Greece and Qatar on Thursday signed a milestone framework agreement for economic, industrial and technical cooperation here, the latest step in burgeoning political and trade ties between the SE Europe EU member-state and the wider Gulf region.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Qatari Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Al-Thani signed the agreement for the respective sides, whereas earlier discussions focused on the situation in the Middle East and other issues of mutual interest.

"There is a confirmed interest for investment of Qatari capital in Greece," the Qatari foreign minister said, while underlining the need for a "long-term" partnership with Athens.

Al-Thani stressed that the desire is for Greece-Qatar relations to expand amid a very favorable bilateral climate, especially after a successful trip to Doha by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias last May.

On her part, Bakoyannis referred to the excellent cooperation between the two countries and her counterpart on the UN Security Council, as well as the continuation of this cooperation "in a mutual effort to reveal the crucial situation in the Middle East today".

The high-ranking Qatari official also expressed his view that Greece's close relations with the Arab world should lead to its more active participation in the region's developments.

Both sides, in fact, have agreed to establish embassies in each other's capital by May, it was announced.
Al-Thani was later received by Papoulias at the presidential mansion.

Source: Athens News Agency

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