Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in the Qatari capital, Doha, marking his first visit to a Gulf state since assuming office last year. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, held discussions with the Iranian president upon his arrival at Doha Airport at the start of his visit. The Emir and the Iranian president will discuss the relations between the two countries and prospects for their development, in addition to addressing several issues of mutual interest.
President Ebrahim Raisi stated that his visit to Qatar is considered a step to activate the priority of neighboring countries in foreign policy, expressing hope that this visit will contribute to strengthening relations with Gulf countries. Raisi added, before departing Tehran for Doha, that the purpose of this visit is to enhance bilateral relations with the friendly and brotherly state of Qatar, as well as to participate in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Summit.
The Iranian news agency "IRNA" had previously reported that the Iranian president would visit Doha on Monday at the official invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The agency noted that the visit would witness the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding, and Raisi would meet Iranian expatriates in Qatar and Qatari and Iranian businessmen.
On the second day of his visit, Raisi will attend the sixth summit of gas-exporting countries and deliver a speech. Leaders and senior officials of major gas-producing nations will attend the summit, where the Iranian president is expected to meet several of them on the sidelines of the meeting.
Raisi will be accompanied during his visit to Qatar by the ministers of foreign affairs, oil, culture, heritage, and tourism, as well as the head of the presidential office. On Sunday, French news agency sources indicated that Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani made an unannounced visit to Iran, following the Emir of Qatar's visit to Washington at the end of last month. The agency added that the foreign minister's unannounced visit to Iran included discussions with the Iranian president and foreign minister, noting that the Iranian president's visit to Doha would build on the Qatari foreign minister's visit and communications aimed at reviving the nuclear agreement.
