‘Qatar-Ecuador ties reached new heights in last two years’

The strong ties between Qatar and Ecuador have reached new heights in the past two years with several developments in diplomatic relations, said Daniel Rivadeneira, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Ecuador to Qatar, yesterday. 

He said that Ecuador is looking forward for further cooperation and working tirelessly to diversify the activities that strengthen bilateral relations further in the areas of culture, ports and air services. 

Rivadeneira also lauded Qatar’s approach in fight against COVID-19 and the role it has played in supporting other countries.

Speaking to The Peninsula on the occasion of Ecuador commemorating the 211th Anniversary of the First Call of Independence, Rivadeneira said, “I welcome this opportunity to reaffirm and stress that the Ecuadorian-Qatari relations are solid and strong in all aspects. There is no doubt that those relations are firm and have steadily grown over the years; especially during the last two years, where they reached their highest position, through reciprocating high-level official visits.”

He also said that Ecuador is looking at possibilities of expanding export and trade investment opportunities with Qatar. 

“We are mostly exporting bananas and roses to Qatar. Also processed foods, metal mechanical products, plastic products, non-traditional fruits. The bilateral trade almost tripled between 2017 and 2019. We look for possibilities to export of our world-famous, high quality shrimps. Despite the COVID 19 crisis, we are working to introduce more products into the local market,” said Rivadeneira. 

“In addition, we are holding talks with different authorities to facilitate trade and expand investment opportunities. In order to establish new partnerships with Qatar, some projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy (LNG) are being analysed by local investors. We hope to retain the interest in the tourism and real estate sectors,” he said. 

Rivadeneira also highlighted the efforts to encourage more Qataris to visit Ecuador for leisure and tourism post COVID-19.

“We are working closely with the Qatari government to facilitate (direct flight) transportation between Qatar and Ecuador. We are currently in the negotiation process to establish an agreement in the field of air services, which will facilitate trade and promote tourism between the two countries, and as you may know, Qatari tourists don’t need (prior approved) visas to travel to Ecuador,” he said.

Also in a friendly gesture, Qatar has provided financial support to Ecuador to help tackle the COVID-19 and funds are being utilized to support vulnerable families.

“The current pandemic has affected the whole world. However, during this hard time, our relations have been solidified further. As we always say ‘hard times reveal true friends’. That was obvious with the solidarity and support that Qatar showed to my country. Recently, Ecuador has received a valuable donation from Qatar Charity which will contribute to alleviate the situation of vulnerable families and provide them with the needed food during this crisis,” said Rivadeneira.

“The received funds are being put to excellent use, providing food kits to individuals and families facing difficult times as they cope with this sanitary emergency,” he said.

Rivadeneira also lauded Qatar’s approach towards the fight against COVID-19 within the country and by supporting other countries.   

“We highly appreciate the approach adopted by Qatar in responding to the pandemic as it was prompt and rigorous which, so far, has helped to manage the spread and mitigate the impact on the healthcare system. It is worth to mention that the mortality rates have been relatively low in comparison to other countries with similar rates of infection,” said Rivadeneira.

“Qatar has proven its ability in overcoming challenges. We cannot deny the significant role of Qatar in supporting other countries in their battle against COVID-19, as it has sent several humanitarian and medical aid to different countries,” he said.