Mexico plans to open embassy in Qatar: Minister Tuesday, 10 May 2011 03:57

BY RAYNALD C RIVERA

DOHA: Bilateral relations between Qatar and Mexico has been cordial and the much anticipated visit of the Emir  H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to Mexico is very important in further strengthening them, says a top official.

“I believe bilateral relations between Mexico and Qatar have been strengthened in the last years. I had the opportunity to be here four years ago, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was here last year and we were expecting a visit of the Emir to Mexico two months ago but due to the circumstances the visit was postponed. I believe we are moving in the right track to have a closer and better relationship,” said Lourdes Aranda, Deputy Foreign Minister of Mexico.

Aranda, who is one of the speakers on the session on ‘International Stability’ today at the 11th Doha Forum, said one of the most important objectives of her visit is to reschedule the Emir’s visit in addition to having talks on the proposed Mexican Embassy here.

“We have plans of opening missions in the region and Qatar is one of the first countries where we want to open an embassy in the near future. I hope I can have conversations with my counterparts so we can advance in this subject.”

She said it would be an honour for them to be visited by the Emir. “We believe that the visit of the Emir is very important. It would be interesting for him to see Mexico, a young country of more than 100 million people, with very diverse backgrounds, a country with a lot of things to show.”

Aranda lauded Qatar’s active role as a political leader not only in the region but around the world. “We believe Qatar is a political leader not only in this region but it is taking every time a much more active role in international politics, like Mexico which is also a very active player in this field.”

Trade, investment and tourism are among the areas that they want to be strengthened. “I think there is a room for growth in trade between the two countries. We also have considerable tourism industry, which could be of interest for the citizens of Qatar.”

The Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister expressed confidence tourism will improve immensely once the air transportation agreement between Qatar and Mexico is sealed in the near future.

“We are finishing an air transportation agreement which will enable direct flight probably Qatar Airways to go to Mexico that will increase very much tourism in our country. In the investment area, she said there is interest both ways for Qatar to invest in Mexico in the field of infrastructure, tourism and petrochemicals.

With regard to the Doha Forum, she said it is both crucial and timely for the world to understand what’s happening in the region and other issues such as the role art and technology plays in changing the society.

Coming from a country which has undergone many changes in the past three decades, she expressed concern about the current situation in this region.

“I think it’s important that leaders appraise the situation and do the changes they deem necessary for their societies. We do wish violence to end.”

The Peninsula