Qatari Emir ‘shows interest’ in Malta’s potential

The discussions that have taken so far between Malta and Qatar were just the first steps towards exploring the possibility of investment between the two countries, the Maltese government has declared.

As Prime Minister Joseph Muscat met the Qatari Emir in New York, the government said it was now looking to start achieving positive results.

During the meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Muscat discussed the opportunities that could be explored by both sides.

The government described the discussion as being "affable", with the Qatari Emir expressing interest in Malta's potential.

Accompanied by foreign affairs minister George Vella, Muscat said potential Qatari investment should mostly focus on energy, tourism and infrastructure. He added that Qatar could also tap into Malta's financial services.

Earlier this week, Muscat also met the Gulf Cooperation Council of which Qatar is a member state. With the GCC, the Maltese PM wished for better relations between GCC member states and the European Union.

Al Thani declared that his country fully supported an official agreement with the GCC which would include Saudi Arabia, Bahrian, Kuwai, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.