Birmingham - Arab Today
UK Prime Minister Theresa May stressed Tuesday that ties with the State of Qatar are strong in all fields.Speaking at the second day of Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum in Birmingham, May welcomed HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani and highlighted that both the UK and Qatar are facing the danger of international terrorism.
The UK Prime Minister then praised the strength of economic ties between both sides, indicating that the high-level Qatari delegation visiting the UK was a reflection of that. She also pointed to booming trade and investments between the two countries, which helped create many jobs.May confirmed that the UK is Qatar's top investment destination with investments reaching 35 billion pound sterling. Those investments included The Shard as well as units in East Village London. The UK Premier also noted that Qatar is the third biggest importer of British products in the Middle-East and North Africa region.
The Prime Minister of the UK expressed her hope that bilateral ties can expand even further, highlighting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed yesterday between the two sides on supporting Qatar National Vision 2030. She noted that the agreement will boost bilateral cooperation in many sectors including education, health, science, research, tourism, culture, energy, and financial services.
She also expressed her hope that the UK can sign an ambitious trade agreement with the State of Qatar and GCC member countries in light of Brexit. She was also committed to enhancing cooperation in the defense field with Qatar, saying she was hopeful that Qatar relies on the UK for its electronic security.
Addressing a group of officials and businessmen from both countries who were in Birmingham for the forum, she said that the UK is committed to strengthening ties with Qatar in defense, education, health, energy, and financial services.
May concluded her remarks by expressing her happiness at forming a committee for economic and trade cooperation with the State of Qatar. She also expressed her thanks to the high ranking delegation for Qatar's investments in Britain and the two countries' partnership.
Source: QNA