ADDIS ABABA- The recent high-level exchange visits between Ethiopia and Qatar have taken the two countries’ multifaceted relations to new heights, acccording to Qatar’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ethiopia, Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Dosari.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ambassador Hamad said that Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed made state visit to Doha last March and the visit has further strengthen the two countries’ good relationship. The Premier’s visit created opportunity to discuss various issues with the high-level Qatari officials including the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Similarly, Ethiopia’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye concluded successful visit to Doha and deal was reached with the Qatari government to activate the Domestic Employment Agreement.
“Dr. Ergoge’s discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al- Thani and her counterpart bring about positive results and consensus was reached to establish a Qatar Visa Center (QVC) in a view to serving the issuance of visas easily and in a practical way,” the Ambassador stated.
Concerning the two countries economic relations, he noted that there is a growing desire among Qatar’s public and private sectors to take part in Ethiopia’s priority investment opportunities. “Due attention should be given to finalize the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement that would have an iconic role in encouraging the involvement of Qatari businesses in Ethiopia.”
Commending the leading role Ethiopia has played to ensure peace and stability in various hotspots of the African continent, Ambassador Hamad expressed his belief that the country’s involvement would also contribute for the peace and stability of the East African and Arabian Gulf regions at large.
The Government of Qatar has a strong desire and commitment to transform the bilateral ties with Ethiopia to its best stages at all levels, the Ambassador remarked. Ethio-Qatar relations have shown progress since the resumption of diplomatic ties in 2012 which was manifested by high-level visits by officials of the respective countries, signing of various agreements as well as a tour of cultural troupe, and resumption of direct flights.
The Ethiopian Herald, June 18/2019
BY BILAL DERSO
