Palestine News

HE the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative for the Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha, Salah El Din Zaki Khaled, stressed the symposium’s importance in promoting science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) education in addition to technical and vocational training in Qatar and beyond, in line with the UNESCO strategy for Technical and Vocational Education and Training 2022-2029, which promotes youth employment, entrepreneurship, justice, gender equality, and facilitates the transition to green economies and sustainable societies.

Khaled told Qatar News Agency that the symposium’s timing is just right, given the significance of the topics it touches on, expressing His Excellency’s pride in the close cooperation and partnership between UNESCO and the State of Qatar.

His Excellency commended UNESCO’s cooperation with the UDST, hoping that the symposium brings forth many positive returns to new generations, for t
hem to be better equipped to meet the needs of the labor market.

Khaled added that the State of Qatar and its educational institutions are leaders in the topics addressed by the symposium, which is in line with UNESCO’s global strategy in that regard.

For his part, Head of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Project Office for the State of Qatar, Max Tunon, said that skill and lifelong learning are essential items on the ILO’s agenda, noting that skill development is vital for individuals to land in decent and productive jobs in addition to its importance for the prosperity of establishments and economies.

According to ILO global estimates, Tunon said, 63 percent of high-skilled jobs will be occupied by workers who lack sufficient qualifications in 2025, adding that due to the creation of new jobs and industries and the decline of others, in addition to job evolution, an increasing shortage of appropriate skills will occur, for which decisive and immediate action is needed.

The Head of the ILO Proj
ect Office for the State of Qatar said that the country has in place a clear road map for the future, manifested in the form of the 3rd National Development Strategy, which focuses on diversifying the economy and strengthening priority sectors, for which the private sector needs to be supplied with a future-ready workforce.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation succeeded in performing the first robotic kidney transplant surgery in Qatar for a patient in his seventies. The patient had been suffering from chronic kidney failure for several years, necessitating daily peritoneal dialysis, in addition to other health issues such as high blood pressure.

The surgical procedure took place at Hamad General Hospital, led by a specialized team in robotic surgery and organ transplantation under the direction of Dr. Abdullah Al Ansari, Chief Medical Officer at HMC and head of the surgical team that performed the surgery on the patient. The team also included Dr. Omar Abu Marzouq, Senior Consultant in Robotic Surgery and Deputy Head of the Surgical Research Department at HMC, and Dr. Omar Ali, Senior Consultant in Organ Transplantation and Deputy Head of the Organ Transplantation Department at HMC.

Dr. Abdullah Al Ansari explained, “The preparation for the surgical procedure took several weeks through an integrated multidisciplinary team of exper
ts at HMC, including robotic surgery specialists, organ transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, nephrologists, and nursing staff, alongside the patient’s preparation. The surgical procedure was successfully performed using the Da Vinci robot, taking approximately two and a half hours only. During this time, the new kidney was transplanted from a deceased brain-dead donor after necessary examinations and ensuring tissue compatibility between the patient and the donor, following obtaining the necessary approvals from the donor’s family.” “This surgical advancement is an outcome of significant investment in healthcare sector in Qatar and has achieved many accomplishments in providing healthcare services to patients. This includes meeting the latest developments in medicine and surgery and adhering to the highest international recognized standards,” Al Ansari added.

Dr. Omar Abu Marzouq further confirmed the rapid recovery of the patient following the robotic surgical procedure. The patient was able to walk just
two days after the surgery, and the transplanted kidney gradually resumed its normal function. The patient continues to follow up with doctors regularly. This success can be attributed to robotic surgery, which offers many advantages, including reducing the risk of complications, shortening hospital stays, and a quick return to normal life activities. Additionally, it minimizes blood loss, aiding in speedy recovery, restoring normal bodily functions, and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Source: Qatar News Agency

HE Chairman of Libya’s High Council of State Dr. Mohammed Moftah Takala met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Libya Khaled bin Mohammed Zabin Al Dosari.

