Qatar woos Malaysian companies
Both countries see ‘eye to eye’ on wanting an end to the conflict in the Muslim world
PUTRAJAYA: Qatar, which is hosting the World Cup in 2022, has given the thumbs up to Malaysia’s economy and welcomes the participation of Malaysian companies in development projects, particularly infrastructure.
Aside from economy and trade, which the two nations agree that ties should be brought up by several notches, Malaysia and Qatar also want to see an end to conflicts in the Muslim world.
These were among issues raised during meetings between Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al-Thani, who is here on a three-day working visit.
This is his second visit to Malaysia; the first being in October last year for a state visit.
At a joint press conference, Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Thani said there were a number of Malaysian companies operating successfully in his country.
“We are confident that the Malaysian economy is going to grow, especially with the vision that we have heard from the Prime Minister.
“We would also like to encourage more Malaysian companies to come to Doha and participate in our development, especially in infrastructure projects that are going on for the World Cup and beyond,” he said.
Qatar, which won the right to host the tournament in 2022, will be the Arab country to do so.
On the issue of the Muslim world, Sheikh Mohammed said the Emir and Dr Mahathir “are seeing eye to eye” on the need for conflicts in areas, including Yemen and Syria, and the plight of the Rohingya, to end and that the people be provided with jobs.
On bilateral cooperation, he said Qatar and Malaysia discussed the possibility of exploring development efforts outside the two countries, with Malaysia offering techni- cal assistance while his government would provide aid.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said Sheikh Tamim’s visit was significant as it coincided with the 3rd Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al-Thani’s Anti-Corruption International Exellence Award ceremony, which will be held here today.
“Malaysia appreciates that Putrajaya will be the third city to host the event after Vienna and Geneva.
“We are privileged that our efforts are recognised at the international level. The convening of the event in Malaysia is therefore timely and consistent with the government’s aspiration,” he said.
The award aims at advocating the importance of tackling corruption and encouraging the implementation of measures set by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, through gathering and broadcasting outstanding achievements of anti-corruption projects.
Saifuddin said Malaysia and Qatar were keen to look for ways to further broaden their cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.