Director of the Middle East Dept. at Dutch Foreign Ministry to QNA: Visit of HH the Amir is Significant, Timely

HE Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Marc Gerritsen said that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Netherlands is significant and timely, adding that both countries enjoy a real partnership in several sectors, including trade, energy, and tourism. Speaking to Qatar News Agency His Excellency said that the visit of HH the Amir underscores the special ties between the two countries and comes at a critical period when both Europe and the Middle East are undergoing geopolitical turbulence, highlighting the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and working closely. HE Marc Gerritsen said that Qatar plays a crucial role, particularly on dossiers such as those related to the Gaza Strip, along with Qatar's significant role in the past few years with regards to Afghanistan and counter terrorism efforts, which are topics of concern for the Netherlands, adding that as such, there are various topi cs to be discussed by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. On bilateral political cooperation, His Excellency said that Qatar and the Netherlands both seek to establish bridges of communication and are both doing everything possible to enhance international cooperation and promote peace, which they do through strengthening their bilateral relations and political cooperation. His Excellency noted the visit of HE the Dutch Prime Minister to Doha end of 2023, during which he and HH the Amir held an excellent exchange of views on all levels, adding that both sides are in constant communication. On the development of Qatari-Dutch ties, His Excellency said that both countries work closely on the political and commercial levels, adding that there is room for more joint work on investment, student exchange, and humanitarian aid, among others. HE Gerritsen expressed gratitude for Qatar's contributions to the Netherlands over the past years, as was the case with the Afghanistan dossier for example, among other matters. His Excellency said that Qatar has advanced in a number of sectors in the past years, becoming a major hub for commerce and playing a central role in the media and sports scene, in addition to Qatar's constructive foreign policy capable of building bridges. Concluding his statements to QNA, HE Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Marc Gerritsen said that there is a lot of potential between Qatar and the Netherlands in all fields. Source: Qatar News Agency