His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his happiness at visiting the Federal Republic of Germany and his talks with HE German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as part of His Highness working visit to Germany.
During a joint press conference held this afternoon with the German Chancellor at the German Chancellery in Berlin, HH The Amir stressed that bilateral relations between the two countries are distinguished and strategic in nature, and that they include various political fields and aspects of investment and economic partnerships. His Highness pointed out that he discussed with the German Chancellor bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, and ways to develop them at all levels, including in the fields of education, economy, investment, energy and defense, in addition to discussing the latest international developments, and a number of issues of joint interest.
On Qatari investments in Germany, His Highness said that Qatar is one of the largest investors in Germany, indicating that Qatar will work on increasing its investments in Germany in the coming years. HH The Amir also expressed his satisfaction with the increase in bilateral trade between the two sides, indicating that the trade exchange increased by 80% in 2021 to reach more than $3 billion. His Highness also mentioned in this context Volkswagen and the German Association for Small and Medium Businesses' newly-opened regional offices in Doha.
Regarding Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, His Highness said that he reviewed with HE the Chancellor Qatar's preparations to host the tournament at the end of this year, noting that German fans had requested about 600,000 tickets so far to attend the tournament, and welcomed these fans to Doha.
With regard to the foreign policy of the two friendly countries, HH The Amir stated that this it is characterized by several common pillars such as mediation and supporting dialogue between conflicting parties to reach comprehensive and sustainable solutions. His Highness expressed his appreciation for Germany's participation and support for peace talks sponsored by the State of Qatar in several places such as Afghanistan and Chad.
As for Afghanistan, His Highness said that he discussed with HE the Chancellor the efforts of the State of Qatar in Afghanistan and the evacuation of thousands people to different places. His Highness added that both sides agreed that there remains many challenges that require joint international action to provide a decent life for the Afghan people.
On the Iran's nuclear program, His Highness said that he discussed with the German chancellor the latest developments in international efforts to peacefully resolve differences with Iran over its nuclear program, and stressed that this approach is the State of Qatar's go-to approach in supporting peace and stability in the Gulf region.
In response to a question on Qatar's position on the latest developments of the issue and Qatar's position on it, His Highness stressed the importance of cooperation between Iran, Europe and the United States of America, and stressed the need to resolve their differences by peaceful means, expressing Qatar's optimism regarding the potential for dialogue between these parties
His Highness pointed out that the State of Qatar supports resolving disputes by peaceful means, hoping that an agreement will be reached in the near future. His Highness also expressed Qatar's commitment to be a mediator between Iran, Europe and the United States if it was requested to do so.
In response to a question on the State of Qatar being an important player in sports and gas despite being a small country, His Highness explained that sport represents a great ambition for the State of Qatar and highlighted the great passion it has. His Highness also expressed his pride that Qatar is on the verge of hosting an important competition this year like the World Cup.
HH The Amir pointed out that Qatar is indeed already a major player in the field of gas, and is implementing expansion projects in 2026 and 2027. He described gas as an important sector and investment. His Highness also spoke about the fact that Qatar views Europe as an important market for Qatari gas, and talked about the discussion with the German chancellor about future cooperation in this field in order to achieve balance in the market, especially in light of current global conditions, noting that Qatar is ready to make more efforts in this regard.
HH the Amir also said that everyone is welcome in Doha, stressing that the World Cup will present an opportunity for everyone to come from all over the world and get to know the Qatari culture, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting the Qatari culture.
At the conclusion of the press conference, His Highness expressed his thanks and appreciation to the German chancellor and the German president for the warm welcome His Highness and the accompanying delegation received during the visit.