Slovenia, Qatar seek to intensify cooperation

Seeking closer bilateral relations, the heads of state of Slovenia and Qatar on Tuesday signed a number of agreements with the intention of developing more intensive cooperation, reported the Slovenian news agency STA.

The Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, on a two-day state visit to Slovenia, and Slovenian President Danilo Tuerk told reporters in Brdo pri Kranju that they were realizing their promise of intensifying ties between the two countries.

Under one of the agreements, Qatar would donate 100,000 euros for the rehabilitation of children disabled during the offensive in Gaza at the Soca Institute in Ljubljana. Further cooperation between the two countries in the health field was signed by Slovenian Health Minister Dorjan Marusic.

Additional agreements dealt with a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint ministerial board and a memorandum to cooperate in tourism. The two leaders also signed a protocol on cooperation between both foreign ministries, and agreements establishing cooperation between the respective Olympic committees and press agencies of Slovenia and Qatar.

Tuerk said their two small countries -- Slovenia in the West Balkans and Qatar in the Middle East -- shared an interest in regional relationships. Both countries endeavor to find fair solutions to international issues, he added.

The Emir reportedly expressed an interest in long-term strategic projects with Slovenia, with joint representation in European markets.

Source: Xinhua