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The Speaker of National Assembly traveled to Doha at the invitation of the President of the State Shura Council of Qatar, where he held talks with several officials, the Press Office of the National Assembly said on Tuesday.
During his two-day visit, László Kövér was received by Deputy Emir Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, and held talks with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Minister of Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater. He also held talks with Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, and Muhammad bin Fahad Al-Mesallam, Chairman of the Shura Council’s European Parliamentary Friendship Group, as well as his host, Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim.
L-R: Speaker of Hungarian National Assembly László Kövér, Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim, President of the State Shura Council of Qatar, and Deputy Emir Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani. Photo: MTI/Országgyűlés Sajtóirodája
In the statement, Kövér was quoted as saying during the talks that both Hungary and Qatar are strong, independent countries, based on the respect for tradition, proud of their values and interests, and defending their sovereignty. He added that
despite their different cultural and religious backgrounds and geographical distance, political and economic relations between the two countries have developed rapidly over the past ten years, both on a governmental and parliamentary level.
Hungary remains committed to strengthening multifaceted cooperation based on mutual respect, he said.
L-R: László Kövér with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Photo: MTI/Országgyűlés Sajtóirodája
Parliamentary cooperation and exchanges of experience – although often less spectacular than in the fields of business, sport, or culture – are an important part of bilateral relations, according to Kövér, who also called for cooperation between friendship groups and committees, along with joint action in the fora of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
He also stressed Hungary’s commitment to deepening relations between the European Union and Qatar, and consistently supported visa-free travel for Qatar and the Gulf states, as well as the establishment of a free trade agreement between the EU and the Council. In his opinion, the main areas where economic relations can be further strengthened are energy, agriculture, water management, and sustainability.
László Kövér with Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry (R). Photo: MTI/Országgyűlés Sajtóirodája
The President expressed the hope that an investment protection agreement between the two countries could be signed as soon as possible, that would facilitate the establishment of direct contacts between companies.
In particular, we see great potential in cooperation with the Gulf country to diversify Hungary’s energy dependence, as well as in higher education, strengthening links between universities and tourism,”
he stressed.
László Kövér with Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, Qatari Minister of Education. Photo: MTI/Országgyűlés Sajtóirodája
He said that in the current conflict-ridden international environment, Hungary appreciates Qatar’s steadily increasing role as a balancing and stabilizing force in the Arab and African region. Without Qatar’s constructive role, the stability and security of the Gulf and Arab regions would be unthinkable, Kövér said, and also expressed his appreciation to his partners for their efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Országgyűlés Sajtóirodája