Qatar keen to deepen cooperation with the African continent: Envoy

AMBASSADOR of Qatar to South Africa HE Tariq Ali Faraj Al Ansari has highlighted the strong African presence of presidents and leaders of major countries and companies at the recently concluded Qatar Economic Forum (QEF).

He emphasized that this presence affirms Qatar’s keenness on the importance of opening up to the continent, as well as consolidating and deepening the cooperation as a way to enhance economic opportunities and develop South-South relations.

He stressed Qatar’s vital role in the world in leading the economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview with Qatar Radio, he said a huge African contingent, with a population of about 1.35 billion, which is 17 percent of the world’s population,

was present at the Qatar Economic Forum. He pointed out that the QEF discussed the future of vaccines in Africa , the effects of the pandemic on the economic conditions and democratic gains on the African continent.

He highlighted the participation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the QEF, stating that it highlights the bilateral relations between Qatar and South Africa.

There are 24 bilateral agreements in the process of being signed between the two friendly countries, he added. He emphasised the Qatari Embassy’s coordination with South Africa to hold the next round of political consultations.

Al Ansari said that Qatar and South Africa have common visions on many issues. He said the volume of trade exchange between the two countries has reached $3 billion in the past year, adding that the establishment of a joint business council between the two countries is under way.