Doha / Information Office / August 02

HE Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Wednesday met HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Angelino Alfano.

The meeting reviewed bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Italian Republic, particularly in the field of economy and investment, and means of boosting and developing them, in addition to issues of mutual interest.

Additionally, the meeting reviewed defense cooperation between the two countries, the Emiri Naval Forces' purchase of seven naval units and the training of Qatari forces as part of the existing bilateral military cooperation program between the two countries.

HE the foreign minister briefed the Italian foreign minister on the developments of the current Gulf crisis and all the illegal measures as well as the humanitarian repercussions of the unilateral arbitrary measures taken against the State of Qatar by the siege countries.

During the meeting, HE the foreign minister stressed the significance of respecting international law, noting that dialogue under the Kuwaiti mediation is the only solution for the crisis.

For his part, the Italian foreign minister reaffirmed the attention that his country pays to the development of bilateral ties with the State of Qatar, stressing Italy's support for the State of Qatar at the international level.

After the meeting, the foreign ministries of both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on political dialogue, while Qatar Investment Authority signed another memorandum of understanding with the Italian Strategic Fund in the field of investment.