Qatari PM Reopens Bulgarian Business Forum after False Start
Diplomacy | March 14, 2012, Wednesday // 14:46| views
The PM of Qatar (r) seen with Bulgarian counterpart, Boyko Borisov, in Doha, has changed his busy schedule for Bulgaria's sake. Photo by Council of Ministries
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber bin Muhammad Al Thani has changed on the go his schedule so that he can open Wednesday evening the Bulgarian-Qatari business forum in Doha.
The PM will start the ceremony jointly with his Bulgarian counterpart, Boyko Borisov, who is on an official 3-day visit to the country.
The news was reported from Qatar by the special correspondent of Darik radio.
Bulgarian Foreign Minister, Nikolay Mladenov, is quoted saying that this change of plans is "quite an exception since Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber bin Muhammad Al Thani in general does not attend such events" and "with this move, he is confirming his interest towards Bulgaria".
Now, Bulgaria expects for the local investors to show up in the evening.
Also earlier in the day, Borisov met with the ruling Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Mladenov labeled the meeting "positive" and reported that the two main topics, in addition to the one about investments, had been partnership in the culture and education sectors.
"Here in Doha, there is a sense of something different going on, beyond the official talks. The Emir had been to Bulgaria twice already and has fond memories. He even planned a private trip once, but had to postpone it at the last moment. I think, all Bulgarians should be proud to learn that the Emir's pilots are Bulgarian," the Foreign Minister stressed.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani had voiced readiness to assist in attracting Bulgarians to work in Qatar.
He received 3 gifts from Bulgaria – a gold plated handgun, and copy of two documents that have been part of the country's archives since the 12th century. One of them mentions Qatar and the other displays a map of Qatar.
"He was very impressed by the gifts and the fact Bulgaria has the third largest archives on Osman history," Mladenov concluded.
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