Building on Established Relations

Diplomatic relations between Italy and Qatar date back to the independence of the latter in 1971 and entered a new stage with the opening of embassies in Rome and in Doha in the 1990s. The dynamism of Qatar and the constant improvement and deepening of our relations with Doha have inspired the recent decision by the Italian government to expand our diplomatic activity there. In 2013, we opened a Trade Section and a Defense Attaché Office within the Embassy, which reflects the increase in trade turnover and Italy’s economic presence in Qatar, combined with strengthened cooperation on defense, also made possible by the signature of an Agreement in 2010.

On the broad political front, 2012 was a significant year, with an official visit of HH the Father Emir (then in his capacity as Emir) Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani to Rome in April, followed by a mission to Doha of the Italian Prime Minister in November. And while 2013 was marked by important political transitions, both in Qatar and Italy, we are preparing the ground for an intense 2014, when we hope to maintain the frequency and level of exchanging visits. Remaining on the political front, it is important to recall that a number of agreements have been signed in the past, allowing businessmen and entrepreneurs of both countries to perform economic activity under the protection of international law.

In the context of intensified and constantly strengthened ties, our trade and economic cooperation has been developing over the years: we are proud that Italian companies have been chosen to realize a number of the chemical plants; similarly, we have opened new factories in the light industries sector. For three years, Italy has been a customer for Qatari LNG, thanks to the construction of a gas terminal with a considerable contribution by Qatar, whereas our export in 1H2013 has registered an increase of 20%, after growth of 34% from 2011 to 2012. Italian machinery and furniture, renowned the world over for its expert customization, have claimed a considerable slice of the Qatari market.

It is always very clear to me that Italy can do even more in Qatar. One of the slogans adopted in Doha runs: “Qatar deserves the best.” Italy can actually deliver the best and share it with friendly nations. A distinctive feature of Qatar in the context of the Middle East is the priority assigned to education, culture, and research, fundamental directions that form the core of the Qatari National Vision for 2030. We are in the process of finalizing an agreement in these important sectors with the Qatari authorities; several limited projects and initiatives have already been launched and our specialists have been received with appreciation by the Institutions in Doha. It is up to both of us to keep this going by promoting contacts between our civil societies, and between universities and research centers.

Over the coming years, Qatar will be working intensely in order to meet the requirements of the Qatari National Vision 2030, while in the meantime laying the groundwork for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In this last regard, we are ready not only to engage our best companies in the building sector, but also to expand our presence in the field of tourism and in activities that maintain an operation as complex as a global sports event. Flows of visitors and football fans want to feel safe during their stay in Qatar and this can be achieved through technologies that we have perfected during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. Moreover, Italy has developed an advanced legal and law enforcement structure in the context of working place security and accident prevention, and we could put into motion a real partnership with Qatar in preparing for the World Cup. The attention of many is focused today on these topics with reference to Qatar, and we feel we could effectively help Doha meet its objectives in terms of human rights protection in its policy towards foreign workers.