Armenia’s President meets with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha

YEREVAN, MAY 15, ARMENPRESS. While on official visit to the State of Qatar, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan had a private meeting with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on May 15, press service of the President’s Office told Armenpress.

Before the meeting, the official welcoming ceremony of President Sargsyan was held in the Emir’s palace.

During the meeting President Sargsyan thanked the Emir for the invitation to visit friendly State of Qatar and the warm reception shown to the delegation led by him.

Highlighting that the Middle East region has a special place in Armenia’s foreign policy, and Armenia has unique relations with the Arab world based on a friendship of centuries-old history, Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia is interested in intensifying the high-level political dialogue with the State of Qatar and deepening the cooperation in all spheres.

Both sides expressed hope the results of the Armenian President’s first visit to Qatar will significantly contribute to the further development of bilateral ties. The two officials considered symbolic that the visit is taking place in the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Qatar, which, according to them, is a good chance to revalue and boost the Armenian-Qatari ties.

In the context of the development of bilateral mutual partnership, the sides attached importance to holding political contacts between the two states, especially consultations between the Foreign Ministries which will enable to exchange views on issues relating to development of bilateral ties, regional affairs.

The sides highlighted with satisfaction that the visits of tourists from Gulf countries, including from Qatar to Armenia are increasing year by year, and the flights operating by Qatar airlines play a significant role on this. The officials also discussed the possibility for visa liberalization between both countries, as well as the prospect to develop cooperation with the Qatari airlines aimed at expanding the mutually beneficial partnership.

Armenia’s President and the Emir of Qatar attached importance to expanding the legal framework in terms of boosting the mutually beneficial commercial cooperation, as well as holding session of inter-governmental commission.

The Armenian side proposed to discuss a number of investment programs in various spheres. The use of Armenia’s transit opportunities was considered, especially the entry to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) via Armenia.

By the proposal of Armenia’s President, the Emir of Qatar tasked the Minister of Economy to hold a separate meeting with Armenia’s Minister of Economy, who is in the delegation, and discuss in-detail the development potential and prospects of bilateral commercial relations.

The heads of aviation fields of both countries also received instructions from President Sargsyan and the Emir of Qatar to hold discussions within the frames of the visit.

In addition to bilateral ties, the sides also discussed the development opportunities of mutual partnership at multilateral format.

President Serzh Sargsyan and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also talked about the settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. In this context, the Emir of Qatar attached importance to establishment of peace and stability in the region, stating that the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict has no alternative.

After the meeting, official dinner was served on behalf of the Emir in honor of President Serzh Sargsyan.