Published: 19:30, February 19, 2025 | Updated: 21:19, February 19, 2025
Qatar's emir visits Iran to strengthen ties
By Xinhua
This handout picture provided by the Iranian presidency shows Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian (left) walking with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (center, left) during a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Teheran on Feb 19, 2025. (HANDOUT / IRANIAN PRESIDENCY VIA AFP) 

TEHERAN - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Teheran on Wednesday for talks with senior Iranian officials, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.

The Qatari leader is set to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials during the visit, with bilateral agreements expected to be signed to expand collaboration in economy, culture, education, and sports, IRNA said.

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The trip follows Iranian President Pezeshkian's October 2024 visit to Doha, where he attended the Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit and held talks with Sheikh Tamim.

Iran's Ambassador to Qatar, Ali Salehabadi, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) on Tuesday that the emir's trip underscored "deep-rooted relations built on mutual trust" and reflected both nations' "unflagging determination to bolster ties."

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The two countries, which share a massive offshore gas field, have maintained pragmatic relations amid intense regional tensions. Qatar has occasionally mediated between Iran and Western powers, including during nuclear negotiations.