Emir holds consultations with Najib in Malaysia

From left: Malaysia's King Sultan Muhammad V, Prime Minister Najib Razak and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The Qatar ruler was on a visit to Malaysia at the invitation of the King and was honoured with a stat
From left: Malaysia's King Sultan Muhammad V, Prime Minister Najib Razak and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The Qatar ruler was on a visit to Malaysia at the invitation of the King and was honoured with a state banquet at Istana Negara last night. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

KUALA LUMPUR • Malaysia's King Sultan Muhammad V welcomed the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to the country at a ceremony at Parliament Square yesterday, with top officials - including Prime Minister Najib Razak - in attendance.

Sheikh Tamim, on a two-day visit to the country at the invitation of the King, was honoured with a state banquet at Istana Negara later in the evening, reported Bernama.

He held consultations with Datuk Seri Najib in the administrative capital, Putrajaya, earlier in the day.

The two dignitaries witnessed the signing of four memorandums of understanding in the fields of training for diplomats, higher education, legal cooperation and judicial cooperation.

Mr Najib also hosted the Emir and his delegation to luncheon.

Addressing a press conference after his meeting with Sheikh Tamim, Mr Najib said the Gulf crisis would not hamper relations between the two countries.

He also said Malaysia's economic ties with Qatar were based on the spirit of cooperation with the Muslim world, and noted the good relationship between the two countries for the past 43 years.

"We want amicable solutions (in any conflicts) with no interference from us in others' affairs," The New Straits Times reported Prime Minister Najib as saying.

Mr Najib also ruled out a role as a mediator in the Gulf crisis, saying it was beyond the country's capacity and highlighting Malaysia's special relationship with the Saudi government.

"It might be outside our scope, but we are willing to do whatever we can to ease the situation," the Prime Minister added.

Mr Najib said the Rohingya issue was also discussed with the Emir, besides security cooperation and the threat of militancy.

And he revealed that Sheikh Tamim had also considered the prospect of ramping up Qatar's investment in Malaysia in the fields of healthcare and hospitality.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 17, 2017, with the headline Emir holds consultations with Najib in Malaysia. Subscribe