During the meeting, they discussed the bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Doha will host the AHDAF QATAR – Arab Healthcare Development Annual Forum on April 29 – 30, which will be organized by the Arab Hospitals Federation (AHF) under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Qatar and supported by AHF strategic partner Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and in the presence of several Arab health ministers.

In a statement on Wednesday, the MOPH said that the forum will be held in collaboration with the Arab League and the World Health Organization – EMRO, Arab Ministers of Health Council, and various healthcare authorities from the Arab world.

The ministry indicated that themed “Shaping Healthcare Future”, this year’s forum will address evolving challenges and leverage opportunities in the healthcare landscape. It involves integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and telemedicine, enhancing patient care and optimizing healthcare delivery in addition to focusing on value-based care, sustainability, and Digital Healthcare transformation.

In this context, Advisor to HE the Minister of Public Health for Communication and Chair of the Supreme Committee for Healthcare Communications Ali Abdulla Al Khater, said: “We are pleased to work with our AHF partners to host this significant forum, which will bring together Arab Ministers of Health, key decision makers, top healthcare executives, healthcare professionals and healthcare workers from around the Arab countries to sit, network, discuss, share information and best practices and address the latest issues related to the industry.” He added: “Through our participation in such forums and large conferences, we are keen in the State of Qatar to exchange best practices and successful experiences, and maximize the benefit of distinguished international expertise, which contributes to the enhancement of the healthcare sector and promotes the health of the community in line the Qatar National Vision 2023.” For her part, AHF Chief Executive Officer Alice Yammine Boueiz said: “The AHF continues its long-sta
nding efforts to highlight distinguished health sectors in the Arab world. Qatar has set a goal of achieving world-class healthcare standards to be a global leader and it has played a multifaceted role in healthcare, with a focus on improving healthcare and contributing to many health initiatives through investment, research, and humanitarian efforts. Qatar is characterized by modern infrastructure, comprehensive services, regulatory oversight, and a commitment to excellence in patient care. The government continues to invest in the sector to meet the growing healthcare needs of its population and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery.” She added: “Our choice of Qatar to hold such a significant event reflects the distinguished and strategic partnership between AHF and HMC that has enabled us to present a sophisticated image of Arab integration and constructive health cooperation for fifteen years.” The forum is characterized by a high-level presence of decision-makers in the Arab health sector, including
ministers, heads of Arab health authorities, government officials, representatives from the League of Arab States and relevant regional and international organizations, and key decision-makers in the healthcare sector from major institutions and international companies.

The forum will gather directors of public and private hospitals, doctors, administrators, and health workers from several countries, most notably Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, USA, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, and India.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The Qatar University (QU) organized the first regional edition of the MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability (MEBAS) Sustainability Competition.

In a statement on Wednesday, QU indicated that the competition represented an educational simulation challenge designed to foster an understanding of sustainability through interactive applied learning. This challenge allows students to balance profitability and efficiency for the company with the conservation of resources and the environment.

QU noted that this innovative competition brought together student teams from across the MENA region to share practical strategies for sustainable business practices under the theme “Promoting Sustainability through Play and Learning.” The competition, the first of its kind in the region, focused on integrating academic knowledge with real-life business scenarios to promote sustainability and ethical leadership among future business leaders.

Dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU and Chair of ME
BAS Prof. Dr. Rana Sobh said: “The launch of the Regional Sustainability Competition is an important step in the journey of promoting sustainability in the region, and we at QU’s College of Business and Economics are proud to have played our part in guiding this inspiring effort that reflects students’ engagement with the competition and their serious desire to achieve a positive change in society.” In turn, Associate Professor at the College of Business and Economics at QU Dr. Hani Kamel said: “The initiative’s main areas of focus include education, research, and connecting students and academics with the business community. We aim to increase awareness and engagement among our students, whom we see as the future leaders of our region, equipping them with the skills and experiences needed to enter a new job market.” For her part, Associate Chair of the Management Department at Prince Sultan University Dr. Nouf Al Magoushi said: “The competition plays a crucial role in broadening students’ horizons and enhanc
ing their networking capabilities, in addition to a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation.” “Such experiences significantly contribute to preparing students for a successful professional future. It also provides them the opportunity to meet students from other universities, thereby enriching their educational experience and making it more comprehensive and interactive,” she added.

