Qatari Newspapers Editorials

Doha, October 06 (QNA) - In their Thursday editorials, Qatari newspapers affirmed that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to the Czech Republic establishes a new stage for the partnership between the two countries, deepening relations, launching them towards broader horizons, and consolidating long-term cooperation. The newspapers unanimously agreed that the distinguished Qatari-Czech relations witnessed continuous growth and efforts in various fields. The two countries have a strong and solid friendship based on mutual respect, striving for the interests of the two friendly peoples. Newspapers also dealt with international acclaim for the wide-ranging reforms of laws and regulations of the labor sector in the State of Qatar to protect expatriate workers from exploitation and guarantee their rights. Al-Sharq newspaper, in its editorial, confirmed that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Czech Republic and the outcomes of his talks with HE President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman and HE Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala represents a strong impetus to developing bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields, moving them to a new stage of the partnership. The newspaper noted that the official reception ceremony and the warm hospitality accorded to His Highness in Prague reflected the great importance attached by the Czech Republic and its leadership to the visit, and the common political will to work together to advance relations between the State of Qatar and the Czech Republic, pushing them to broader horizons. During the meetings, the two sides discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, and ways to enhance and develop them, especially in the trade, industry, energy, and investment fields, in addition to exchanging views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern. The visit also witnessed the signing ceremony of the joint declaration between the State of Qatar and the Czech Republic on mutual support to complete the bilateral investment agreement and the signing of an agreement on economic, commercial, and technical cooperation between the governments of the two countries. Al-Sharq concluded by saying that the friendly Czech Republic, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), views His Highness's visit with great interest, as it comes at a time when it is facing an unprecedented EU energy crisis. The Czech Republic views Qatar as a reliable partner on an international and European level, as well as a peaceful, prosperous, and stable country and a global partner in energy security and contributing to peace and stability. In turn, Al-Raya newspaper indicated that the successful and comprehensive talks of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with the Czech Republic's leaders pushes the Qatari-Czech relations to a new stage of joint and constructive cooperation to serve the interests of both countries, reaching the stage of strategic partnership. The newspaper pointed out in its editorial that the common issues between the two countries were strongly present at the talks session of His Highness with HE President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman and HE Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala, to develop bilateral relations and push them to advanced stages of strategic partnership, especially in the trade, industry, energy and investment fields, in addition to exchanging views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest. The talks were an opportunity to attend the signing ceremony of the joint declaration between the State of Qatar and the Czech Republic on mutual support to complete the bilateral investment agreement and the signing of an agreement on economic, commercial, and technical cooperation between the governments of the two countries. Al-Raya praised the distinguished Qatari-Czech relations, which witnessed continuous growth and efforts in various fields, such as health, energy, and investment. The newspaper concluded its editorial by saying that His Highness' visit to the Czech Republic is the culmination of the accelerated progress of relations, political consultations, and joint committees. Qatar and the Czech Republic are linked by strong and solid friendship based on mutual respect and striving for the good and interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples, as well as peace, stability, and prosperity in the world. The Qatari-Czech relations have witnessed tangible progress in various fields, especially investment. Qatar follows a policy of openness to European countries in the context of its consistent strategy aimed at strengthening and developing its political relations with all countries, strengthening its trade and economic ties, and diversifying its sources of income, the paper highlighted. The Peninsula newspaper highlighted on Thursday, the international acclaim for the wide-ranging reforms of labor laws and regulations to protect migrant workers from exploitation and ensure their rights, adding that Qatar’s endeavors have been acknowledged by human rights groups and international bodies including the United Nations. Under the title 'Praise for labor reforms' the newspaper said that a European parliamentary delegation visited Qatar this week and met officials from the Ministry of Labor, the National Human Rights Committee and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, adding that the delegation comprising lawmakers from the UK, France, Romania, Italy, Serbia, Finland and Ireland lauded Qatar’s extensive labor reforms, transparency and promotion of workers’ rights. It pointed out that the European MPs acknowledged that labor sector reforms have been implemented, noting advances in safety practices, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 preparations, and commitment to continuous implementation of reforms after the tournament. The newspaper explained that some of the highlights of Qatar’s work for workers’ welfare include abolition of exit permit requirement to leave the country, doing away the need for employer permission to change job, setting a minimum wage, and establishment of 20 visa centers in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines and Tunisia to protect workers from exploitation during the recruitment process. The Peninsula concluded its editorial by noting that Qatar has also established a Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund which will ensure and provide care for workers, guarantee their rights and provide a healthy and safe working environment. (QNA)