Shura Council member and Chairperson of its Internal and External Affairs Committee HE Yousef bin Ali al-Khater highlighted the importance of the official tour that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani begins Monday to a number of European countries, including Sweden, Norway and Finland, in enhancing bilateral relations with them in various fields, as well as discussing regional and international issues, supporting mediation efforts and encouraging dialogue as a means of resolving crises around the globe.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE al-Khater said that the Amir's visit constitutes a step of great importance towards moving bilateral relations with these countries to an advanced stage of strategic partnership, to achieve the aspired goals and serve common interest, in addition to enhancing joint efforts to contribute to achieving international security and peace.
He described Qatari relations with the three European countries at the official and popular levels as distinguished, noting that they are witnessing steady growth in various fields, and expressing his confidence that these visits will have a positive impact on the course of relations with these countries.
The tour comes at a sensitive and crucial time, in light of the tense atmosphere and global instability, given the major role played by Qatar at the regional and global levels, especially its mediation efforts to end the barbaric war waged by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip, in addition to Qatar's humanitarian and relief initiatives in various international crises and disasters.
He also emphasised that this tour will contribute to co-ordinating mutual positions towards resolving various international issues and crises, which in turn will enhance international peace and security.
HE al-Khater highlighted the wise leadership's keenness to strengthen Qatar's external relations, pointing out the previous visits and tours of His Highness the Amir to various regions around the globe, including Europe. These visits resulted in the signing of many agreements that contributed to strengthening and developing bilateral relations in various fields, he added.
The Amir's visits have also strengthened the international standing of Qatar as a major player in resolving international issues and crises, due to the country's effective and important role, as well as its adoption of the principle of dialogue in resolving conflicts, and its clear humanitarian and relief role, in addition to its support for international efforts, and its provision of assistance to those affected by conflicts, wars, and disasters, he added.
HE al-Khater commended Qatar's parliamentarian relations with Sweden, Norway and Finland, pointing out that, in addition to its legislative and supervisory role, the Shura Council works to consolidate Qatar's foreign relations and strengthen the bonds of friendship and co-operation between the State and all countries and peoples, through its practice of parliamentary diplomacy.
He expressed his confidence that the the Amir's tour will enhance and develop co-operation between the Shura Council and the parliaments of these countries and advance them to higher levels and broader horizons, noting that it will establish a new phase between the council and its counterparts in these countries. The tour will also give a new impetus that will enhance parliamentary co-operation and lead to sharing visions and ideas on various issues and files of mutual interest.
Shura Council member and Chairperson of its Internal and External Affairs Committee HE Yousef bin Ali al-Khater