The winning teams were honored, with Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics winning first place, Prince Sultan University from Saudi Arabia’s College of Business Administration winning second place, and the American University of Beirut’s Suliman S. Olayan School of Business winning third place.

The event saw the participation of ten university teams from across the Middle East, including prestigious institutions, along with QU’s team hosting and participating in the event.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), in cooperation with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Sidra Medicine, and the private health sector, launched an awareness campaign to observe World Immunization Week from April 24 – 30 under the theme (Humanly Possible: Saving lives through immunization).

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said that the campaign aims to highlight the importance of vaccines and how immunization contributes to saving the lives of community members against vaccine-preventable diseases whose complications can lead to death, in addition to supporting community members to increase coverage of immunization against diseases that can be prevented through immunization for themselves and their children.

The MOPH indicated that awareness messages about the significance of vaccinations will be posted on all social media platforms, as well as enhancing awareness among visitors of a number of primary health care centers, private centers, and cli
nics.

In the statement, the ministry pointed out that the State of Qatar has one of the best vaccination programs in the world. The MOPH, in cooperation with its partners, provides free and high-quality vaccination services in various regions of the State of Qatar, as the routine vaccination schedule adopted in Qatar provides protection for children from more than 16 diseases. The ministry has also adopted a system of combining vaccines to reduce the number of doses received by the child while maintaining the same protection and effectiveness.

The ministry explained that vaccinations are provided in the country for all age groups with special attention to newborns, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, as well as pregnant women and other vulnerable groups. The MOPH noted that achieving high immunization coverage has contributed to enhancing the health of the population of Qatar and eliminating many communicable diseases. This is cohesively fulfilled through a comprehensive healthcare system that r
elies on a proactive preventive approach and enhancing people’s immunity through immunization.

The Seventy-third World Health Assembly adopted a decision in which it endorsed the new global vision and overarching strategy for immunization Agenda 2030. This vision, developed by WHO and its immunization partners, calls for expanded access to vaccination at all stages of life, as one of the strategic priorities of this new decade.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), an affiliate of the Ministry of Social Development and Family’s (MSDF) Qatar Social Work Foundation, organized the 7th Research And Innovation Competition 2024, raising social awareness of the issues and needs of the elderly.

The competition was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and Lusail University.

The university hosted the student research exhibition in the attendance of a lineup of officials from the MSDF and MoEHE, and Lusail University, along with a lineup of senior guests.

The competition saw 138 male and female students from 37 secondary and high schools participate with a total of 46 research project submissions, supervised by 46 research supervisors, and eight arbitrators to evaluate the research projects. The winner’s research projects will be announced on May 6.

The research projects focused on the elderly, the issues and challenges they face, their needs, ways to protect them,
as well as ways to enhance attitudes towards them and activate their social role.

Commenting on the event, Acting Director of the Planning and Development Office at Ehsan Al Anoud Mohammed Al Marri said that schools’ eager and active participation in the competition is testimony to the awareness of the educational sector and the students’ appreciation of the elderly.

Al Marri added that Ehsan continues to organize this research competition given the State of Qatar’s great interest in research and its role in innovation and development, as well as stemming from the center’s belief in empowering newer generations and students to find solutions for social phenomena and issues of the elderly. It also hopes to forge an intergenerational connection and understanding.

Source: Qatar News Agency

HE Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labour, Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani, delivered a speech at the opening session of the symposium, pointing out that the seminar’s topic lies at the core of the goals and visions that Qatar is striving to achieve through its comprehensive reform program, which is guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030. The vision focuses on key areas such as education, healthcare, the environment, migrant worker rights, and the development of the national workforce. These efforts aim to transform Qatar into a nation capable of achieving sustainable development and securing a high standard of living for its people, generation after generation. The vision is built on four pillars: human, social, economic, and environmental development.

