Amir, Austrian leaders discuss ways to enhance ties

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Tuesday discussed ways to strengthen relations of friendship and co-operation between Qatar and Austria in various fields, especially economy, investment, trade, energy and technology.The talks, which were held at the Chancellery in Vienna, also discussed current regional and international developments.The meeting was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir.On the Austrian side, it was attended by a number of ministers and senior officials. The Amir and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen held a session of official talks at Hofburg Presidential Palace in Vienna.During the meeting, they discussed aspects of enhancing co-operation to cover various fields, especially in politics, economy, investment, health and education, in a way that serves the interests of the two peoples and countries.They also discussed the latest regional and international developments, especially the situation in Palestine, in addition to the Gulf crisis.The meeting was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir.On the Austrian side, it was attended by a number of ministers and senior officials. The Amir and the Austrian Chancellor witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding (MoU), at the Chancellery in Vienna.The first MoU was on economic, trade and technical co-operation between Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Austrian Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs. The pact aims to promote economic relations, improve the level of trade exchange between the two countries, encourage the establishment of exhibitions and mutual events and exempt customs duties on some imports and exports.The second MoU, signed between Qatar's National Tourism Council and the Austrian Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, aims to develop and promote co-operation between both countries in this field.The signing ceremony was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir. From the Austrian side, the ceremony was attended by ministers. The Amir attended a luncheon banquet hosted by the Austrian President at the Hofburg Presidential Palace.A number of Austrian ministers and senior officials as well as the delegation accompanying the Amir attended the banquet.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani left Vienna on Tuesday evening after a two-day official visit to Austria.The Amir sent cables to the Austrian president and chancellor, expressing deep thanks and appreciation for the hospitality and honour accorded to him during the visit, which allowed the exchange of views on issues of common concern and means of strengthening and promoting the friendly relations and co-operation between the two countries in various fields for the good and the benefit of the two peoples.The Amir wished the president and the chancellor the best of health and happiness, and the friendly people of Austria further progress and prosperity.