President Zeman : Qatar-Czech relations see a new phase of development

Czech President Milos Zeman has expressed pleasure over the state visit His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is paying to the Czech Republic.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), President Zeman said that this visit means, in the first place, the start of a new phase of development in relations between Qatar and the Czech Republic, in many areas, noting that he discussed with the Amir bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them to broader horizons and increase co-operation in various fields, especially economic and trade sectors, in addition to the developments of the international situation.He said that his country's doors are wide open to Qatari businessmen wishing to invest in various fields, which enhances co-operation between the two countries, adding: "As far as I know, the State of Qatar is increasing its gas production and this is why, in the long-term period, it might be a good chance for the Czech Republic too."He stressed that he supports strengthening co-operation "with peaceful, stable and prosperous countries, and of course Qatar fulfils all these three conditions."In this context, he said: "I know the role of Qatar in the question concerning Afghanistan, and I know that Doha has been the main headquarters for such negotiations," adding, "I highly appreciate the role of Qatar as a peacemaker and peaceful mediator."The Czech president also expressed his belief that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a very special event, in all respects and at all levels, praising the readiness of Qatar and its preparations to organise the tournament.On the Czech Republic's presidency of the European Union at a time when Europe is facing several crises, the president said that his country will focus, through its presidency of the European Union, on two topics, the first of which being the Russian military operation in Ukraine and the reduction of its effects.He went on to say that the second big issue is the energy crisis, as there are many proposals, one of them is the windfall tax, which means reducing extreme profits of energy firms, and this will not be pleasant for those firms, but good for national economies, President Zeman said.