Qatari-Italian talks start in Rome

A round of official talks started on Wednesday at the premises of the Italian Cabinet between the state of Qatar, chaired by Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani, and Italy, led by Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema.

The Qatari News Agency said the two sides discussed means of strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Several regional and international issues of mutual concern were reviewed.

Earlier in the day, the emir of Qatar, currently on an official visit to Italy, met with the chairman of the Italian Senate. Present at the meeting was Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa al-Thani.