FM begins Asian tour including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani set off Tuesday on an Asian tour that includes Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Korea, where he will meet with his counterparts and several high-ranking officials and businessmen in these countries.In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohamed al-Ansari said that the tour would focus on strengthening bilateral relations with the countries of the Asian continent in various vital fields such as investment, trade, and energy.He added that several regional and international issues would be addressed, and ways of co-operation would be discussed to enhance joint action to solve them.HE Sheikh Mohamed headed Qatar's delegation at the opening of the 55th meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, where Qatar joined the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation with Asean.Al-Ansari pointed out that this tour and its discussions and agreements reflect Asia's strategic position in Qatar's foreign policy and the common desire to strengthen bilateral relations, especially since the Asian continent is Qatar's first partner in the energy market.