She emphasized the launch of the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) as a crucial step towards achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

She explained that the state outlined several workf
orce priorities aligned with the national vision. These include protecting the rights of all workers, creating more private sector jobs for Qataris, and ensuring a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of a more competitive, diversified, and knowledge-based economy.

Her Excellency stressed the interconnected nature of these goals, which necessitate strategic planning and investment in laws, policies, institutions, and programs that govern the labor market. These efforts reflect the state’s growing focus on technology and sustainable development, with the ultimate aim of developing a highly qualified workforce to achieve both societal prosperity and global resilience.

Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labour reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to extensive labor reforms enacted in recent years to further strengthen and protect the rights of migrant workers. The state values the contributions of migrant workers and considers them integral partners in Qatar’s development and
progress.

Her Excellency underscored that protecting and promoting migrant worker rights is a strategic choice for Qatar as human development, along with the protection and promotion of human rights, lies at the forefront of the nation’s priorities. She attributed these achievements to strong political will, a supportive environment for comprehensive labor market reform at the legislative and institutional levels, and the technical and financial support provided by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other partners, including international institutions and non-governmental organizations.

In closing, Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s growing focus on science and technology, and its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She pointed to the state’s continued pursuit of reform programs and its active role within the international and regional community to solidify these achievements and enhance performance through initiatives and partnerships with stakeholders.

Acting Dir
ector of Education Management at the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Abrar Ibrahim Al Saleem, emphasized that the agenda of this symposium, led by educational pathways to prepare future cadres, constitutes substantial support for a serious launch of academic programs in specialized fields required by the current and future labor market.

She expressed her hope that all topics would receive the attention and support of participants to enhance and activate the prudent march aimed at achieving the desired goals, thereby ensuring prosperity, growth, and leadership for the GCC countries and their people.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The International Symposium on Education and Skills for a Future-Ready Workforce: STEM and TVET for a Sustainable and Resilient Society kicked off on Wednesday.

The symposium is organized by the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) over two days.

This seminar is being held in response to the decisions made by the Committee of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to establish a forum for studying specialized fields that are required by the current and future job market.

President of UDST Dr. Salem Al Naemi said: “There is a high number of job opportunities available in the STEM fields locally and globally, yet a remarkable shortage of graduates and professionals with the necessary qualifications and developed skills to take on these roles. It is our responsibility now, as educational institutions, to close the gap between future industry needs and educational output. The Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030
has set ambitious targets for the country, requiring 46% of the workforce to be in skilled roles, and 18% of students to graduate in STEM fields by 2030. These are significant goals, and it is more important than ever that we continue working with MOEHE to bolster access to STEM education at UDST, and amplify our Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).” In remarks to Qatar News Agency , Dr. Al Naemi emphasized the importance of the seminar and its relationship with the various sectors of work, academic, vocational, and technical education, and its role in filling the shortage of technical and artistic skills, even at the personal level, which in turn is reflected in the academic programs, research, and field training for students and preparing them to align with the requirements of the labor market upon graduation.

For his part, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi said that holding the seminar coincides with the rapid dev
elopment witnessed by the labor sector locally and globally in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital and information expansion, and the global challenges it affects in the form of climate change, food security, desertification, and other challenges.

His Excellency said that studies indicate that the number of jobs in the “STEM” curriculum is expected to increase by more than 8% compared to other specializations, as well as an increase in employment in the development of websites and technological programs by more than 20% by 2029, in addition to the creation of new jobs in big data and different software engineering.

His Excellency noted that according to Dell, professionals believe that 85% of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics jobs do not exist yet and that they will be in demand in 2030.

His Excellency pointed out that this for sure has a direct impact on the education sector, and magnifies the role of educational institutions as the primary source of preparation and q
ualification of qualified human cadres to engage in the work sector following its updated requirements.

In this context, His Excellency pointed out that STEM education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the State of Qatar stand out as an influential force in shaping the required professional skills that are compatible with these changes and achieve the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, as these two types of education top the list of educational priorities in the State of Qatar, and the subsequent regulations, governance frameworks, educational programs, and curricula.

