Doha, August 18 (QNA) - Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell affirmed the strength of relations between his country and the State of Qatar, describing them as very good and continually improving.

In an exclusive interview with the Qatar News Agency (QNA) today, HE the Prime Minister of Grenada said his official visit to the State of Qatar provided an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange views on several issues of mutual interest. He mentioned his meeting with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, during which the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and further develop it, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare and tourism, as well as a number of other issues of common interest.

His Excellency said that the circumstances currently facing the region make closer bilateral cooperation and coordination particularly important, noting that the State of Qatar has significant international influence, especially in diplomacy, sustainable economic development and the energy sector, all of which he sees as promising areas for cooperation between the two countries.

His Excellency stressed the importance of strengthening relations between Grenada and the Caribbean more broadly, on the one hand, and the State of Qatar, on the other. He said the main areas in which Grenada is seeking deeper cooperation with the State of Qatar include education, sports and economic development, emphasizing that cooperation should not be limited to government-to-government relations but should also, crucially, involve the private sectors of both countries.

His Excellency highlighted that part of the discussions focused on aviation and on how to leverage the success of Qatar Airways to create opportunities for increased travel between the State of Qatar and Grenada, and by extension the Caribbean and Latin America. He added that the talks also covered negotiations toward the eventual signing of a double taxation agreement and a trade and investment promotion agreement.

His Excellency said encouraging the private sector to invest, trade and conduct business between the two countries requires a supportive legal framework that protects investments. He added that human capital development was also critical to the continued growth and development of both countries, noting that education offers important opportunities for cooperation, particularly given Grenada's prominent veterinary university. He expressed hope for closer collaboration between the university and Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

In the same context, HE Mitchell said that Grenada places considerable importance on healthcare as a major sector and is seeking both public- and private-sector partners to help develop it. He revealed plans to build a major new hospital that would serve as a natural extension of the existing medical and veterinary school, adding that Grenada is looking to establish partnerships with Qatar in this area.

Regarding ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation between Qatar and Grenada on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Grenadian Prime Minister said this was critically important amid rapid geopolitical changes. He said it was important for both countries to pursue their mutual interests on the international and regional stages, noting that they face a number of common issues, foremost among them climate change and the consequences associated with the transition away from dependence on fossil fuels for energy.

During the interview with QNA, His Excellency discussed the State of Qatar's leading role in major diplomatic issues around the world, including in the Caribbean and the Americas, stressing that Grenada wants to support and encourage Qatar and will continue to do so.

Asked about his vision for the future of bilateral relations, His Excellency expressed hope for further strengthening ties between the two countries, noting that the State of Qatar's ambassador to Grenada is expected to present his credentials in September.

Concluding his interview with QNA, HE Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reaffirmed Grenada's commitment to expanding its relations with the State of Qatar in the future in ways that benefit both countries and their peoples. He also stressed the importance of continuing to champion shared values, foremost among them human rights, respect for cultures, responsible economic growth and development, and peaceful negotiations among states. (QNA)