Qatar, Ethiopia sign accords to cement bilateral relations

Qatar and Ethiopia yesterday signed three agreements with a view to further strengthening bilateral relations following a session of official talks chaired by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn at the Emiri Diwan yesterday.At the outset of the talks, the Emir welcomed the Ethiopian prime minister saying that the visit would contribute to expanding the bilateral relations between the two countries to a wider level.The Ethiopian prime minister thanked the Emir for his invitation to visit Qatar, expressing the hope that the visit would result in further co-operation between the two countries at all levels. He underlined that Ethiopia stands with its principles and supports Qatar in establishing security and stability in the Gulf region and Africa.During the talks, the Emir and the Ethiopian prime minister reviewed bilateral relations and means of enhancing them in various fields, especially in economy, tourism and investment sectors. The talks also tackled a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, especially the developments in the Middle East.Following the session of talks, the Emir and the prime minister of Ethiopia witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries.The Defence ministries of Qatar and Ethiopia signed a co-operation agreement. The two sides also signed an agreement on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, private and service passports, and an agreement on mutual encouragement and protection of investment.The session of talks was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and several ministers.On the Ethiopian side, the talks were attended by the members of the official delegation accompanying the prime minister.Following the agreement signing ceremony, the Emir hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of Ethiopian prime minister and his accompanying delegation, at the Emiri Diwan. The banquet was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and a number of ministers.Earlier on arrival at the Emiri Diwan, the Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was accorded an official reception.