Doha: Qatar’s Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud Al Thani has called for stronger economic ties with Iran, saying economic cooperation can help prevent future conflicts with the neighbouring country.
Drawing a comparison with the historic rivalry between Germany and France, Al Thani said the two European countries experienced decades of conflict, including three major wars, before pursuing economic cooperation.
He cited the establishment of Airbus in 1970 as an example of how economic ties can help build bridges between former adversaries.
“We want to build a bridge in order to use economic ties to prevent any conflict,” Al Thani said, emphasizing the importance of developing closer economic relations with Iran.
He added that Iran is Qatar’s neighbour and stressed the need to find ways to prevent future confrontations.
The remarks highlight Qatar’s emphasis on economic engagement and regional cooperation as means of promoting long-term stability in the Gulf.