Qatari Foreign Minister, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad during a working visit in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. The leaders aim to increase economic cooperation between the two nations
Qatar’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a working visit on Wednesday. He was welcomed by the Malaysian Foreign Minister, Saifuddin Abdullah. During his visit, the Qatari Foreign Minister met with Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs divulged the details of the meeting in a press release on Thursday. It stated that the meeting between the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mohamad and the Foreign Minister of Qatar was a first of its nature, since the PM assumed office earlier this year. The meeting was followed by deliberations between the two leaders, Malaysian senior officials and Qatari delegates.
The main focus of the deliberations was increasing economic cooperation between the two nations. The possibilities of an increased investment, including the establishment of more Malaysian firms in Qatar were discussed during the meeting. The two leaders also discussed the need to increase humanitarian efforts, outlining Malaysia’s recent contributions to help the Rohingya refugees.
According to a statement by the Ambassador of Malaysia to Qatar, Dato Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, greater economic cooperation between the two nations would result in stronger bilateral relations. He added, “Total trade between Malaysia and Qatar has increased by two-fold in 10 years, from $320m in 2007 to $670m in 2017. I believe that with the current warm and close bilateral relations at the political level will provide an excellent and strong foundation for a more active and meaningful economic cooperation”.
Reportedly, Malaysia and Qatar are all set to instate a Joint High-Level Committee for enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries.