TEHRAN – The president of Iran and the emir of Qatar, whose country is going to host the FIFA World Cup in autumn, weighed plans for cooperation in holding the event, with the Iranian side offering help considering the available infrastructures on Iran’s southern islands, including Kish.
In a telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Tamim Al Thani on Sunday evening, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Tehran welcomes the development of relations with Doha in various fields and believes that closer relations will be in the interests of the two nations and the region.
Highlighting the vast potential for increasing the level of relations and cooperation between the two countries, Raisi said, “Tehran and Doha can take effective steps in the interests of the two nations and establish stability and security in the region by taking advantage of all the capacities of cooperation and establishing close coordination.”
Referring to a forthcoming visit that the Emir of Qatar will pay to Tehran in the near future, the president noted, “During this visit, major decisions will be made in order to further develop relations and cooperation between the two countries in various fields.”
Raisi further expressed satisfaction with the holding of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and wished the neighboring country success in holding the important sporting event, his official website reported.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide any help on Kish Island in holding the World Cup games in the best and most glorious way possible,” the Iranian president added.
For his part, the Qatari emir said Doha is fully committed to further developing relations with Tehran after the long meeting and negotiations between the two countries.
“We believe that your visit plays an important role in the development of brotherly relations and strengthening cooperation,” he added.
Sheikh Hamad bin Tamim Al Thani also expressed satisfaction with the Iranian national football team’s participation in the World Cup, saying, “In this tournament, we will welcome our brothers well.”
“Regarding the cooperation between the two countries in holding the competitions, the Minister of Roads of Qatar will soon meet and discuss with his counterpart on Kish Island about how to cooperate,” the emir stated.