DOHA – President Gjorge Ivanov and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at Monday's meeting agreed on formation of joint committee on economic cooperation between Macedonia and Qatar and sooner opening of embassy to Skopje, the Macedonian International News Agency reported. Ivanov said acting Ambassador Sultan bin Saad Al-Mreikhai is already in Skopje making the final preparations for sooner opening of Qatar Embassy. “Before two to three years ago, we had no bilateral agreement signed with Qatar. After intensified contacts, the legal framework between the two states was established and in this direction is today's signing of memorandum of understanding in the field of tourism,” Ivanov said. Macedonian president and Qatar's Emir discussed about Qatar's investments in Macedonia, whereat Ivanov pointed out that interest for cooperation in the sphere of higher education as well as in the sphere of culture was expressed. “This visit is in function to maintaining political dialogue at highest level and I hope that economic cooperation we are initiating will give results in the shortest period of time,” he added. Economy Minister Valjon Saraqini, who is part of the Macedonian delegation visiting Qatar, met Monday with Ahmad Mohamed Al-Sayed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Holding. At the meeting Saraqini put an accent on energy and tourism investment projects. Qatar Holding, which has invested in over 30 countries worldwide, was mostly interested in recapitalization of Ad Elem, Popova Sapka ski center and construction of large spa center through receiving concession for thermo mineral water. – SG
