The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is making his first official visit to Greece, a few weeks after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Doha (at the end of February) – a meeting in which the Qatari side had expressed its willingness to strengthen cooperation with Greece in the economic and investment field.
The visit of the Emir of Qatar and his meeting at the Maximou with Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to mark the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in a number of areas with emphasis on the economy and investment, but also on energy and tourism, defence, while regional developments are also expected to be discussed, as the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Emir of Qatar comes at a critical juncture for the Middle East and the wider region, as the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza continues. EU-Qatar relations will also be on the agenda.
Qatar is an important country in the region that has played a mediating role in the negotiations for the release of hostages from Hamas – a role recognised by the Prime Minister at his last meeting with the Emir of Qatar in Doha, who at every opportunity supported any initiative to de-escalate and protect civilians.
The Emir of Qatar will be accompanied during his visit to Athens by the Head of his Office and by the Ministers of Transport, Energy, Trade and Industry, Commerce and Industry, Culture, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Director of Studies and Research and the Managing Director of the Qatar Investment Authority, one of the largest state investment bodies in the world.
The Greek side will be joined in the expanded talks by Foreign Minister G. Gerapetritis, Defence Minister N. Dendias, Energy Minister Th. Skylakakis, Culture L. Mendoni, Shipping Mr. X. Stylianidis and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for economic extroversion, Kostas Fragogoyannis.
