The Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted H.E. Mr. Pasquale Salzano, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the State, where he gave a lecture on the Qatari-Italian relations after 40 years of establishment. H.E. Mr. Salzano said that Qatar and Italy are partners in fighting terrorism and are members of an international anti-terrorism coalition.
He pointed out that the two countries have many special activities in training Arab forces to combat this phenomenon, which must be defeated in order to restore peace in countries affected by terrorism.
H.E. spoke about the development of the Qatari-Italian relations, underling His Highness the Amir visit to Italy, and Italy's Prime Minister visit to Doha, as well as a number of Ministers' over the past three months, H.E. referred to the trade exchange between Qatar and Italy, which increased by 11% during the last six months; about QAR 3.7 billion: nearly $1 billion, compared with the same period last year, including the blockade.
H.E. the Italian Ambassador expressed his country's appreciation for the Qatari initiative for providing in-kind assistance to the Italian people during last year's earthquake, described it as an expression of true friendship between the two countries. H.E. underlined the increase in Qatari visas by 30%, while Italy has become a distinctive tourist destination for Qataris, pointing out the Qatari tourists increase to 60%. H.E. also, shed light on Qatari investments in Italy that mounted to more than 2 billion euros, considering it is a strategic investment for generations. Moreover, "Qatar Airways took over Italian Meridian airlines and now has four daily flights to Italy," he said. "49% of the growth in the airlines industry in Italy is due to Qatari investments", he added.
H.E. the Italian ambassador indicated that the Qatari investment is concentrated in some Italian tourist cities, the island of Sardinia is one of them. "There are (eight) 100% Qatari owned hotels in this island, which are major hotel resorts, a large Qatari hospital, and seven skyscrapers, as well. Furthermore, a series of hotels owned by public and private sectors in Florence, beside four hotels owned by the State of Qatar in the same city, as there are investments in the stock market", he said.
The Italian ambassador pointed out that the State of Qatar took over Valentino Fashion House, explaining that the company's headquarters is still in Milan.