TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on Sunday for deeper ties with Qatar in various political and economic arenas. 

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always called for expansion and deepening of relations with Qatar as a friendly country in this sensitive region,” Rouhani said in a phone call with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar. 

He also invited the Qatari leader to attend the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) to be held in Tehran in autumn.

Pointing to high capacities for developing cooperation, Rouhani said, “There is no obstacle in the path of strengthening this collective effort.” 

The Iranian president said it is necessary to take encouraging steps to assist businessmen and investors from the two nations, noting that “the launch of a joint shipping line could greatly help trade between the two countries”. 

He also pointed to the skills of Iranian firms to implement construction projects in various fields, saying they are fully prepared to operate technical and engineering services, particularly in development projects for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

For his part, Hamad Al-Thani said, “Qatar hails comprehensive development of relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.” 

He also emphasized his country’s opposition to any escalation of tension between Iran and the U.S.
The emir added, “The Qatari government has always sought to consolidate its relations with Tehran and it supports peaceful solutions to political problems.”

AFM/PA