In the last few weeks, Qatar has received several presidents as diplomatic relations are strengthened, and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) are signed with governments and institutions.
Yesterday, the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with the visiting Uruguayan President Dr. Luis Lacalle Pou at the Amiri Diwan.
According to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways of enhancing and developing them, especially in the diplomatic, educational, and sports fields. They also reviewed issues of joint interest.
Diplomatic relations between Qatar and Uruguay began in March 1987; however, embassies were not open until the 2000s. Uruguay first inaugurated its embassy in Doha in 2009, before the Qatari Embassy in Montevideo opened in 2011.
Over the years, there have been several visits between the leaders of both countries, as Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani visited Uruguay in 2014. Late Uruguayan president Dr. Tabare Vazquez had visited Doha in 2007.
Current Uruguayan President Dr. Luis Lacalle Pou’s visit aims to strengthen existing ties, highlighted by the agreement on a mutual exemption from entry visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, private, official, regular, and mission passports.
Also, an MoU for cooperation in diplomatic training between the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Artigas Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay were signed, alongside cooperation in education.
Besides, the Uruguayan President also met with businessmen to attract Qatari investors to Uruguay. He noted that Uruguay and Qatar enjoy a common interest in boosting the food security sector, affirming substantial opportunities for cooperation between them in this sector, especially since Uruguay owns a developed infrastructure and ports, in addition to advanced technologies in the field of food production.
Dr. Pou assured the businessmen that his country is interested in strengthening trading cooperation with Qatar, noting the enormous potentials and a strong desire from both parties to forge long-term commercial partnerships.
Qatar’s diplomatic policies ensure it continues to build mutual alliances based on a set of principles outlined in its constitution, including strengthening international peace and security by encouraging peaceful resolution.
