Dominican Republic and Qatar Sign Cooperation Agreement

The Dominican Republic and the State of Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding in the areas of tourism, energy and ministerial cooperation.

The two governments agreed to set up a bilateral commission that will explore the possibility that Qatar will become a natural gas provider to the Dominican Republic…

Foreign Ministers from both countries, Dominican Carlos Morales Troncoso and his Qatari counterpart Hamad Bin Jasim Bin Jabir Al Thani who is also Qatar´s Prime Minister, signed the protocols of understanding in the presence of President Leonel Fernández and the Emir of Qatar Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The two governments agreed to set up a bilateral commission that will explore the possibility that Qatar will become a natural gas provider to the Dominican Republic and, from Dominican territory, will also supply gas to the United States where Qatar already supplies 50% of the natural gas.

On this ministerial level the two countries will study the possibility that in the future Qatar will provide consumable natural gas to the DR.

Mr. Carlos Morales Troncoso underscored the importance of these agreements in terms of energy, saying that by 2010, the state of Qatar will become the most important natural gas provider in the world as it fills 35% of the global demand.

Upon the signing of the agreements, carried out at the government headquarters, Amiri Diwan Palace, the two nations agreed to maintain bilateral relations on a ministerial level to deal with economic and political issues as well.

As a first step toward Qatari investment in the DR, Foreign Minister Morales Troncoso, Presidential Minister César Pina Toribio, President of the Energy Commission Arístides Fernández Zucco and the Qatari Energy and Industry Minister Mohamed Bin Saleh Al-Sada held a meeting in which they agreed that a Qatari government commission will travel to the DR to oversee the building of an oil refinery that can supply the Caribbean, Central American and US market.

The Ministry of Energy as well as the state gas and oil companies in the country have shown interest in using the details laid out in the Central American, Dominican Republic and United States Free Trade Agreement to use Dominican territory to meet North American demand. Although the Qatari government has a refinery in Houston, Texas, the possibilities for expansion in this area is limitless, so much so that it might warrant the eventual expansion of the Dominican Oil Refinery. The building of a new refinery along the coast of Manzanillo was being discussed by government authorities.

As such the two nations will mutually cooperate to coordinate actions within the framework of the United Nations in order to reciprocate support for eventual candidacies that might present themselves for the DR as well as Qatar.

Cooperation themes on commerce, economy, science, art, culture and protecting the environment form part of the agreements signed between the two states.

The two countries committed to lend their support to United Nations and other international organizations are playing positive roles in helping to find solutions to disputes and crises facing the international community.

In an atmosphere of ministerial cooperation, the Dominican Republic and Qatar agreed to work so that their ministries and private sectors will put programs into effect that will promote investment in both countries.

Salutation and Distinction

President Leonel Fernández was received at the government headquarters and shown around the palace rooms by the Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. Both men introduced their respective official delegations.

The heads of state spoke animatedly for more than one hour about various topics involving development in their countries.

The Emir of Qatar showed interest in tourism in the DR and the possibility of operating Qatari Airways, one of the most important in the world, to the Dominican Republic for commercial flights. He noted the extremely convenient geographic location of the DR.

President Fernández was impressed with the financial stability of Qatar and the surprising construction going on around the country. Before going to breakfast offered by the host in honor of President Fernández, which was also attended by other diplomatic delegations and Qatari government officials, the two Heads of State exchanged official documents in which they bestowed upon one another the highest government honors from their respective countries.

Accompanying President Fernández was Secretary of State for the Presidency Cesar Pina Toribio, Administrative Secretary Luis Manuel Bonetti and Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso.

Business people present included Elena Villeya de Paliza, José Miguel Bonetti, Rolando González, Arturo Santana, Carlos José Martí, Ricardo Canaalda and Juan Ramón Gómez Díaz.

President´s Office of Information, Press and Publicity