Qatari Premier, Germany Chancellor Joint Press Conference

Berlin, April 16 (QNA) - Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a joint press conference here today underlined the importance of the relations between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany and the need to further strengthen them between the friendly countries. HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani said during the press conference that the talks today with the German Chancellor reflected the positive relations between the two countries in various respects including consultation on political, economy, education and health areas , and the biggest evidence is that Qatar was now holding the Business and Investment Forum in Qatar in the German capital, Berlin. HE the Premier and Foreign Minister highlighted the great success achieved by the Forum thanks to the support of the Chancellor of the Republic of Germany, especially as it would open great prospects for cooperation between the two countries and ways to develop them further. HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim added that Qatar is aware of the pivotal and important role of Germany in Europe, expressing delight to have consultation with it in various fields. With regard to today's talks HE the Premier and Foreign Minister said: "We we confirmed during our discussions the importance importance of supporting the Egyptian economy so that it would take the right track right and also the need to adopt diplomatic approaches to solve issue of nuclear energy in Iran and not to resort to using force in the region, We are fully aware that the use of force is not in the interest of the region in general. ", HE the Premier and Foreign Minister noted He added that "the talks also touched on the Syrian affairs in detail, stressing Qatar's clear position in support of the Syrian revolution and the aspirations of the Syrian people. HE the Premier and Foreign Minister said the German Chancellor also has same approach in support of the demands of the Syrian people. He added it is important that we finish this issue as soon as possible because the of great sacrifices made by the Syrian people, where hundred thousands had died and the whole country has been destroyed, therefore it is important to achieve the demands of the Syrian people and that the international community should help clearly and more effectively in this area. ", HE the Premier and Foreign Minister said. Answering questions on President Assad's allegations that Qatar was helping Syrian rebels in order to destabilize Syria, and that some neighboring countries were scoffing at Qatar's close relationship to the Moslem Brotherhood, HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani said that Assad was only partially right. He explained that Qatar only turned to supporting the Syrian uprising after exhausting all efforts to remedy the situation and effecting a real change. He noted that he visited Damascus twice before the revolt only to find persisting procrastination and a regime's insistence to dismiss all other solutions, barring the military. Hence, he explained, Qatar shifted to the side of the Syrian people, not to destabilize the Syrian regime but to realize the aspirations of the Syrian people. And as concerning allegations that Qatar was seeking to destabilize the area, he said history stood witness to those who used to hatch plots in many areas, "terrorist machinations and plots for destabilization",HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim said, stressing the peaceful intentions of Qatar "which only interfered in support of the Syrian people". Asked about Qatar's support for the Muslim Brotherhood, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said Doha supports the popular will of each country as the Brotherhood won elections in Tunisia and Egypt. "We deal with governments and not individuals or groups. This rumor emerged in some neighboring countries ." HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim added that there are a lot of rumors, but insisted that it is actions that matter. "We know what we are doing. We only support the popular will and never interfere in the affairs of other countries or who rules them. We did not bring the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt or else where and we started to support Egypt before they came to power," HE the premier said, adding that HH the Emir, HH the Heir Apparent and he himself all visited Cairo before the Brotherhood ruled the country. Speaking on the Iranian issue and negotiations in relation to Tehran's nuclear program and its upcoming presidential vote, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said Iran is a neighbor of Qatar and an important state in the region, which has the right to some nuclear technology in line with the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. He underlined the necessity to reach a political solution among the international community, the 5+1 powers and Iran in relation to Tehran's nuclear program, adding that this is the only way to reach a settlement. When asked about the military agreements between Qatar and Germany, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said the issue was not addressed during his talks with Merkel. "We did not talk about any military deals with the German government as much as we spoke of comprehensive cooperation with it in the fields I mentioned in the beginning of the press conference." For her part, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the talks with HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, addressed a number of topics, including ways to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries. She added, "We opened Business and Investment Forum in Qatar yesterday, and expressing pleasure over the holding of the Forum in Germany. She added, "that her country hopes for closer ties with Qatar in various fields and making new achievements. With respect to the agreement on the prevention of double taxation, She said it is an impediment to investment so far. She added : "We are pleased that Germany can contribute to projects, many of them are related infrastructure. She said we also talked about the development of society, especially with regard to the situation of human rights in Qatar and the overall bilateral relations. " Merkel said we had also discussed possible solutions to the Syrian conflict. She said Germany would not supply arms to the Syrian rebels, but would not block talks in the European Union about such aid. Britain and France advocate sending weapons. "If there are to be further talks, Germany is willing to conduct such talks, without infringing on our own position that we will not be able to supply weapons ourselves," she said. Berlin wants a political, rather than a military solution to the Syrian crisis. "We are convinced that Assad has lost his legitimacy, and that this is all about supporting the wishes of the Syrian people and thus supporting the peaceful forces of the opposition," Merkel said. The chancellor also praised Qatar's financial aid to Egypt . "We want Egypt to get onto a sensible path economically ... I would like to thank Qatar for its multiple commitments," she