Agong hopes more Malaysian firms given opportunities in Qatar

His Majesty said this following the success of a Malaysian company in completing a new building project for Qatar's Ministry of Interior, which also served as the Qatar Prime Minister's office.

"I would also like to express my appreciation for the confidence and opportunities accorded by His Excellency the Emir (of Qatar) to the companies in my country in various projects in Qatar, like in the service and construction sectors.

"I consider this as a recognition for all Malaysian companies in Qatar," he said at a state banquet at Istana Negara here, Monday, to fete the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al Thani, who is on a two-day visit to the country.

The banquet was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, as well as Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who is the Minister-In-Attendance.

Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and his wife; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and Chief Justice Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif and his wife.

Sultan Muhammad V said the historic visit by the Emir of Qatar would open the 'gateway of cooperation' in economy and trade based on values of trust and mutual respect between the two countries.

Qatar is Malaysia's 40th largest trading partner with trade volume reaching RM2.37 billion (US $ 566 million) in 2016.

Sheikh Tamim, who is visiting the country on the invitation of Sultan Muhammad V, arrived in Malaysia last night.

This is Sheikh Tamim's first visit to Malaysia since ascending the throne on June 25, 2013, with his late father, Sheikh Hamad Khalifa Al Thani's last visit to the country in May, 2009.