By Arvind Nair
Gulf Times
Thursday22/1/2009
HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani is likely to visit Kuala Lumpur later this year.
This was disclosed to Gulf Times exclusively by Malaysian Foreign Minister Dr Rais Yatim, who is part of an official delegation, headed by Malaysian Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The Emir’s visit could take place between April and June, the minister said, adding that the Malaysian king was also due to come to Qatar this year. The king was due to come last month but his visit was postponed due to some domestic reasons.
The two countries would be holding annual consultations to enhance bilateral relations, especially in trade and investments. The next meeting could possibly be in Kuala Lumpur, he added.
At the next meeting, “we would also look into the joint investment fund which we have announced some time back between the two countries”.
Each country was supposed to contribute $500mn to the fund, “but this could change”, he added.
The premier’s visit was aimed at enhancing the existing diplomatic relations since a number of bilateral agreements had been signed in the past.
Talking on the changing dynamics of regional relations, the foreign minister said closer relations could benefit Qatar given the fact the Asean countries had a population of 500mn people.
On the Obama presidency, Yatim said: “The festivities have been well received but we look forward to see how the next president performs. Having looked at the past we would like to see action more than words. And looking at the rhetorics that Obama produced last night we reserve our comment. We entertain our hopes for better things but we are yet to see any action.
“I won’t be surprised if, after this, the Jewish lobby would restrict him to create the kind of peace that we need in the Middle East. But we wish him well and we like to liaise with the US and I look forward to interact with (the US Secretary of State) Hillary Clinton”.
The foreign minister said the “US should not only be the world’s policeman but it should also learn to become effective messieurs.
We have to see how Hillary Clinton treats smaller countries. Many of her statements had been hawkish. Hope that she is less dogmatic in treating other people”.
He said Malaysian companies would have a great future in Qatar “if payment schedules to contractors are met”. More Malaysian companies were likely to be operating in Qatar, he added.
He described the talks in Qatar as “very constructive”. Negotiations touched upon the possibility of a second airline flying between the two countries.
“I am a positive thinker when it comes to Qatar and Malaysia. I am very buoyant and as foreign minister I would like to boost all elements of bilateral relations”, Yatim said.