Qatar’s FM visit strengthens ties with Malaysia

Doha, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani wrapped up Thursday a successful tour that included four Asian countries – the Republic of Singapore, Malaysia, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea.

In Malaysia, HM King of Malaysia Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah received HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

His Excellency also met with HE Prime Minister of Malaysia Ismail Sabri Yaqoub, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Saifuddin Abdullah, and HE Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali.

His Excellency also held a meeting with several Malaysian businessmen. HM the King of Malaysia expressed hopes that further Qatari companies will continue investments and expand their businesses in his country, especially in the real estate development sector.

His Majesty also stressed Malaysia’s willingness to cooperate with the State of Qatar in dealing with the post-COVID-19 pandemic through developing vaccines and antiviral drugs and exchanging experiences, research and expertise.

The Malaysian Prime Minister said his country aspires that the meetings between the two parties will enhance bilateral relations and chart a way forward to address many issues of common concern.

He also stressed that his country and the State of Qatar can develop a strategic framework for food security through cooperation between Baladna Food Industries and FGV Holdings Bhd to develop dairy cows breeding soon in the Malaysian cities of Chuping, Perlis and Pahang. He also wished Qatar success in hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The Malaysian Prime Minister also expressed his country’s gratefulness to the State of Qatar for the support it offered for the Rohingya refugees in the healthcare sector.

The Malaysian Foreign Minister described the existing trade relations between both countries as “very good” and said the two sides remain committed to strengthening them with new investments and activities. In this regard, he highlighted that Qatar’s Baladna joined Malaysia’s FGV Integrated Farming Sdn Bhd for the development of the largest dairy company in the region through two sites in Perlis and Pahang.

He said that both sides are required to think of new ways to support bilateral relations amid the daily increasing complexity of international trade.

Malaysia, which has 48 years of fruitful economic cooperation and partnership with Qatar, is a premium destination for Qatari investments in the fields of tourism, hospitality, financial, real estate and industrial sectors. More than 40 Malaysian companies operating in the Qatari market, including five companies wholly owned by the Malaysian side.