Dominica and Qatar boost ties: PM Skerrit and Minister Al Muraikhi discuss opportunities 

Dominica: Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit received a courtesy call earlier this week from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar - Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. The leaders engaged in a fruitful discussion aimed at boosting bilateral ties. During the visit, the leaders also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further political cooperation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the two countries. While sharing the glimpses of this visit on his official Facebook account, PM Skerrit said that he discussed opportunities for enhancing the bilateral relations. Minister Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi was accompanied by the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Commonwealth of Dominica, Yaser Awad Al-Abdulla Acting Director of the American Affairs Department, Al Muhannad Ali Al-Hammadi and other officials during the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister.Meanwhile, the first round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and Dominica were held in Roseau following which the MOU was signed. While the Qatari delegation was led by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vince Henderson led the Dominican side. During the consultations, cooperation relations between the two countries and several ways to support and enhance them were discussed. Minister Henderson outlined, “Presence of our friend from Qatar is a testament to underscoring our enduring commitment to maximizing opportunities for the region’s benefits.”It is to be noted that the emerging non-traditional relationships particularly between CARICOM and the Middle East is one of great potential. The inaugural CARICOM Saudi Arabia Summit co-chaired by Dominica in 2023 and several engagements with the United Arab Emirates are decisive steps towards establishing ties with the middle east region.The recent MOU signed between Dominica and Qatar is another step ahead toward building overall relations with the Middle Eastern region and beyond.