Doha, November 11 (QNA) - HE President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Natasa Pirc Musar affirmed that relations between Slovenia and the State of Qatar are progressing steadily, stressing the alignment of the two countries' positions on key regional and international issues, especially the Palestinian cause.

In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Her Excellency said she held fruitful discussions with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Qatar's active role and its efforts in mediation and supporting peace initiatives regionally and internationally.

Economically, HE the Slovenian President stated that bilateral trade exchange currently stands at approximately 30 million euro annually, emphasizing the need to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, especially in priority sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and aviation.

She highlighted that Slovenia has the highest number of artificial intelligence experts per capita globally, making this field a promising avenue for cooperation between the two countries.

Her Excellency also revealed that discussions touched on the possibility of launching direct flights between Doha and Ljubljana via Qatar Airways. She noted that HH the Amir expressed interest in this matter, describing the potential route as truly remarkable step.

On the energy front, Dr. Pirc Musar noted that Slovenia, facing the absence of domestic oil and gas resources, is seeking dependable partners to ensure energy security. She emphasized that Qatar stands as a credible and strategic partner in this regard, particularly following Slovenia's decision to halt energy cooperation with the Russian Federation.

Her Excellency stressed the importance of cooperation in education and scientific research, noting that she held constructive discussions with HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and the Education Above All Foundation.

She praised Qatar Foundation’s qualitative projects and HH Sheikha Moza's visionary commitment to education as a fundamental pillar for building a better society.

She also noted discussions with HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, underscoring the importance of knowledge exchange and strengthening educational cooperation between the two countries.

On climate and environmental issues, HE the Slovenian President emphasized the urgency of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C, warning that climate change is driving an increasing frequency of natural disasters. She noted that 80% of global carbon dioxide emissions originate from G20 countries, placing a moral obligation on major economies to take decisive action.

On tourism, Her Excellency said Slovenia welcomed approximately six million tourists last year, adding that her country is among the most sustainable tourism destinations in the world. She identified green tourism as a promising field for cooperation with Qatar.

Dr. Pirc Musar praised Qatar's efforts to promote peace and stability on the international stage, stressing that the United Nations must remain the main platform for addressing global issues.

Her Excellency further highlighted the importance of Qatar's peace efforts in a multilateral world as a country close to the conflict zones and deeply understands the Middle East Affairs. "This is the added value of Qatar. Qatar Knows Middle East and we have to listen to each other," she said.

In this context, she noted the growing Qatar-Slovenia cooperation on the wars in Palestine and Sudan. "Qatar and Slovenia are working really hard. In the case of Palestinian issue with His Highness, we discussed today also Sudan, who is a bit neglected in the international arena, but there are atrocities there on a daily basis. Twenty-five million people are hungry, so it's a famine there."

Concluding her remarks to QNA, HE President Dr. Natasa Pirc Musar emphasized the need for cooperation and openness among nations.

"If you do have great ideas we have to go outside of our borders to cooperate, share the knowledge and bring benefit back to our own countries." (QNA)