In a related context, His Excellency said that the MOEHE is working to support education and training based on the STEM and TVET system by increasing technical and vocational schools, in addition to developing educational paths, integrating STEM subjects into the official basic curricula, linking them, and encouraging technical education and training as well as vocational training, which qualifies students to
acquire important scientific and practical experiences that help them enroll in the best universities and gives those who hold technical certificates an opportunity to complete their educational journey and use the advanced professional skills they have acquired to meet the needs of the labor market.

HE the Undersecretary of the MOEHE said that the opening of the Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School (QSTSS) for the academic year 2018-2019 was one of the most important and first transformational strategic projects implemented by the ministry, as a school that provides pioneering education based on the comprehensive application of the STEM methodology through an integrative curriculum that was specifically designed to prepare students to meet the requirements of the twenty-first century. He indicated that the number of students in the school now reached 240 Qatari students, while two batches of 118 students each have graduated, and urgent plans are being developed to open a parallel school for female
students.

His Excellency said that UDST comes as a model in higher education to complete students’ various professional and technical paths, along with other leading universities in the country, led by Qatar University with its various programs in this field, the universities affiliated with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Qatar Aeronautical Academy, Ahmed bin Mohammed Military College, and various other universities and institutes in higher education.

His Excellency expressed his aspiration, through this seminar, to unify local, regional, and global efforts to raise the efficiency of the technical and vocational education system in line with the qualitative change in the needs of the labor market, which calls for new high-tech competencies.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Jamaica’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine and join the international endeavor to implement the two-state solution and uphold respect for the right of the Palestinian people to live in freedom and dignity in their independent state.

The ministry also appreciated the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Kamina Johnson Smith, where she called on all states to opt for diplomatic solutions rather than military options, calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and intensifying the provision of humanitarian aid to the strip.

The Palestinian ministry of foreign affairs called on all states to follow suit and recognize the State of Palestine for the rules-based international order to regain its credibility.

Source: Qatar News Agency

In an article for the Blitz newspaper in Bangladesh writer Tajul Islam said that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is among the leaders who left an indelible imprint on the path of their country, and over the past ten years his leadership has been characterized by vision and flexibility and commitment to progress.

In his article under the title “A decade of praiseworthy leadership of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,” the writer added that since assuming power, HH the Amir has expressed a clear vision for Qatar’s future, with a focus on economic diversification, social development, and diplomatic engagement. Under his leadership, Qatar has implemented ambitious infrastructure projects, such as the modern Hamad International Airport and the Education City, which includes branches of leading international universities.

He added that given the finite nature of hydrocarbon resources, His Highness gave priority to economic diversification, as it is the cornerstone of Qatar’s development strategy. HH
the Amir’s commitment to social development is evident in his efforts to promote health care, education, and cultural enrichment. The healthcare system in Qatar has witnessed great developments under HH the Amir’s leadership through investments in state-of-the-art medical facilities and initiatives to promote public health awareness.

He noted that in the field of diplomacy, HH the Amir followed a practical and proactive approach, positioning Qatar as a mediator and facilitator of dialogue on regional and global issues. His Highness also played a pivotal role in promoting stability and peace in the Middle East through diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian aid. Qatar’s mediation efforts have contributed to resolving conflicts in various regions, including Afghanistan and Sudan.

He indicated that Qatar is one of the most prominent providers of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of displaced persons and refugees throughout the Middle East and beyond, reflecting HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-T
hani’s commitment to solidarity and compassion.

The writer pointed out that the successful hosting of major international sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, embodies the strategic use of sports diplomacy to enhance Qatar’s global standing and enhance dialogue between countries.

He said that HH the Amir gave priority to empowering and engaging youth through initiatives that promote education, entrepreneurship, and civic participation. He added that HH the Amir stressed the importance of environmental sustainability as an essential element of Qatar’s development strategy and that the establishment of the Qatar National Food Security Program and the investments in renewable energy infrastructure demonstrates the proactive approach followed by HH the Amir in confronting environmental challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.

