Fahad Al Mesallam, said HH the Amir's visit to Italy is a milestone in the course of the constantly developing relations between the State of Qatar and the Italian Republic in light of the two countries keenness to advance the bilateral relations to broader horizons.

The visit break new ground for developing the economic cooperation and building a wider partnership in areas of priority for both countries to achieve their aspirations for sustainable development, His Excellency added, noting that Italy is one of the important partners of the State of Qatar in the fields of energy, trade, investment, health, culture, and others.

His Excellency stressed the significance of the visit in strengthening the relations and addressing regional and international files amidst the growing global and regional challenges.

On the other hand, His Excellency highlighted the strong ties between the Shura Council and the Italian Parliament, noting that parliamentary cooperation between the two sides enhances mutual understanding and the exchange of expertise in legislative fields.

He said that the continuous communication between the two sides contributes significantly to developing the bilateral relations to serve common interests and promote cooperation on issues of joint concern.

In conclusion of his statement to QNA, HE Member of the Shura Council and Chairman of the Qatar-Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mohammed bin Fahad Al Mesallam, reiterated that HH the Amir's visit to Italy will contribute significantly to strengthening the bilateral relations at the level of parliamentary cooperation, stressing the importance of continuing this fruitful cooperation to serve the interests of the two friendly people.

On his part, HE MP Salvatore Caiata, Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Inter-group for the Gulf Countries at the Italian Parliament, told QNA that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to Italy is very important for the relations between the two countries, expressing pleasure at the visit because it confirms the continuous development of the bilateral relations.

The mutual visits between the two countries indicate continuous growth, His Excellency added, pointing to HE Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni's visit to the State of Qatar in Sept. 2023, in addition to the important efforts of the ambassadors of the two countries to consolidate and strengthen the bilateral relations at various levels.

This means that the relations are very good and are developing every day, he stressed.

His Excellency noted the importance of developing cooperation in the economic and trade areas, saying that the two countries have fruitful cooperation in many areas such as industry and trade, and there are many Italian companies and entrepreneurs who want to move and invest in Qatar which is an important partner for Italy in the field of gas and in many other areas.

"There is fruitful cooperation in other areas. Last September, we hosted the Qatar Leadership Center and met about 25 young people from the center who visit many countries to gain new experiences for the future of Qatar," he continued.

HE the Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Inter-group for the Gulf Countries at the Italian Parliament hailed the parliamentary relations between Qatar and Italy as excellent and constantly evolving, noting that parliamentary communication between the two sides is contiguous and has a positive impact on the progress of bilateral relations.

His Excellency also touched on the cultural relations between Qatar and Italy, and ways to enhance and develop them, in light of the cultural potential of the two countries.
Noting the important timing of HH the Amir's visit, His Excellency said that HH the Amir's visit comes at a critical time in light of the developments taking place in the Middle East, expressing concern over the situation in the region which is heading towards the worst.

He expressed his country's appreciation for Qatar's role and endeavors to restore calm in the region through mediation efforts, saying: "Italy appreciates all the efforts made by the State of Qatar to achieve calm in the region, which is a very important role. It is also important that we talk as two friendly countries about ways to stop this war and give peace a chance."