EU envoy to Qatar lauds ties as trade volume reaches 11.5%

The European Union and Qatar’s partnership can reach greater heights with the combination of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV), Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to the State of Qatar, H E Dr. Cristian Tudor disclosed during the first Europe Day celebration in Qatar. Europe Day is celebrated on May 9 to commemorate European peace and unity. It marks the anniversary of the ‘Schuman Declaration’ by Robert Schuman, establishing his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe.

Europe Day event in Doha was attended by the Minister of Transport H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, ambassadors of EU countries in Doha, envoys, and diplomats.

During the event, Tudor said Qatar and the EU are building a solid partnership, with full respect for the diverse cultural background, history, and societal organization. He noted that establishing the European Union Delegation to the State of Qatar in September last year was a fundamental step that helped deepen and strengthen “our bilateral relations in all fields.”

“We believe we can foster synergies between the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and Qatari’s Vision 2030, fostering sustainable development and economic diversification. The EU is one of Qatar’s strongest trading associates and a strategic economic partner. 11.5 % of Qatar’s global trade is exchanged with the EU,” Tudor said, adding that the Minister of Transport’s presence at the event reflects the importance of the economic relations.

“Recently, the trade in goods surpassed €17bn, while the volume of services exceeded €5bn. Investment relations remain strong, with the total bilateral FDI stock amounting to over €38bn, encompassing investments from the EU to Qatar and from Qatar to the 27 EU Member States,” he added.

According to Tudor, Team Europe -- EU institutions and EU Member States will mobilize €300bn of investments for sustainable and high-quality projects by 2027, considering the needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities. He explained that 2023 marks the European Year of Skills, fostering lifelong learning and empowering individuals and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, promoting innovation and competitiveness.

“Our focus lies in the Middle East and Africa, two regions where Qatar is active, and we see great potential for meaningful collaboration.

“Our strong partnership extends to dialogue and coordination on energy supply and security. Qatar, a crucial player in gas supplies vital to European markets amid the war against Ukraine, has key partners in French and Italian energy companies for the North Field expansion. In addition to energy security, we work closely in renewable energy development. A partnership with Qatar could prove profitable and strategic in advancing a sustainable, greener world,

contributing to the realization of Qatar’s Vision 2030,” Tudor added.

Meanwhile, the envoy lauded Qatar’s leading role in regional and global mediation efforts to foster peace and stability. He stressed that these efforts are welcomed and encouraged, and highly valued by the European Union, especially in the wake of the conflict in the Russia-Ukraine war. He congratulated Qatar for delivering a successful FIFA World Cup, which he said would lead the way for more important events being held in the region, like the FIBA World Cup Qatar in 2027.

The event was held alongside an art exhibition titled “Conversation through Arts” featuring local Qatari and European artists. The exhibition aimed to spread awareness, build mutual understanding and trust. Tudor added that the show would extend for a few more weeks, followed by a masterclass on arts and a photo exhibition to be announced later. European language activities in collaboration with EU Member States and the Katara Public Diplomacy programme will also be held soon.