He concluded the article by saying that the vision of the wise leadership was characterized by flexibility and a firm commitment to progress
, and HH the Amir’s strategic initiatives contributed to advancing development in Qatar on multiple fronts, from economic diversification and social development to diplomatic engagement and environmental sustainability. As Qatar continues on its path toward growth and transformation, the legacy of HH the Amir, as a visionary leader who overcame challenges with insight and determination, will continue to shape the nation’s future for years to come.

In an article for the Bengali researcher Kamal Uddin, the Eurasia Review newspaper said that Bangladesh has always maintained a positive stance towards the Middle East with regard to its foreign policy, since gaining independence. The Gulf region has played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s foreign policy, and this is evident through cooperative efforts in the areas of trade exchange, culture, and strategic alliances. He added that the visit of HH the Amir is a clear example of the warm relationship between the two countries.

He added that recently, the r
elationship between Qatar and Bangladesh has reached an important stage, characterized by diplomatic progress, enhanced defense cooperation, notable educational achievements, and strong economic development.

The writer emphasized that the cooperation between Qatar and Bangladesh in the field of energy contributes to improving relations between the two countries, considering that the visit highlights the great value that the two countries attach to their bilateral relations.

The Indian Orissa Diary website highlighted the Asian tour undertaken by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, which includes the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Nepal, considering that it is part of Qatar’s consistent approach to strengthening strategic relations and partnerships with Asia.

In a report entitled “Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Travel to the Nepal, Philippines, Bangladesh,” the website said that HH the Amir’s discussions with the leaders of the Philippines, Nepal, and Bangladesh will focus on ways to s
trengthen relations in various fields and regional and international issues of common interest.

The report added that the well-established Qatari-Asian relations have witnessed steady development thanks to the mutual keenness of both sides to develop and enhance them in various fields. Recently, these relations have witnessed radical growth, as high-level visits were exchanged between Qatari and Asian officials, and Qatar and Asian countries intensified the implementation of joint economic and investment projects and coordinating stances on various regional and international issues.

“Aware of Asia’s vital role in consolidating the regional and global economies and achieving global food security, Qatar has dived into Asia with the aim of fostering global and regional economic security. In turn, Asia’s fast-growing economies attach overriding attention to further deepening relations with Qatar,” the report added.

The report indicated that the mutually beneficial Qatari-Asian relations serve the national inte
rests of both parties. “Bearing in mind economic diversification as a top priority of the Qatar National Vision 2030, Doha considers the ample economic opportunities for diverse investments in Asia across several sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, financial institutions and energy sectors. Meanwhile, multiple Asian countries appeal to potential multi-sector Qatari investments in a bid to push their economies, provide further job opportunities, and to rocket their foreign exports,” the report said.

The report indicated that Doha hosts thousands of migrant workers from many Asian countries. Recognizing their contributions to the Qatari economy and the development of their home nations, Qatar has adopted leading labour rights reforms that can serve as a role model for other countries in the region. Among these reforms comes the non-discriminatory minimum wage, a legislation highly commended by the International Labour Organization and other international agencies concerned with work
ers.

The report considered that the relations of the State of Qatar with the 10 countries of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia enhance cooperation in multiple fields, and support all efforts aimed at enhancing regional and international security and peace, and developing relations and cooperation with Asia in general, and ASEAN countries in particular.

The website pointed out that Qatar and the Philippines have signed various bilateral agreements that are constantly developing through the joint committee meeting, which was recently agreed to be held annually to advance bilateral relations to broader horizons. The website said that one of the consistent results of Doha’s policy aimed at strengthening relations with the Philippine government and strengthening relations between the peoples of the two friendly countries is the opening of the Qatar Visa Center (QVC) in Manila on Sep. 25, 2019.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Amidst a warm welcome and significant appreciation of the Asian tour and its outcomes, Bangladeshi media highlighted the tour of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to several Asian countries, commencing with visits to the Philippines then Bangladesh, and concluding in Nepal. This tour aims to bolster Qatar’s relations and strategic partnerships with Asian countries, manifested through the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields.

