Qatar
Tensions are observed in the relations between Qatar and the state of Israel. On Monday, April 1st, the parliament of Tel Aviv approved a law granting temporary powers to the government to suspend the activity of foreign networks in Israel. The so-called "Al-Jazeera law" was passed by the Knesset with 71 favorable votes and provides for the suspension of channels that pose a threat to national security for a period (renewable) of 45 days; shortly after the approval, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi declared that Al-Jazeera in Israel would be closed in the coming days. "There will be no freedom of expression for Hamas spokespeople in this country," he added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also supported the minister's position. This is not the first time the prime minister of the Jewish state has threatened to close the Qatari network. Already in 2017, Netanyahu attempted to stop Al-Jazeera's activities in Jerusalem for reasons of national security. The Israeli move was described as "worrying" by White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, who stated that Washington supports the work of the press worldwide, including those reporting on events in the ongoing war in Gaza. At the same time, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that the emirate is reviewing its role as a mediator between the state of Israel and Hamas; according to Al Thani, the motivation lies in the abuse of Qatar's mediator role by the parties involved in the negotiations. "There are limits to the results we can achieve," the prime minister indicated during a meeting in Doha with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. On that occasion, the two discussed bilateral relations, tensions between Israel and Iran, and the war in Gaza. In this regard, according to reports from Turkish media, Fidan's visit aimed to keep the attention of regional powers on the war between Israel and Hamas. On the same day, Fidan met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The latter discussed with the Turkish minister the situation in the Strip, emphasizing the need to increase the amount of humanitarian aid distributed to civilians. Fidan, for his part, indicated to Haniyeh the need to achieve a ceasefire.
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Med-Or Leonardo Foundation Chairman, Mr. Marco Minniti, signed a Letter of Intent with the State of Qatar to facilitate partnerships with Qatari institutions in the fields of high-tech, innovation, and higher education
Med-Or Leonardo Foundation Chairman, Mr. Marco Minniti, paid a visit to the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain between 24-28 of March 2022
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, sends a message to Med-Or Foundation on the day of the inauguration.
| Head of state | Emiro Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani |
| Head of Government | Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani |
| Institutional Form | Absolute monarchy |
| Capital | Doha |
| Legislative Power | Advisory Council, unicameral (45 Members) |
| Judicial Power | High Court |
| Ambassador to Italy | HE. Khalid Yousuf Al-Sada |
| Total Area kmq | 11.586 km2 |
| Land | 11.586 km2 |
| Weather | Desertic, arid |
| Natural resources | oil and natural gas |
| Economic summary | The main resources of economy are oil and natural gas |
| GDP | $180 billion (Dec. 2021) |
| Pro-capite GDP (Purchasing power parity) | $55.920 (Dec. 2021) |
| Exports | $47.2 billion (2020) |
| Export partner | Japan 17.1%, India 15.4%, China 15%, South Korea 12.8%, Singapore 6% (2020) Imports: $26.8 billion (2020) |
| Imports | $26.8 billion (2020) |
| Import partner | China 12.4%, UK 7.62%, Germany 6.69%, India 5%, France 6.35%, Italy 4.26% (2020) |
| Trade With Italy | $3,73 billion (2021) |
| Population | 2.508.182 (2022 est.) |
| Population Growth | +1,04% (2022 est.) |
| Ethnicities | Qatari 11.6%, non-qatari 88.4% |
| Languages | Arabic |
| Religions | Muslims 67.7%, Christians 13.8%, Hindu 13.8%, Buddhists 3.1% |
| Urbanization | 99,3% (2022) |
| Literacy | 93,5% (2022 est.) |
Qatar gained independence in 1971. The country borders with Saudi Arabia to the west and with the Persian Gulf on every other side. The population is estimated to be 2 million and the official language is Arabic.
Following the discovery of important oil and gas fields, Qatar has achieved relevant economic growth. This has increased the country’s investments in various strategic sectors internationally, which, in turn, has strengthened its regional political profile. Over the years, Qatar has been able to establish very close ties with various Middle Eastern countries. By virtue of its prominent role across the region, the country hosted some relevant diplomatic negotiations, including talks between American diplomats and the Taliban. In 2022, the country will also be the first Arab country to host the final phase of the Football World Cup.
Qatar represents an important interlocutor and strategic partner for Italy on many fronts. Bilateral collaboration in sectors such as security and defence has had a positive economic and industrial impact, and has allowed Qatar to increase exponentially its military power in the Persian Gulf, especially in the air and naval warfare sector.
From a commercial point of view, the trade balance between the two countries is in equilibrium. Italy’s main imports from Qatar consist of mineral fuels, oil and other products from oil distillation. Qatar’s imports from Italy consist of a wider range of products, including mechanical and fashion products, of which Italy is one of Qatar’s main suppliers.
