Germany and Qatar to cooperate on research and investment projects

Sep 29, 2010, 14:59 GMT

Berlin - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday praised her country's 'dynamic' relationship with Qatar and said both countries offered many investment opportunities, during a visit by Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

'Germany is a key economic partner for Qatar and we are linked through friendly and cooperative relations in all areas, especially the economy,' Sheikh Hamad said at a joint press conference.

The leaders discussed investment opportunities, specifically in Qatari research and education projects.

'Qatar is very interested in improving its research environment and Germany can offer many forms of cooperation,' Merkel said.

The leaders also discussed industrial development and infrastructure projects in Qatar - such as cooperation with German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, which is to build a metro rail system for Doha.

'Qatar as an investment location is very attractive to us, but I will add that Qatar is very welcome (in Germany), with regard to the development of German firms,' Merkel said, adding that the Emirate's share in German carmaker Volkswagen was a prime example.

Merkel stressed that renewable energy sources, such as solar power, were important to the Gulf state, an area the leaders were due to discuss further over dinner, hosted by German President Christian Wulff, later that evening.

With regards to the Middle East peace process, Merkel stressed the importance of compromise, and urged for direct talks to continue.

'I would like to thank Qatar and the emir for his many contributions to getting processes underway in the Middle East,' Merkel said, referring in particular to negotiations with Lebanon.

Sheikh Hamad is to stay in Berlin until Thursday with his second wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser al-Misnad. The trip also includes meetings with Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit, Economics Minister Rainer Bruederle and Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.