Venezuela and Qatar sign trade cooperation agreement

Prensa Web/AJS - 22 enero, 2010

Miraflores Palace, Capital District .- The governments of Venezuela and Qatar signed a commercial cooperation agreement that will encourage and promote trade relations, as well as to encourage the participation of Qatari and Venezuelan companies for the implementation of joint projects and technology transfer.

The instrument was signed by the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez, and the emir of Qatar, Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, within the framework of the Arab dignitary's third visit to Venezuela.

Likewise, President Chavez awarded the Liberator order in its first class to the Emir Al-Thani, and presented with a replica of the sword of the Liberator to his wife, Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, who accompanied the Arab dignitary during his visit to Venezuela .

The Emir Al Thani received the maximum order awarded by the Venezuelan government, which was withdrew since the established customs in Islam suggest that the use of jewels and silks are reserved exclusively for women.

President Chávez asserted that the visit of the Emir of Qatar is highly important for the world's geo-politics, given that his presence "helps to bring closer the Arab peoples with the peoples of this continent."

In this sense, he considered that both countries have "a world before them" since both countries share a high potential on gas. "Qatar is one of the world's largest gas powers, and Venezuela is on track to be a gas production power," he said.

He said he held "affectionate, friendly talks, we have revised the outlook for Latin America, the Arab World, Middle East, and have made new plans to further strengthen our bilateral relations, and beyond, our relations with the Arab world."