H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabr Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke highly about relations between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom which he described as "Old and historical" asserting that relations between Doha and London witnessed considerable developments in the field of economy and investments during recent months.
In a joint press conference held with the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, H.E. declared that the two countries are considering new horizons of cooperation stating that he and Mr. Brown discussed the credit crisis and possible ways for overcoming it. In this regard H.E. noted that Brown's handling of the current crisis in the world economy had been "courageous and clear" and displayed 'wisdom".
H.E. the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs added "We shall work together with the United Kingdom and cooperate with it and with other willing countries for bringing about a method for dealing with the international financial crisis and look for developing cooperation in various fields".
Answering a question about the responsibility of GCC countries for helping the European countries at the current situation of the economic crisis H.E. the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said " There is a misunderstanding here, no one is coming here seeking help, we are seeking cooperation". He added that the State of Qatar, Britain and other countries have the same principles and the same will and desire for solving the crisis and seeking ways of proper dealing with the economic crisis.
H.E. stressed " We share the same world and the same principles and Qatar is not excluded from the current crisis" adding that the countries were in fact discussing mutually beneficial opportunities of investments for promoting economies in the framework of partnership" adding "However, there are other countries that need our help in different ways and we continue to offer assistance to any countries that we can agree with".
Regarding oil prices H.E. said " We wish we had fixed price but that is a market price. High prices affecting the economy and low prices affecting the economy so it is very important to think about prices that can be workable for both sides, producers and consumers".
H.E. stated that an oil price of between $70-90 a barrel would be considered fair by Qatar, however, he added that eventually the matter depends on oil producing and oil consuming countries. He said that oil producing countries are in need of fair prices to continue investing in the sector of hydrocarbon products and that low prices do not help oil producers to continue investments that can be subject to instability.
Answering a question from QNA if talks with Mr. Gordon Brown dealt with Darfur crisis and the role played by Qatar for solving it, H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabr Al Thani said Britain supports the Qatari Arab plan for solving Darfur issue and cited the close cooperation between Doha and London in this regard confirming the issuance of a Qatari British statement on Darfur issue at the end of talks.