Malaysian Deputy PM Ends 4-Day Qatar Visit On Positive Note

From Roslan Ariffin DOHA, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (left) ended his four-day official visit to Qatar on a positive note, affirming Malaysia's strong and solid bond with Doha. During his working visit on the invitation of Qatar's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, many issues faced by Malaysians residing in the richest country in the world were successfully resolved. In the discussions between Ahmad Zahid and Sheikh Abdullah, the Qatar leader personally saw to it that the Malaysian government's every request was met. The cordiality between the two leaders was obvious. Setting aside protocol for a moment, the Qatar prime minister invited and drove Ahmad Zahid in his own car for 17 kilometres to Souq Wakif, a popular general market in the city simply for leisure. The deputy prime minister also shared the heartfelt experience in his official Facebook including a photograph of the two leaders in a relaxed environment. "I was fetched by Qatar PM Sheikh Abdullah Nasser Khalifah Al Thani from my hotel and we went to the next programme together," said Ahmad Zahid in his entry showing him beside the Qatar leader who was driving. One of the 'gifts' accorded by the Qatar government to Malaysia in conjunction with the deputy prime minister's visit is the privilege to drive on Qatar's roads without having to undergo training and driving test in that country. Another gift is the exemption from visa payment for up to three months for Malaysian tourists to Qatar. Speaking to Malaysian journalists at the conclusion of his visit, Ahmad Zahid said he was very satisfied and described it as "very positive". He said the Qatar government was impressed by Malaysia's professional and technical skills and had full confidence in the ability of Malaysian companies to help Qatar in its development. Malaysian companies in Qatar including the consultants and contractors involved in multi-million Qatari Riyal investments had also performed excellently in that they were able to complete projects earlier than scheduled, he said. Among the Malaysian companies that have good reputation in Qatar are WCT Engineering Bhd (WCT) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). WCT and its partner, a local company were entrusted to implement a number of construction projects costing US$329.56 million (1.2 billion Qatari Riyal) for Lusail, a new city here. The projects including train stations and an underground railway system, generators and information technology facilities are part of Qatar's preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which it will host. MAHB through its subsidiary, Malaysia Airports Consultancy Services Middle East LLC (MACS ME) obtained a contract extension from Hamad International Airport (HIA) to provide management service facilities for the airport and its annexes. In his first visit to the country as deputy prime minister, Ahmad Zahid was brought to view projects under the two companies which are testimonies of Malaysia's ability and competitiveness in the international arena. After being highly recognised by HIA for its management capability, Malaysia, said Ahmad Zahid, potentially has an opportunity to participate in a Qatar government tender to be called soon in regard to the construction of an additional terminal at the international airport. He said the new terminal was to accommodate the growing number of passenger arrival from 29 million last year to 38 million particularly to Doha, the venue for the FIFA World Cup 2022. "I have discussed this matter with Qatar's Transport minister (Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti) as he is also happy with the performance shown by MACS. "I sent an official invitation to the Qatar transport minister to come and see for himself the services provided by MACS at the international airports in Malaysia and other countries," he disclosed. The deputy prime minister said Jassim Saif had accepted the invitation and would visit Malaysia in May. Ahmad Zahid said to further enhance diplomatic relations between both countries, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al-Thani had also assented to visit Malaysia in October to be followed by a reciprocal visit by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V. Meanwhile, Malaysia's Ambassador to Qatar, Ahmad Jazri Mohd Johar is confident that more good news await Malaysian companies that have made Qatar as their investment destinations. "We have many advantages in that local companies in Qatar recognise and are aware of Malaysian companies' ability," he said, adding that Malaysia had remained close to Qatar's heart, thanks to its leaders who had been helping the country to develop rapidly since 2004 perticularly in infrastructure. Malaysia initiated diplomatic relations with Qatar in 1974 and the bilateral ties were reinforced with the opening of an embassy here in Aug 2004, followed by the Qatar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in September the same year. Currently, there are 5,000 Malaysians living in Qatar; most are employed by Qatar Airways; in the education sector; and petroleum industry. Qatar is Malaysia's third largest trading partner in the Middle East after UAE (United Arab Emrates) and Saudi Arabia, involving US$842.38 million in 2015. Malaysia's main exports to Qatar include electrical, electronic, machinery and equipment, metal and wood products and processed foods. From Qatar, Malaysia imports particularly crude petroleum, refined petroleum, chemicals and chemical products and metal products. Qatar has a population of 2.5 million and of the figure, only 300,000 are citizens while the rest are foreigners with permanent resident status, with the highest per capita income in the world currently, of more than US$120,000 a year. (photoBERNAMA) --BERNAMA