PM holds talks with Qatari counterpart in Doha

AMMAN — Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Monday met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, to discuss regional issues, bolstering bilateral relations, expanding cooperation.

During the meeting, the two sides highlighted the historical relations Binding Jordan and Qatar, stressing that these ties enjoy the attention of His Majesty King Abdullah and Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The two ministers voiced keenness to increase cooperation in various economic, investment and development fields, in accordance with integrated action plans that serve the interest of both countries.

They also underlined the commitment of the two governments to work and build on the outcomes of the summit that brought together His Majesty King Abdullah and Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha at the beginning of this year.

During the talks, which were attended by a number of ministers and officials from both sides, Khasawneh conveyed the feelings of respect that Jordanians have for Qatar.

Pointing to the close relationship between His Majesty King Abdullah and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Khasawneh lauded the care and attention Jordanian residents enjoy in Qatar.

The Jordanian minister also praised Qatar’s role in the region in service of Arab issues.

Presenting the Jordan’s comprehensive modernisation vision implemented under the leadership of His Majesty the King, Khasawneh stressed that attaining the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision requires expanding horizons for investment and empowering the private sector, which, in turn, will contribute to enhancing economic growth and reducing unemployment.

Khasawneh also highlighted the importance of increasing cooperation and networking between the two countries’ private sectors to pave the way for exploring available opportunities for cooperation between Amman and Doha.

Khasawneh also referred to measures undertaken by the Jordanian government to organise and enhance the investment environment, rendering it more competitive and attractive to local, Arab and foreign investors.

In this regard, Khasawneh noted that Qatari investments enjoy the support and attention of the Jordanian government.

Congratulating Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani on assuming his duties as Prime Minister of Qatar last month, Khasawneh wished the Qatari minister success in serving his country and people, praising the “renaissance” that Qatar is experiencing in various fields.

For his part, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani also highlighted the historical nature of Jordan-Qatar relations, pointing to the special status enjoyed by His Majesty the King and HRH Crown Prince Hussein among the Qatari leadership and people.

He voiced his keenness to advance joint cooperation, adding that Jordanian-Qatari relations are “fraternal relations based on solid foundations”.

“Qatari investments in Jordan are important, and we look forward to increasing and expanding them in many areas,” he said.

The Qatari Minister also praised the comprehensive modernisation vision that Jordan is implementing under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah.

The ministers underlined areas of cooperation in the investment, financial, tourism and energy fields.

Khasawneh and his Qatari counterpart also discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, especially in regard to the Palestinian issue and Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, reiterating their condemnation of all violations and unilateral Israeli measures, including the continuous attacks on Palestinians.

They affirmed Jordan and Qatar’s condemnation and rejection of Israel’s incursions into Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and its attack on the mosque and its worshipers, stressing that the international community must compel Israel to stop its flagrant violations of international law and force the occupation to respect international resolutions.

Both prime ministers reaffirmed the their countries’ firm position in support of justice for Palestinians and their rights, foremost of which is the right to establish an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They stressed the necessity of preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, in accordance with the Hashemite Custodianship led by His Majesty King Abdullah, with all transparency, responsibility and competence.

The meeting was attended by Jordanian Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs Ibrahim Jazi, Tourism Minister Makram Queisi, Finance Minister Mohamad Al-Issis, Investment Minister Kholoud Saqqaf and Jordanian Ambassador to Qatar Zaid Al Lawzi.

On the Qatari side, the meeting was attended by Finance Minister Ali Bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Qatar’s Ambassador to Jordan Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Bin Jassim Al Thani, and a number of other Qatari officials. 

The Qatari Prime Minister held an iftar banquet in honour of Prime Minister Khasawneh and the accompanying Jordanian delegation, which was attended by a number of Qatari ministers and officials.