Bangladeshi media expressed great interest and closely followed the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Dhaka, considering it a turning point in the bilateral relations between the two countries, signaling the beginning of a new phase in their bilateral partnership.

In this context, a report by The Business Standard, a Bangladeshi newspaper, mentioned that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to Bangladesh is a result of a visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Doha in May 2023. During that visit, she
participated in the Qatar Economic Forum and engaged in crucial bilateral discussions.

The report, titled “The Upcoming Visit of the Amir of Qatar to Bangladesh: Ushering in a new chapter in bilateral partnership,” by Nahim Razzaq, a Bangladeshi Member of Parliament, stated that recent developments signal a growing partnership between Bangladesh and Qatar, with the foundation laid for enhancing cooperation between the two countries through the signing of a long-term agreement for liquefied natural gas imports in June 2023. He pointed out that the positive development in relations between the two countries was driven by Qatar’s commitment to supporting the media industry in Bangladesh at the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers in February 2024, along with other discussions that included military cooperation at the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition in March 2024.

The report highlighted significant progress in various areas of Bangladesh-Qatar relations, surpassing the traditional economic
dimension limited to oil and financial transfers. It noted that both countries’ leadership successfully transformed their relations into deep strategic ties, exemplified by Qatar’s commitment to exporting an additional 1.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually to Bangladesh over the next 15 years. This agreement aims to address the energy generation supply shortfall in Bangladesh, highlighting Qatar’s importance as a reliable energy partner for Bangladesh.

The report underscored the substantial importance of the visit for both Bangladesh and Qatar, indicating a new phase in their bilateral partnership. It demonstrated the commitment of both leaderships to enhancing bilateral relations and supporting cooperation across various sectors.

In turn, the Bangladesh Post showed keen interest in the visit of HH the Amir to Bangladesh, as reported in an article titled “Bangladesh Rolls Out Red Carpet for Qatar Amir.” The paper said that the visit focused on various agreements concerning combating tax evasion
, legal cooperation, maritime transport, as well as the development and protection of mutual investments, and the establishment of a joint business council.

Several Bangladeshi TV channels provided extensive coverage of HH the Amir’s visit to Dhaka, with the United News of Bangladesh agency reporting that Qatar and Bangladesh signed 11 cooperation documents, including six agreements and five memoranda of understanding.

The agency, in a report titled “Bangladesh and Qatar Sign 6 Agreements and 5 Memoranda of Understanding During the Official Visit of the Amir of Qatar,” stated that the agreements covered areas such as double taxation avoidance, tax evasion, legal affairs cooperation, mutual investment promotion and protection, maritime transport services, and the formation of a joint business council. Additionally, the five memoranda of understanding were signed in areas of cooperation including the workforce sector, port management, higher education and research, youth and sports cooperation, and diplomatic
training.

“With this visit, the relations between Bangladesh and Qatar will reach a new height. This is the first-ever high level visit from any country of the Middle East after the formation of a new government in January this year,” the report quoted Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud as saying.

Furthermore, in addition to bilateral cooperation areas, global issues were also discussed, including the Israeli war on Gaza, with Bangladesh highlighting its stance. Dr. Hasan Mahmud emphasized, “Naturally, this discussion can come up. Killings in Gaza should be stopped. Everyone wants it. We want it.” Qatar, a country rich in petroleum and natural gas with the highest average per capita income, is considered an influential country in the Middle East due to its strong economy, geopolitical position and diplomatic activity and mediation, said the foreign minister.

He pointed out that recently the areas of trade, investment and employment creation, energy, aviation, agriculture, food security, climate change, etc.
have been identified to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation through diplomatic communication and discussions at various levels with Qatar.

In a related context, the Bangladesh Post stated that Dhaka seeks to increase Qatari investments in Bangladesh and provide all possible trade benefits to the country, including allocating lands in special economic zones in Bangladesh. Additionally, according to sources from the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry, Dhaka has invited Doha to import leather goods, pharmaceutical products, and ready-made garments from Bangladesh.

Source: Qatar News Agency