Qatari Journalists to QNA: Amir's visit to the Netherlands will initiate new phase of strategic cooperation

Qatari journalists emphasized the importance of the first visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as it will initiate a new phase of strategic cooperation and partnership between the two countries and the deepening of relations across various fields.

Editor-in-Chief of Al Raya newspaper Abdullah Talib Al Marri underscored the significance of HH the Amir's visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands after the invitation from HM King Willem-Alexander. This visit is part of efforts to enhance partnerships and investments between the two countries, and to coordinate mutual positions on a range of common interests, given the esteemed status of both countries in international and regional forums, Al-Marri said.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he added that this visit is receiving great attention from Dutch officials, as it marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in trade and economic areas, which will positively impact trade exchange, investments, and cooperative relationships between business sectors in both countries. Furthermore, it opens new horizons for cooperation with the Netherlands and benefiting from its expertise in water management, port economy, sustainable agriculture, innovation, education, infrastructure, and other fields.

He also highlighted shared aspirations that the visit will contribute to enhancing political cooperation between the two countries in international forums, particularly in mutual support and coordination on common interests.

Editor-in-Chief of Al Arab newspaper Faleh Hussein Al Hajri stated that the current relations between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are witnessing a new phase of cooperation and partnership, supported by the visit of HH the Amir to the Netherlands. Politically, there is coordination of mutual positions on various issues of common interest, and economically, there is a desire to enhance partnerships and investments between the two countries, he explained.

Al Hajri, in a statement to QNA, added that this visit, being the first to the Netherlands, will deepen relations between the two countries across various fields, marking an important stage of fruitful cooperation.

He pointed out that HH the Amir met Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte on Nov. 8, during which developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, diplomatic efforts of both countries to urgently halt aggression against Gaza, and the opening of safe passages for international relief efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people were discussed.

Al Hajri further noted that relations between the two countries have gained significant momentum recently. On Jan. 12, 2023, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra visited Doha, where he praised Qatar's role in European energy security.

He also noted the signing of a MoU between the government of Qatar, the government of the Netherlands, and the International Labour Organization to enhance cooperation strategies, particularly in conflict resolution methods, social dialogue, wage protection, and facilitating information exchange.

The CEO of Qatar Press Centre (QPC) Sadiq Mohamed Al Amari stated that the visit of HH the Amir to the Kingdom of the Netherlands is part of Qatar's efforts to strengthen its relations with all countries, especially those with whom there is coordination on political stances. Additionally, it aims to develop mutual investment cooperation and explore economic opportunities, particularly since the Netherlands is known for its diverse industries, agricultural production, and distinctive commercial activities. Therefore, this political and economic cooperation will undoubtedly have a significant beneficial impact on Qatar.

Al Amari emphasized, in a statement to QNA, that such visits will positively enhance Qatar's stature in Europe, especially considering Qatar's distinguished relationships with many European countries, with the Kingdom of the Netherlands being one of the countries Qatar is looking towards to enhance economic cooperation.

He referred to statements by the Chairperson of The Netherlands-Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Business Council (NMBC) to QNA, who stressed that the visit of HH the Amir will solidify relations and introduce investment opportunities between the two countries.

Al Amari pointed out that the visit marks a significant stage of cooperation between the two countries, especially since political consultations between the two sides began in 2019 and continued into this year. Moreover, Qatar has previous agreements with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including a student exchange program between Qatar University and Utrecht University, which has been ongoing since 2011.