Rome: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Presidential Quirinale Palace in Rome yesterday.
Talks dealt with relations between the two countries and means of enhancing them in various fields, especially the economy and investment sectors.
Mattarella said Italy welcomes Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, expressing full support for such an important global sporting event and praising Qatar’s worthiness to win right to host it.
He also expressed his country’s keenness to cooperate in all that would lead to the success of the football tournament.
Both leaders also discussed regional and international issues, including developments in the Middle East, especially the situation in Palestine, Syria, Libya and Yemen, and international efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism.
The meeting was attended by members of the delegation accompanying the Emir and senior Italian officials.
The Emir was accorded an official welcoming ceremony on his arrival at the palace.
The Emir attended a luncheon banquet hosted by Mattarella in his honour at the palace. The Emir’s delegation and top Italian officials were present.
At his residence in the Italian capital of Rome, the Emir also met President of Sardinia Region Francesco Pigliaru and reviewed bilateral relations and means of enhancing them.
The Emir also met Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, the energy and gas company, and discussed issues in the field of energy.
Several members of the Emir’s delegation attended the meetings.
The Emir also met Senate President Senator Pietro Grasso, at Giustiniani Palace.
They reviewed prospects for strengthening cooperation between the two friendly countries in all areas, especially economic, cultural, scientific and sports fields.
Grasso also affirmed full support of Italy to Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Both sides exchanged views on latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East, and ways to achieve security, stability and peace, in addition to global efforts to combat terrorism.
The meeting was attended by several members of the Emir’s delegation and members of the Italian Senate. QNA
