HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Norway (Non-resident) Nadya bint Ahmed Al Shaibi said that the visit HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Norway reflects the keenness of both countries to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, as well as their joint commitment to growth and progress in various fields.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Her Excellency said that HH the Amir’s visit, which is in response to the invitation of HE the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway Jonas Gahr Store, aims to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the two countries and foster close ties between the two regions.
She pointed out that the visit will highlight the strategic and political dimensions central to international relations under Qatar National Vision 2030, which reflects Qatars continuous efforts to achieve its national objectives and contributes to establishing significant strategic partnerships.
Her Excellency stressed that the visit is a crucial step by Qatar
in building fruitful and robust partnerships, particularly as it comes at a time of significant global transformations, which are part of a broader shift in the international system and its institutions amid ongoing wars and conflicts, especially in the Middle East and Europe.
HE Nadya bint Ahmed Al Shaibi noted the importance of this visit in the context of strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two countries, which has been built on mutual cooperation and respect for over 50 years. The golden jubilee of economic relations between the two countries was celebrated in Doha in 2019 with the presence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway, she said, adding that in 2023, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations was also commemorated.
Her Excellency explained that HH the Amirs visit will include high-level meetings, the most significant of which will be with His Majesty King Harald V of Norway and an official discussion session with the Prime Minister
of Norway, pointing out that these meetings are expected to produce new understandings that will support the future of bilateral relations and cooperation on the international stage.
The visit will also include the signing of several MOU and agreements covering various areas, including peace and reconciliation, innovation, defense, and commercial agreements between Qatari and Norwegian businesses, she said.
Her Excellency also said that the given Qatars presidency of the 44th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council, discussions during the visit will address cooperation between the Gulf countries and Northern European countries, adding that the first high-level ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers will be held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two regions on both regional and international levels.
She further stated that Qatar and Norway share many important char
acteristics and roles on the international stage, particularly in peace and conflict resolution, as both countries have a strong record in mediation and this similarity reflects their shared interest in promoting regional and international stability through advanced diplomatic means and their roles as impartial mediators in various global conflicts.
HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Norway noted that the cooperation between Qatar and Norway serves as a distinguished model of international cooperation aimed at achieving sustainable development and highlights the importance of international partnership in addressing global developmental issues and supporting countries and communities facing various developmental challenges.
She also stressed that the cooperation between the two countries supports the implementation of humanitarian and developmental initiatives in line with United Nations commitments to achieve global development goals, confirming both countries’ commitment to improving the
lives of the most needy communities.
Regarding trade between Qatar and Norway, Her Excellency mentioned that the two countries enjoy strong economic, commercial, and investment relations, with Norway being Qatars 35th largest trading partner as of 2023. The visit is expected to result in new partnerships given the mutual interest in enhancing investment, particularly since the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund (the largest in the world) invests in several sectors in Qatar.
She added that with significant reserves of oil and gas in both countries and their role as the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas in the world, there are great opportunities to enhance cooperation in this vital sector. Both Qatar and Norway believe that the future of their economic relations is full of opportunities, especially in areas such as renewable energy, green technology, and digital infrastructure, she said, noting that there is also significant potential for joint investments that can boost economic growth in both countri
es.
Her Excellency added that the two friendly countries play a pivotal role in enhancing energy security both regionally and internationally, given their rich natural resources and advanced expertise in energy. As major producers and exporters of liquefied natural gas, they possess a strategic position that allows them to sustainably and reliably meet global energy needs, and they have played a key role in the European energy security issue during the recent crisis.
Regarding investment opportunities and trade between Doha and Oslo, Qatar Ambassador to Norway noted that foreign direct investment flows from Norway to Qatar increased to $36.1 million in 2022, while the trade exchange for 2023 reached approximately $342.17 million.
Source: Qatar News Agency