By Kim Young Shin

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon held a meeting with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Government Complex Seoul on Aug. 16.

The prime minister said that Seoul and Doha have been developing a reciprocal relationship, especially in the energy and infrastructure construction fields. He also said that Qatar, the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas to Korea, is a crucial contributor to Korea’s energy security.

“I hope that Korean companies can join in on various projects in Qatar, such as the expansion of airports and container terminals, the construction of a desalination plant and the introduction of compressed natural gas busses,” said Lee. The prime minister also explained the advanced medical insurance system in Korea and expressed his hope to expand ties between the two countries in the health and medical field.

The Qatari minister said that Korean companies have contributed greatly to Doha’s economic growth. He also emphasized the necessity of continuous and secure energy cooperation between the two countries.

“I will try to expand the fields of cooperation with Korea,” said the Qatari deputy prime minister. “I will suggest the health ministry expand medical ties with Korea.”

ysk1111@korea.kr