Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Qatar is of great importance in terms of timing and issues to be covered given the two nations' amicable ties in last five years.

The first visit of an Iranian president to Qatar after 10 years is expected to enhance bilateral coordination in trade and regional issues.

A look at details of the trip shows that both sides are going to sign contracts and memoranda of understanding during the official visit, which will upgrade the level of collaborations in economic, political and cultural fields.

Hamid-Reza Dehghanipudeh, the Iranian ambassador to Doha, told IRNA in an interview that Qatar has always expressed readiness to play a key role in improving ties between Arab nations and Iran, so the trip can hopefully pave the ground for bringing views of the two sides closer.

Dehghanipudeh pointed to Qatar-Iran ties as a means to reduce the impact of cruel US sanctions on the Iranian nation and to help stabilize West Asia.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani invited President Raisi to visit the Arab country, the envoy said, adding that the main two topics of the trip are holding meetings with the Qatari Emir and certain officials, and participating in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
The visit can provide economic and trade actors as well ministers of energy, electricity, and road with opportunities to ink different MoUs and contracts in order to expand all-out cooperation, he added.

As to the importance of the GECF meeting, which is going to be held at a high level, the Iranian diplomat said that the forum is expected to a play key role in enhancing cooperation in oil and gas sectors of Qatar and Iran.

The forum can pave the way for expanding collaborations among gas exporting countries, he said, adding that consultations can end up in development of producing, transferring and selling condition of gas supplying nations.

Dehghanipudeh expressed gratitude to the cabinet members of the administration of President Raisi who have made round-the-clock efforts to prepare MoUs and agreements to be signed on the visit, noting that the Islamic Republic is determined to develop relationship with the neighboring country because President Raisi attaches importance to boosting ties with Qatar.

He also appreciated the Qatari emir for the official invitation of the Iranian president and his entourage, expressing thankfulness to Qatari officials for efforts made to prepare a warm welcome ahead of President Raisi's trip.

According to diwan.gov.qa, Qatar's emir is scheduled to welcome Iran's president in Doha on Monday.

President Raisi is going to travel to Qatar in a two-day visit. Some Iranian officials including ministers of oil and foreign affairs are among the high-ranking officials, who will accompany the chief executive in the trip.

The high-ranking officials of both countries plan to sign some contracts and MoUs in the first day of the visit.

The Iranian President is going to hold talks with Iranian expatriates in Qatar and take part in a meeting with Qatari and Iranian tradesmen.

Raisi will make a speech during the six summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum on Tuesday.

 

 

By IRNA