Malta will be opening an embassy in Doha, in a clear sign of its willingness to cooperate with Qatar, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this afternoon.

Speaking following the signing of a series of agreements with Qatar this afternoon, which covered education, health, employment and the economy, Dr Gonzi said these agreements will open up the possibility for further discussions.

The agreements were signed after a meeting Dr Gonzi had with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who arrived in Malta this afternoon for a visit of a few hours.

Dr Gonzi described the meetings as productive and noted that Malta’s relations with Qatar, which went back some years, were particularly strengthened last year during the Libya crisis.

“We realised that there were a number of common areas where we could cooperate and were Qatar could invest in Malta,” Dr Gonzi said

The Prime Minister said that more discussions were necessary but one of the topics discussed today was energy. This was in line with government’s drive to explore all possibilities in line with its intention to eventually shift the Delimara power station to gas.

Dr Gonzi said that a number of initiatives government would be announcing in the coming days and in which the private sector would be asked to participate were also discussed.

“We cannot run and we have to remain with our feet on the ground but there is a clear will from the Qatari government to increase their investment in Malta,” Dr Gonzi said.

A ceremonial welcome which was meant to have taken place on St George's Square was cancelled because of the rain.

The Emir was instead greeted in the Palace courtyard by President George Abela, who introduced him to the prime minister, members of the Cabinet, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries as the AFM accorded a national salute.

The Emir was then hosted to lunch by the President.

Following the meeting with the Prime Minister and the signing of the agreements, the Emir planted a tree at San Anton Palace gardens.

He leaves at 6.30 p.m.

The Emir is accompanied by, among others, Sheikha Moza Bin Nasser, Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sheikh Jassem Bin Abdulaziz Bin jassem Ak-Thanni, Minister of Business and Trade.