EU to open mission in Doha, sign aviation pact with Qatar

* FM stresses importance of Qatar-EU relations

 

 The European Union (EU) will open a mission in Doha and also sign an agreement with Qatar on civil aviation, it has been announced. The mission will start working next year. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made the announcements on Thursday during a joint press conference with HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. The two dignitaries held a meeting during which they reviewed co-operation relations between Qatar and the EU and a number of regional and international issues, in addition to matters of joint interest.Underlining bilateral relations between the two sides, Borrell appreciated Qatar’s co-operation on important global issues. "Qatar is a good friend of Europe. We are your second biggest trading partner, you are a reliable energy provider - and in these times it is especially important - and we work jointly on several regional issues. But I believe, Minister, that there is potential to do more together at the regional level and globally, and we want to explore these possibilities," Borrell said.Borrell described the opening of the mission in Doha as "an important event in order to boost our ties"."We will also soon sign an agreement on civil aviation. Qatar will be the first country in the Gulf with whom we will conclude such an aviation agreement. This will bring our people closer and generate new jobs," he added.On his part, HE Sheikh Mohamed stressed the importance of relations between Qatar and the EU, describing them as "positive". He also underlined the keenness of Qatar to develop and strengthen these relations, whether in the security, economic, or renewable energy fields. (With inputs from QNA)