Bangladesh and Qatar on Tuesday signed 10 cooperation documents - five agreements and five MoUs - to strengthen ties in multiple fronts and help the relations reach a new height.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of the documents.
The five signed agreements are: agreement for cooperation in the legal field between Bangladesh and State of Qatar, agreement on promotion and protection of mutual investments; agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes in income between Qatar and Bangladesh; agreement on maritime transport; and agreement on the establishment of Joint Business Council (JBC).
The five MoUs are: MoU on cooperation in the fields of sports and youth between Bangladesh and Qatar; MoU on cooperation in the field of manpower employment (Labour) between Ministry of Labour, State of Qatar and Bangladesh; MoU on cooperation in diplomatic training between Bangladesh and Qatar; MoU for cooperation in the field of education, higher education and scientific research between Bangladesh and Qatar; MoU in the field of ports (MAWANI Qatar and Chittagong Ports Authority).
Earlier in the morning, PM Hasina warmly welcomed and received Emir Sheikh Tamim at her office.
Both the leaders held an exclusive tete-a-tete discussion where they exchanged views on matters of mutual interests and priorities.
Held in a cordial and amicable environment, the Qatari Emir’s visit is expected to generate goodwill and understanding between the two countries, said the Bangladesh side.
This high-level visit will significantly contribute to the consolidation of ties and elevate the Bangladesh-Qatar bilateral relations to the next level, said the government.
During the visit, Bangladesh and Qatari delegations led by the Prime Minister and the Emir held fruitful bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the bilateral Talks, both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and underlined the need to enhance the bilateral cooperation through exchange of visit and increased interaction at all levels and strengthening bilateral engagements between Bangladesh and Qatar.
The areas that came up for discussion on cooperation included bilateral trade and investment, energy and power, manpower, defense, education, agriculture, food security and culture. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interests in the meeting.
In the opening remarks, the Prime Minister deeply appreciated the incredible advancement and transformation of Qatar as an advanced knowledge-based multi-cultural society and Qatar’s role in mediation and multilateral diplomacy under His Highness’s stewardship.
Qatari emir appreciated the remarkable achievements of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister and commended Bangladesh as an investment destination and expressed his keenness to invest in diverse potential sectors.
The emir also appreciated the expatriate community in Qatar who are making positive contributions to the economies of both the countries.
The Prime Minister requested the Qatar side to consider more workers/professionals, nurses, technicians, caregivers etc from Bangladesh to which the Qatari Emir responded positively.
Bangladesh, Qatar sign 10 cooperation documents to take ties to new height
The Prime Minister offered to the Qatari side to invest in an Exclusive Economic Zone for Qatari investors and businessmen.
She also urged the Qatari side to develop tourism spots in Cox’s Bazar. Qatari Emir responded positively to consider the PM’s proposal for developing a tourism spot in Coxs Bazar and also the proposal for choosing an Exclusive Economic Zone for Qatari investors.
The Emir stated that some representatives from Qatar Investment Authority and business circles would undertake a visit soon to explore the investment potentials in the Zones and tourism sectors.
Both the leaders expressed satisfaction on the level of understanding and cooperation in the energy sector adding that both sides are working together to forge this cooperation to the partnership level in the near future.
At the ceremony, a road and a park in the capital Dhaka were named after Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
The park, built in the Kalshi area of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation, and the road from Mirpur ECB point to Kalsi Fly Over were named after the Emir of Qatar.
Now, the road and park are known as Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Avenue and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Park.
The Emir had an audience with the President of Bangladesh the same day. The President extended a warm welcome to the Emir on his visit to Bangladesh and praised him for his leadership and vision.
They held discussions on wide ranging issues related to the bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation as well as on regional issues of mutual interest.
Later, the Emir joined an official luncheon at Bangabhaban hosted in his honor by the President.
The luncheon was attended by the Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet and other dignitaries which was followed by a cultural program representing Bangladesh’ tradition, heritage and culture.
At the invitation of the President of Bangladesh, Qatar’s Emir paid a two-day state visit to Bangladesh, leading a big delegation.
The delegation includes, among others, Qatar’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, member of Qatar Investment Authority.
The President received the Emir at the airport on Monday. Bangladesh Minister for Liberation Affairs, Home Affairs, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Foreign Affairs and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources also welcomed him in presence of the senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This highest-level visit took place after around 19 years from the Qatar side which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar.
The emir of Qatar departed Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon for Kathmandu, Nepal.