AP

Qatar ruler in Czech Republic to talk business, gas exports

Oct 4, 2022, 5:39 PM | Updated: Oct 5, 2022, 5:59 am

Czech Republic's President Millos Zeman, right, welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Than...

Czech Republic's President Millos Zeman, right, welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)


              Czech Republic's President Millos Zeman, left, welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
            
              Czech Republic's President Millos Zeman, right, welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
            
              Czech Republic's President Millos Zeman, left, welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
            
              Czech Republic's President Millos Zeman, left, welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
            
              Czech Republic's President Millos Zeman, right, welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
            
              Czech Republic's President Millos Zeman, right, welcomes Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

PRAGUE (AP) — Qatar’s emir paid his first visit to the Czech Republic on Wednesday for business talks expected to include a potential deal for deliveries of Qatari liquefied natural gas.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is accompanied by a large delegation, was formally greeted by Czech President Milos Zeman at the Prague Castle.

The emir and his entourage will meet Czech officials including Finance Minister Zbynek Stanura, Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Sikela and Transport Minister Martin Kupka.

Among other issues, talks are expected to focus on deliveries of liquified natural gas from Qatar, the world’s biggest LNG exporter. Following the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine, t he Czech Republic, like other European nations, is seeking alternative sources for fossil fuels to replace its former dependence on Russian gas.

Later in the day, the emir will meet Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

Other issues to be discussed include cooperation in the arms industry, space technology and the possible involvement of Qatari investors in building Czech transport infrastructure.

An economy and trade cooperation deal between the Czech Republic and Qatar was expected to be signed at the Prague Castle later Wednesday.

During his three-day visit, the emir is also expected to meet some of the leaders from more than 40 countries who are attending a summit in Prague on Thursday aimed at boosting security and prosperity across Europe.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

AP

Image: A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after ...

Associated Press

Authorities identify 2 bodies recovered at site of Baltimore bridge collapse

A major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

1 day ago

Photo: Mountaineer Jim Whittaker has died at 95....

Gene Johnson, The Associated Press

Lou Whittaker, among the most famous American mountaineers, has died at age 95

Lou Whittaker, a legendary American mountaineer who helped lead ascents of Mount Everest, K2 and Denali, has died at age 95.

1 day ago

File photo: Former Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks in Washington on Jan. 18, 2024....

Associated Press

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in 2000, has died.

1 day ago

islamic state attack...

Vanessa Gera, The Associated Press

What we know after the Islamic State group claims responsibility for Moscow massacre

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall that killed at least 133 people.

5 days ago

Moscow shooting...

The Associated Press

Russia: 60 dead, 145 injured in concert hall raid; Islamic State group claims responsibility

Assailants burst into a concert hall in Moscow on Friday and sprayed the crowd with gunfire, killing over 60 people, injuring more than 100.

7 days ago

Photo: Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge visits 282 (East Ham) Squadron, RAF Air Cadets, Cornwel...

Associated Press

Kate Middleton announces she has cancer, is undergoing chemotherapy

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, says she is undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer. She has been out of view since Christmas.

7 days ago

Qatar ruler in Czech Republic to talk business, gas exports