Bright future: Anwar and Sheikh Tamim having a meeting at the Amiri Diwan in Doha. — Bernama
DOHA: Malaysia and Qatar have agreed to enhance investment cooperation between the two countries in the coming years, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the understanding was reached when he met the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and was later mentioned in depth during a meeting with his counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Also discussed was bilateral cooperation and facilitating investment and higher education which was then further discussed in a meeting with Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Qatar’s Foreign Minister, said Anwar.
“We both agree that investment cooperation between the two countries needs to be further enhanced in the coming years,” he said in a message on X yesterday.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, added that his official visit, which was at the invitation of Sheikh Tamim, was also aimed at continuing efforts and strengthening diplomatic ties and links that have already reached 50 years.
“The Malaysian delegation was then treated to a national banquet hosted by Sheikh Mohammed.
“Hopefully the bond of friendship between Malaysia and Qatar will continue to grow for mutual benefit,” he said, reported Bernama.
Earlier, Anwar was felicitated in an official reception and lunch at the Amiri Diwan, which is Qatar’s government hall, in conjunction with his maiden visit to the country.
The Prime Minister spent about 30 minutes with Sheikh Tamim, which was followed by a meeting with Sheikh Mohammed.
Last year, total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Qatar reached RM4.2bil.
Earlier, Anwar was accorded an official welcome at the Amiri Diwan in conjunction with his three-day official visit to the West Asian country. Anwar was received by Sheikh Tamim upon arrival at the Amir’s administrative complex at 10.30am local time, before the two leaders proceeded to a four-eyed meeting.
The Prime Minister’s visit, which is at the invitation of the Emir, has been deemed important for the bilateral relations between the two countries, as they mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.
The last meeting between the two leaders occurred last month in Riyadh, where they also discussed Qatar’s significant role in the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations towards achieving an immediate and enduring ceasefire.
This is Anwar’s first official visit to Qatar after being appointed as Prime Minister on Nov 22, 2022.
Anwar arrived here on Sunday night. The special aircraft carrying Anwar landed at the Doha International Airport at 9.37pm local time.
Also accompanying the Prime Minister in the delegation are Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
