PM’s Qatar visit to focus on energy, investment coop
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Qatar is focusing on the strategic importance of energy and investment cooperation between the two nations.
The three-day visit aimed at strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new avenues for collaboration in these critical sectors, with a special focus on fostering stronger economic ties and reaffirming the enduring friendship between two nations.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen came up with the glimpses of PM’s schedule in Qatar during a curtain raiser held at the Foreign Ministry on Monday.
During the visit, the Foreign Minister, the Advisor on Private Industry and Investment, the Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and other high-ranking officials of the government, including the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, will accompany the Prime Minister.
Dr Momen stated that the entourage of the Prime Minister left Dhaka on Monday Apart from a bilateral meeting with Qatar Amir, she will also have separate meetings with Qatar’s Energy Minister and Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister.
Upon the invitation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, she along with other heads of state and government, including those from Rwanda, Hungary, Georgia, Ghana, Paraguay, and Iraq, have also been invited to attend the international event “the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth”.
In this forum, there will be discussions on nine important contemporary topics, which include : a) Energy security; b) Technology and innovation; c) Evolving market dynamics; d) Advancements in healthcare; e) Climate change adaptation; f) Trade strategies and policies; g) People’s empowerment in the fourth industrial revolution; h) Sports in the digital world; and i) Future of foreign investment.
Prominent economists from around the world and top local business leaders are expected to participate in these discussions, according to the organizers.
After attending the forum session on Tuesday when Amir of Qatar will deliver a speech, Sheikh Hasina will join a gathering of students from Qatar University and engage in discussions with them, exchanging views on various topics, including Bangladesh’s development experiences.
In the afternoon of the same day, the Prime Minister will have a courtesy meeting with the Minister of Energy of Qatar and the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia. In the evening, the Prime Minister will attend a dinner reception of the Qatar Economic Forum.
On May 24, the Minister will participate in an interview-based discussion titled “In Conversation with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina” at the forum, in the presence of participating representatives.
On the same day, there is a scheduled bilateral meeting with the Amir of Qatar.
During this time, it is expected that there will be discussions on various mutually beneficial issues based on the continuity of the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Amir of Qatar held in March.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister will visit a school operated under the auspices of the Qatar Foundation, named Awsaj Academy, catering to the special needs of children.
Notably, Bangladesh and Qatar jointly organise an annual event on autism awareness under the auspices of the United Nations in New York.
Within a span of three months this year, the Prime Minister’s two official visits to Qatar, alongside showcasing Bangladesh’s visible presence in the international economic arena, are bearing testimony of Bangladesh’s strong and friendly relations with Qatar.
On the evening of May 24, 2023, the Prime Minister will depart Doha for Dhaka.
