NEW DELHI, Feb 18 (KUNA) -- India and Qatar agreed on Tuesday to enhance cooperation after talks between Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with Indian leaders.
A joint statement after talks said the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields, expressing satisfaction at the signing of agreement to establish bilateral strategic partnership.
The two sides affirmed their commitment to continue strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, security, energy, culture, education, technology, innovation, sustainability and people-to-people relations. They expressed happiness at signing agreement to avoid double taxation and agreed to expedite negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty.
Trade is a strong pillar of bilateral economic cooperation, the statement noted, emphasizing the potential for further growth and diversification of trade.
They also agreed to explore the possibility of entering a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
The Qatari side appreciated the steps taken by India in creating an enabling environment for FDI and foreign institutional investment and expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in various sectors including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics and hospitality.
Qatar also announced its commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. The Indian side appreciated Qatar's efforts in enhancing its investment environment and initiatives to attract FDI. India appreciated Qatar's growing role as a regional hub for goods and services and expressed its desire to leverage its strategic location, world-class infrastructure and business-friendly policies. The two sides emphasized the importance of trade fairs as a strategic platform to promote business partnerships, recognizing the pivotal role of businesses in driving economic growth. The two sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of energy, including through promoting mutual trade and investments in energy infrastructure and regular meetings of the Joint Energy Task Force. Modi and Sheikh Tamim condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and agreed to cooperate in combating the menace through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
They agreed to enhance cooperation in information and intelligence-sharing, exchange of expertise, best practices and technologies, capacity building, and enhancing cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking and cybercrime. The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, including preventing the use of cyberspace for terrorism, extremism and disturbing social harmony.
The two sides recognized health cooperation as an important pillar of bilateral relations and expressed their commitment to further enhance cooperation in this sector and promote exports of Indian pharmaceutical products and medical devices to Qatar.
The two sides expressed their interest in continuing cooperation in technology and innovation, including emerging technologies, startups and artificial intelligence.
They stressed the importance of food security and protecting supply chains. The two sides also stressed the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation through exchanging participation in cultural events and supporting effective partnerships between cultural institutions in the two countries. (end) atk.hb