The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, began his visit to the State of Qatar today with a meeting with the Emir of the State of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

The meeting, first upon assuming of H.H. Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani the duty of Emir, expressed mutual satisfaction with the readiness for further successful development of the relations and cooperation between the two countries.

"The good political relations, the regular dialogue at the highest level and the solid legal frame create conditions for intensification of the economic cooperation and for Qatari investment in the Republic of Macedonia", President Ivanov said at the meeting.

In this context, in the coming period, exchange of official visits at the highest level is planned, and the time to the implementation thereof will be used to further improve the legal framework and particularly to develop concrete economic projects, which would ensure Qatari investment.

Emir Al Thani said that the Qatari companies are willing to cooperate with the Republic of Macedonia.

"In the coming period, I expect intensification of business contacts", Emir Al Thani said.

As areas in which there is an interest for investment were mentioned: agriculture, food production, construction, infrastructure, tourism, real estate, telecommunications.

President Ivanov informed Emir Al Thani with the favorable investment climate in our country, with the Macedonian economy, as well as with the estimates of the relevant international factors concerning the reform processes and the economic results.

The meeting focused on cooperation at multilateral level. It was agreed to continue with the cooperation and mutual support in the United Nations system, especially within the Alliance of Civilizations, where the Republic of Macedonia and the State of Qatar play an active role.

Emir Al Thani appraised the role of the Republic of Macedonia in the Alliance of Civilizations. "The Macedonian model of respect for diversity is a very positive example, which should be promoted as part of this global initiative", the Qatari Emir said at the meeting.

At the meeting, they exchanged information on the current situation in the region of Southeast Europe and the Middle East.

President Ivanov congratulated on the organization of the World Man Handball Championship and wished Emir Al Thani success of the Qatari national team.

President Ivanov met with Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce. At the meeting, they exchanged information on the possibilities and interest to intensify the economic cooperation.

President Ivanov presented the benefits that foreign investors enjoy in the Republic of Macedonia. The President of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce promised to send a team in the Republic of Macedonia soon to explore the possibilities for economic cooperation, and said that he expects interested Macedonian companies in Doha.