Doha/New Delhi, May 8: Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, who is on a three-day visit to Qatar, on Sunday held talks with Qatari State Minister for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi during which they discussed energy, trade, investment and diaspora welfare among other issues. In tweets, the MoS said: “Delighted to meet Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Mr. Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi in Doha. “Had productive discussion on Energy, Trade, Investment, Education, P2P contacts & diaspora welfare. “Confident that the partnership will continue to clock newer heights.” The Qatar Foreign Ministry in a short statement said the two ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries during the meeting. On his arrival in Doha, Muraleedharan posted: “Happy to be in Doha on my first official visit. Significant, as India and Qatar mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Look forward to my interactions with the Leadership and Indian community.” The MoS is also to meet with Hassan bin Abdulla Al-Ghanim, Speaker of the Shura Council and other Qatari dignitaries. He will also meet a wide cross-section of Indian community in Qatar, including those working in areas of community welfare, business, health, culture, education, engineering, accountancy and Indian veterans. He will be participating in Labour Day celebrations with the blue-collar workers from India. The Indian community will host a reception and a cultural event to mark Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav during the visit of MOS. The visit of the Minister of State for External Affairs would add to the momentum of multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both countries share excellent bilateral relations ranging across – political, economic, defence, cultural and educational fields, which have further strengthened in the past few years. The leadership of both countries has maintained close contact during the Covid-19 pandemic, an official statement said earlier. Qatar is home to over 700,000 Indians. The bilateral trade crossed $15 billion in FY 2021-22 and Qatar’s investments into India have increased five folds over the past two years. Both countries will be celebrating the golden jubilee of the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 2023. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in the Qatari capital on February 9 during which he held talks with the Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on the bilateral economic and security partnership as well as on Afghanistan. Later, the EAM unveiled the foundation stone of the new Indian Embassy complex in Doha, with the event being graced by the Qatari FM. EAM Jaishankar had made official visits to Doha in December 2020, June 2021 and August 2021 as well. (UNI)
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