Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has described relations between Grenada and the State of Qatar as very good and steadily improving, while calling for stronger cooperation between the two countries across education, healthcare, tourism, sports, aviation, trade and economic development.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Qatar News Agency (QNA) during his official visit to Qatar, Prime Minister Mitchell said the visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
He said his meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani focused on bilateral cooperation and ways to expand collaboration between the two countries.
Qatar-Grenada Cooperation to Focus on Key Sectors
According to Mitchell, education, healthcare and tourism are among the key sectors where Grenada wants to deepen cooperation with Qatar. He also highlighted sports and economic development as important areas for future partnerships.
The Grenadian Prime Minister stressed that stronger relations should go beyond government-to-government cooperation. He said private-sector businesses in both countries should play a major role in increasing trade, investment and commercial partnerships.
Mitchell also pointed to Qatar's growing international influence in diplomacy, sustainable economic development and the energy sector. He said these areas could create new opportunities for cooperation between Qatar and Grenada, particularly as the region faces changing geopolitical and economic conditions.
Aviation and Qatar Airways Could Boost Travel
Aviation was another important issue discussed during the visit. Mitchell said Grenada is interested in exploring ways to benefit from the success and global reach of Qatar Airways to increase travel between Qatar and Grenada.
He said improved air connectivity could also help strengthen links between Qatar, the wider Caribbean and Latin America. Better connectivity, according to Mitchell, could support tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.
The two sides also discussed negotiations toward the eventual signing of a double taxation agreement and a trade and investment promotion agreement. Such agreements could help create a more supportive environment for businesses and investors from both countries.
Grenada Seeks More Investment Partnerships
Mitchell said attracting private-sector investment requires a strong legal and regulatory framework that provides adequate protection for investors.
He also emphasized the importance of developing human capital, describing education as an important foundation for long-term economic growth in both countries.
Grenada is particularly interested in educational cooperation because of its strong presence in the veterinary education sector. Mitchell highlighted the country's prominent veterinary university and expressed hope for closer cooperation between the institution and Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Healthcare Cooperation Also a Priority
Healthcare is another major area where Grenada is seeking stronger partnerships with Qatar.
Prime Minister Mitchell said Grenada is looking for both public- and private-sector partners to help expand and modernize its healthcare system. He also revealed plans to build a major new hospital that could serve as a natural extension of the country's existing medical and veterinary education infrastructure.
Grenada, he said, is interested in developing partnerships with Qatar as part of this healthcare expansion.
Qatar and Grenada Discuss Global and Regional Issues
The Grenadian Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of closer coordination between Qatar and Grenada on regional and international issues.
He said rapid geopolitical changes around the world make international cooperation increasingly important. According to Mitchell, both countries can work together to advance shared interests at regional and international forums.
Climate change was identified as one of the major common challenges. Mitchell also pointed to the economic consequences of the global transition away from dependence on fossil fuels and said both countries have an interest in addressing these challenges.
Grenada Supports Qatar's Diplomatic Role
Mitchell praised Qatar's role in addressing major diplomatic issues around the world, including matters involving the Caribbean and the Americas.
He said Grenada wants to support and encourage Qatar's diplomatic efforts and intends to continue doing so as the two countries strengthen their relationship.
Looking ahead, Mitchell expressed optimism about the future of Qatar-Grenada relations. He noted that Qatar's ambassador to Grenada is expected to present his credentials in September, which he said would further support the development of bilateral relations.
Future of Qatar-Grenada Relations
Concluding his interview with QNA, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reaffirmed Grenada's commitment to expanding relations with Qatar in ways that deliver benefits for both countries and their people.
He also emphasized the importance of promoting shared values, including human rights, respect for different cultures, responsible economic growth and development, and peaceful negotiations between states.
The latest discussions indicate that Qatar and Grenada are looking to build a broader partnership that extends beyond traditional diplomatic ties, with a focus on investment, education, healthcare, tourism, aviation, trade and cooperation on global challenges.
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