HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi held official talks at Palace Villa Madama in Rome on Thursday evening.
During the session, HH the Emir and the Italian premier reviewed the strong bilateral relations and ways to boost them in various fields.
The two sides discussed co-operation in energy, economy, education, culture and prospects to promote investment between the two countries. The talks also dealt with international developments, especially in the Middle East, and the importance of concerted international community’s efforts to restore security, peace and stability in the whole world.
The talks were attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir and, on the Italian side, by ministers and senior officials. Following the talks, the Emir and the Italian prime minister witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries.
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for co-operation in the field of energy between Qatar’s Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Italian ministry of economy and development, a memorandum of understanding in the field of climate change between Qatar’s Ministry of Municipal and Environment and the Italian ministry of environment, land and seas and an Executive Programme for Cultural Co-operation Agreement between the two governments.
The Emir and the Italian prime minister also attended the signing of an agreement for the establishment of a joint fund between the Qatar Investment Authority and Italy Strategic Fund and another one on cultural and scientific co-operation between Qatar University and University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Later, the Emir attended a dinner banquet hosted by Prime Minister Renzi at Rome Villa Palazzo Madama. The banquet was attended by Italian ministers and senior officials.
The Emir left Rome yesterday morning, after a three-day official visit to Italy on his way to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He was seen off on departure at Ciampino military airport by senior Italian officials, Qatar’s ambassador to Italy, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Maliki; Italian ambassador to Qatar, Guido De Sanctis; and members of the Qatari embassy.
The Emir sent cables to President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Renzi, in which he expressed sincere thanks and appreciation for hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation throughout the visit.
The Emir expressed his pleasure over the exchange of views and review of the relations of friendship and co-operation between the two countries, wishing the Italian president and the prime minister continued good health and happiness and the Italian people further progress and prosperity.