Qatar, India ink a slew of pacts to boost ties

The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi discussed close historic relations between the two countries and promoting mutual cooperation in various areas, particularly in the fields of trade, economy, investment, energy and industry during the official talks on Sunday.

The two sides agreed to form a higher strategic committee to coordinate and follow up aspects of cooperation between the two countries in regional and international issues of common concern, and to develop an appropriate mechanism to speed up the procedures for issuance of business and tourist visas to citizens of both countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East, mainly in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen, and stressed the necessity to reach peaceful solutions to end the conflicts and ensure security and peace.

The two sides also stressed the need to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and whatever the motives and reasons, and agreed to work together in this area.

Following the talks, the Emir and the Indian Prime Minister witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) between the two countries.

A MoU for cooperation in the field of investment and infrastructure, a MoU for cooperation in the field of education, a cooperation agreement in the field of customs affairs, a MoU for cooperation in the field of health, a MoU for cooperation in the field of tourism, and a first implementation programme for the MoU in the field of youth and Sports for the years (2018-19) were signed.

The two sides witnessed the signing of a MoU in the field of exchange of information relating to money laundering and terrorist financing.

Both the countries agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations and intelligence sharing.

They agreed to take further measures to counter illegal money transfers, welcoming the signing of a MoU on cooperation in the field of exchange of intelligence information relating to money laundering, related crimes and terrorist financing.

With Qatar being the largest source of India's LNG needs, the two sides agreed to focus on enhancing cooperation in energy, covering the areas of training and human resources development and cooperation in research and development through promotion of joint ventures in petrochemical complexes and cooperation in joint exploration in India and other countries.

The two sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of investment and infrastructure between QIA and NIIF.

The two sides agreed to exchange information on a regular basis and in a timely manner on the available investment opportunities.

Courtesy: Qatar-tribune.com