Ivonne A-Baki, the Ambassador of Ecuador to Qatar, during a press conference held at her official residence yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
DOHA: Terming the bilateral agreements signed between Qatar and Ecuador during the recent visit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as ‘impact creating’, the Ambassador of Ecuador to Qatar, Ivonne A-Baki has said that an investment protection agreement will be finalised between the two countries by the end of this year.
“The agreements which were signed recently will make a great impact. Especially, the Qatari-Ecuadorian ministerial committee for economic, trade and technical cooperation will help in improving investments and make the process easy. Also an agreement to protect mutual investments which will be signed before the end of this year will help in expanding the potential for bilateral trade,” Baki said speaking at a press conference held yesterday at her residence in Doha.
She also said that Ecuador is hopeful about building a large petroleum refinery with the assistance of Qatar after the investment protection agreement is signed. “To cement the relations between the two countries President of Ecuador, Lenin Moreno, will visit Doha in December to coincide with the Qatar’s National Day celebrations,” said Baki.
Bilateral agreements on the areas of youth affairs, sports, agriculture and environment were also signed between Qatar and Ecuador during H H the Amir’s visit. “Our exports to Qatar are very nominal now. We have to increase them to the maximum. Hopefully it will happen very soon with agricultural products,” she said.
Another important agreement signed between Doha and Quito is declaring both cities as twin cities which is intended to foster friendship and understanding in different areas such as history and culture. H H the Amir’s visit to Ecuador has also paved ways for Qatar Airways to begin direct flights from Doha to Quito soon, said Baki.
She said that besides the official meetings and discussions, H H the Amir toured an exhibition of Ecuadorian flowers and handcraft at the residence of President Moreno in Quito.
“A week long event will begin on Wednesday (October 10) bringing Ecuadorian culture more closer to Qatar. ‘The Ecuadorian Week’ will begin with a food festival at the St. Regis Hotel in Doha.”
The Ambassador further added that the national football team of Ecuador will play friendly matches with Qatar football team and Oman football team as part of the event.
“A music concert and a panel discussion will be held to mark the 20th anniversary of signing the peace agreement between Ecuador and Peru.”
