Qatari Newspapers Editorials

Doha, June 15 (QNA) - Qatari newspapers highlighted in their editorials Thursday the official visit HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will pay today to the brotherly Republic of Iraq. The newspapers said that the visit will constitute an important stage in the path of brotherly relations between the two brotherly countries, pointing out that the historical Qatari-Iraqi relations are based on cooperation, coordination, understanding, common fraternal interests and mutual respect. The papers also noted HH the Amir's keenness to participate in the official funeral of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Milan, which came to affirm the specificity of the Qatari-Italian relations, based on friendship and respect. Al-Sharq newspaper said in its editorial that HH the Amir's official visit to the brotherly Republic of Iraq on Thursday, which comes at the invitation of HE Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al Sudani, constitutes an important station in the path of fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries. The paper indicated that this visit, which has important political and economic dimensions, will strengthen cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Iraq, and will advance efforts to enhance security and political stability in the region, by discussing regional and international issues of common concern and coordinating positions between the two countries for the interest of regional and international security, peace and stability. It also considered that the distinguished fraternal relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Iraq are witnessing a continuous development, and bilateral cooperation at the official level is also witnessing steady growth, especially in the various political, investment, economic and cultural fields, based on common and constant interests that were reinforced by the mutual visits of officials in both brotherly countries. In conclusion, Al-Sharq said that HH the Amir's visit to Baghdad today and his upcoming meetings with officials in brotherly Iraq, as well as the strong desire of both sides, will push bilateral relations forward to a new phase of cooperation, and will help launch a number of major joint projects and lay the foundation for a strategic partnership that meets the aspirations of the two countries, achieves the interest of the two brotherly peoples, and enhances efforts to ensure stability and prosperity in the region. In turn, Al-Watan newspaper said in its editorial that HH the Amir's visit to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, is of particular importance in light of the remarkable roles played by Qatar to unify ranks and strengthen relations for the benefit of the countries and peoples of the region. The paper indicated that the historical Qatari-Iraqi relations are based on cooperation, coordination, understanding, common fraternal interests and mutual respect, noting that these relations have always been reinforced by the common desire to push them forward. The paper underlined that HH the Amir's visit to Baghdad today and HH's talks with HE the Iraqi Prime Minister will contribute to strengthening, consolidating and developing these relations and advancing cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual trust and common desire in order to achieve stability and development in the region and for the benefit of its peoples. In conclusion, Al-Watan emphasized that His Highness's visit is a continuation of his tours and visits to many brotherly and friendly countries of the world, the latest of which was HH's tour of a number of Central Asian countries, which aim to build the best and most developed relations, in a way that serves security and peace in our region and the world, and promotes joint cooperation based on brotherhood, friendship and constant belief in dialogue as a means of building the best relations for the benefit of all. 

For its part, Al-Raya newspaper noted HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's keenness to participate in the official funeral of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Milan, affirming their long-standing, distinguished relations based on friendship and respect. The newspaper said that Doha wanted to share Rome's grief with the highest level of official participation in the late former prime minister's funeral, which HH the Amir considered a friend of Qatar who was keen during his tenure to develop bilateral cooperation between the two countries. On this occasion, His Highness extended sincere condolences to the Government of Italy, and to the family and friends of the deceased. HH the Amir also offered his condolences to HE President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, HE Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the family of the late Prime Minister, and several senior Italian officials. During the former Italian Prime Minister's era, the Qatari-Italian relations witnessed great growth, with the foundation of the relationship taking root in an institutional framework as Doha and Rome stood in support of global security, peace and development. In addition, Italy supported Arab issues, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause. The two friendly countries share the same views on regional and global issues. Hence, His Highness, through his participation in the funeral of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, shows Qatar's solidarity with Italy in times of adversity, especially since the late was part of the political scene and worked towards the renaissance of his country, the paper said. The Qatari-Italian relations remain a leading example in the relations between countries, as they are based on historical roots and a sincere desire of the two countries to preserve, develop and push them to broader horizons. The strategic dialogue last year came to express the joint commitment to further strengthening these relations. Over the past 10 years, Qatar's economic partnership with Italy has grown by more than 320 percent, making Italy the eighth largest trading partner and seventh supplier to Qatar, the paper said. Al-Raya concluded that the strategic cooperation between Qatar and Italy comes as an extension of the long-standing historical friendship and alliance relations that have linked the two friendly countries for decades, and comes in line with Qatar's keenness to strengthen and develop its relations with various countries, especially those with major international influence and power. There is no doubt that this momentum of the partnership will continue, as the two friendly countries will continue to work together to deepen the bilateral partnership and push for global security and stability, especially in the Middle East region. In another matter, the English-language newspaper The Peninsula touched upon the launch of the 32nd Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) held under the slogan ‘With Reading We Rise’, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). In its editorial titled "DIBF highlights commitment to reading," the newspaper said that 500 publishers from 37 countries are participating in the event. The exhibition is regarded as one of the largest and oldest international book fairs in the region and is a platform to exchange cultural diversity and a space to inspire dialogue and share knowledge. Historically, the first launch of the exhibition was held in 1972 under the supervision of the Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya. It would be held every two years, but since 2002, it has become an annual event, the paper explained. Aside from Qatar being the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council region to organize a book fair, thereby making it one of the pioneers in this regard, the country has also been at the forefront of promoting and reviving the reading culture across the region, the paper said. In conclusion, The Peninsula said that in the age of social media, commendation must be given to Qatar for its unwavering commitment to ensure that reading remains a top priority across the board. (QNA)