Doha: Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said yesterday that Italy and Qatar share the same concerns over the international tensions arising from Iran's nuclear ambitions and are working together to find a peaceful solution to the dispute.
Napolitano wrapped up a two-day visit to Qatar yesterday, in what was the first ever mission of an Italian Head of State to the Gulf country.
"Both countries are concerned over the escalating tensions in the region, the ongoing conflicts and the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme. However we are committed to a peaceful resolution," he said addressing reporters yesterday.
The President, who met with the Emir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, in a private dinner on Monday night, said talks touched on bilateral ties and means to boost them.
Talks between the Qatari official and the Italian delegation, comprising also Italy's minister of foreign trade Emma Bonino and deputy minister for foreign affairs Ugo Intini, also touched on Italy's campaign for a global ban on the death penalty which is still in place in the Gulf country.
Qatar has not made public its position, but the country may abstain when UN member states are called to vote, Bonino told the Italian media accompanying the delegation.
During the visit the Emir honoured the Italian President with the Collar of Independence, while Napolitano conferred Italy's highest recognition, the Order of the Grand Cross of Merit, upon Shaikha Mouza Bint Nasser Al Misnad, wife of the Emir, in appreciation of her role in the development and humanitarian field.