Qatar-Italy talks focus on boosting bilateral relations

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held Monday an official negotiation session with President of the friendly Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, at Quirinal Palace in the Italian capital, Rome.During the session, they discussed the strong bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways of supporting and developing them in various fields.Views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest were also exchanged, especially the latest developments in the region.The session was attended by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs Eng. Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, and several ministers and senior officials.On the Italian side, the session was attended by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Italy Francesco Maria Talo, and several ministers and senior officials.After the session, the Italian president hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of His Highness the Amir and the accompanying delegation.His Highness the Amir was accorded an official reception upon his arrival at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.President Mattarella led well-wishers to welcome the Amir.The ceremony started with playing of the national anthems of Qatar and the Italian Republic. The Amir then shook hands with members of the official Italian delegation and senior officials in the Italian Republic. The Italian president also shook hands with members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir. His Highness the Amir affirmed the distinguished relations and constructive cooperation between Qatar and the Italian Republic. The Amir pointed out that there are promising opportunities for further cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of defence, security and energy.The Amir said, in a tweet: " We have distinguished relations and constructive cooperation with friendly Italy, and we have promising opportunities for further cooperation, especially in the fields of defence, security and energy, which was part of my discussions with President Mattarella, where we agreed to take advantage of these opportunities for the benefit of our two countries and our peoples."His Highness the Amir left Rome Monday at the end of an official visit to Italy, heading to the friendly French Republic for a work visit.