His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended on Monday the dinner banquet, hosted by HE President of Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella in honor of His Highness and the accompanying delegation at the Presidential Palace "The Quirinale" in Rome.
A number of Their Excellences ministers, senior officials, politicians, economists, businessmen, intellectuals and academics attended the function.
In a welcoming speech, HE President Mattarella expressed friendship feelings towards HH The Amir, pointing out to the significance of his visit in deepening the excellent bilateral relations, and praising the developmental trial of the State of Qatar under the wise leadership of HH The Amir.
HE the President affirmed that Italy and Qatar share development in various fields and engage in a multi-faceted dialogue, especially in culture, education, scientific research, technology, health, arts and sport, expressing hope, in this regard, that the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 would be a good opportunity for cooperation between the two countries in this important sector.
The Italian president praised Qatar's determination to actively integrate in the international community, referring to the reforms adopted by Qatar regarding the rights of foreign workers. He concluded his speech hoping that the Gulf crisis would be resolved through a diplomatic solution based on mutual understanding that will contribute to the stability and security of the region.
For his part, HH The Amir expressed his thanks to HE the President for his kind words that manifested his keenness to strengthen the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, culture, education, scientific research, health, arts and sport.
His Highness reiterated sharing this keenness with the President and welcomed Italy's readiness to contribute to the Qatari development projects and to the preparations for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
HH The Amir expressed his aspiration to enhance cooperation between the two countries in international forums and work to support peaceful settlement of crises and disputes between countries, appreciating the invitation of HE the President to resolve the Gulf crisis through dialogue. His Highness explained that this has always been the position of Qatar about the blockade which was imposed on it without justification. In this context, His Highness said that dialogue is the only solution to the crisis with the blockading countries in the light of the established principles of relations between states, and on the basis of respect for the sovereignty of each state and non-interference in its internal affairs.
HH The Amir also praised Italy's positive stance towards the Palestinian cause supporting a peaceful solution based on the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside the Israeli one, which will ease tensions on the regional and international levels.