Finland Looking To Import Qatari LNG, Says Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen

Doha , March 05 (QNA) - Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen revealed Tuesday that his country was looking into importing Qatari LNG in the future. He said that Finnish company Gasum was planning to build an LNG terminal that can serve a number of neighboring countries, and that's when they will need Qatari LNG. The Finnish Prime Minister revealed that he discussed the issue with the Qatari side. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), here Tuesdsy ,the Finnish Prime Minister said that there were two reasons behind his visit which was concluded yesterday; the first was to advance political relations, particularly as both are small countries which can play a big role. He noted how the State of Qatar has become a major player in the region and in international affairs in general. The second goal was Qatar's huge role in economy and Finland as a small country will always look for innovative ways to stay competitive. Hence the contact with the Qatari government , Katainen added. Katainen was accompanied by a delegation comprising members of 63 Finnish companies which are looking for investment opportunities in Qatar. The companies provide education, health and information technology services. Katainen noted that the trade volume between the two countries was still at low levels. He expressed hope that the numbers would go up particularly as Qatar is embarking on a number of huge projects. In his exclusive interview with QNA , the Finnish prime minister added that his country was looking forward to work on these projects even though Qatar always demands the highest quality in terms of technology and energy efficiency. Katainen described his meeting with HE Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani as fruitful. He noted that the talks focused on developments in the Arab region particularly in Syria. They also discussed developments in Iran and other countries in the region. The two Prime Ministers also discussed boosting trade relations, particularly the Finnish companies that have a long-standing experience in the health sector. Katainen revealed that they did not discuss partnership in a particular project but discussed a number of ideas and suggested holding ministerial meetings that will focus on particular projects. (QNA)