Doha, December 04 (QNA) - The state visit currently being conducted by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the United Kingdom has garnered significant attention across various British media outlets.

They have highlighted the political, economic, and diplomatic dimensions of the visit, emphasizing its importance in strengthening the relations between the two countries.

The attention given to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani was viewed as a testament to the depth of the friendship and strategic partnership between Doha and London.

In this context, a report by BBC television noted that HH the Amir of Qatar and his Consort were received with a grand royal welcome, reflecting the significance the UK places on its relationship with Qatar.

This relationship is centered around economic exchanges, with trade between the two nations valued at $10.6 billion last year. The balance is in favor of the UK, with engines and aircraft comprising about 50 percent of British exports to Doha, while oil and gas account for a similar share of Qatari exports to Britain.

The report also mentioned that these trade exchanges represent about 14 percent of the UK's total trade with GCC countries, which London has been seeking a free trade agreement with since 2021.

This agreement could inject around $2 billion into the UK economy, according to government estimates.

The report added that over the past decade and a half, Qatar has established what can be described as a real estate empire in Britain. The Shard, the tallest skyscraper in the country, symbolizes this empire, which includes over 4,000 properties, such as the famous Savoy Hotel and the upscale Harrods store. Qatari investments in the UK, valued at over $50 billion, extend beyond real estate, encompassing stakes in the owner of British Airways and Heathrow Airport.

The report included comments from political economist Dr. Nasser Kalawoun, who stated that Qatar holds significant economic weight within the GCC.

Former British ambassador to Qatar, Nicholas Hopton, told the BBC that the UK's relationship with Qatar is the strongest among Doha's relations with other Western nations. This bond dates back to the British mandate period until the British withdrawal from the region and the independence of Qatar. He added that the good relationship between the two parties has continued to this day, as the two countries have a special and important relationship for both of them.

In a live broadcast covering the official reception at Buckingham Palace, Hopton remarked that HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad has a good relationship with King Charles, as they have known each other since Sheikh Tamim was a student at Sandringham School, which enhances the strong relationship between the two nations.

He added that the countries collaborate closely in defense, as Qatar purchased a fleet of British Typhoon aircraft, and in other areas, especially political matters. He pointed out that Qatar plays a role in mediating the Gaza ceasefire, highlighting the strong economic ties mirrored in substantial Qatari investments in the UK.

Royal historian Robert Hardman noted that the reception level for HH the Amir is the highest honor a country can bestow on the leader of another country.

In this context, the BBC website reported that a red carpet was rolled out in honor of the visit of the Amir of Qatar, who received a royal welcome.

The report added that Princess Kate participated in the honor parade held in honor of the Amir of Qatar and his Consort Sheikha Jowaher, noting that HH the Amir received a royal reception, including a horseback procession down The Mall, a visit to the British House of Commons, and a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

The Times pointed out that the state visit of the Amir of Qatar carries significant implications, being the first to include a meeting with Sir Keir Starmer. His spokesperson said that Starmer had praised Qatar's leadership in ceasefire negotiations and hostage release efforts in Gaza during a phone call with the Amir of Qatar last month.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph noted that Qatar is a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with reports suggesting the UK government hopes to secure a free trade agreement with the GCC.

British website Middle East Eye highlighted that HH the Amir's visit to the UK comes as the UK seeks new investments from the Gulf, with Starmer expected to travel to the Gulf this month to strengthen diplomatic ties and attract new investments.

(QNA)