TEHRAN – On Saturday, Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref held a meeting with Saad bin Abdullah Al-Mohammad Al-Sharif, Qatar's newly appointed ambassador in Tehran, to discuss the strong relationship and aligned political positions between the two countries.

Aref emphasized that Iran and Qatar maintain closely aligned views on regional and international issues, noting that there are limitless opportunities to enhance relations across various sectors. 

He commended the Emir of Qatar for selecting a seasoned diplomat as the new ambassador to Iran, underscoring that this appointment signals a commitment to advancing political and economic collaboration between the two nations. 

On August 2, the Iranian Vice President made an official visit to Qatar, where he held an important meeting with Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. The two leaders discussed the regional issues, emphasizing the urgent necessity to condemn the hostile and illegal actions of the Israeli regime. 

Also in his meeting with the Qatari Ambassador, Aref highlighted the importance of enhancing the cooperation commission between Iran and Qatar, noting that Iran's active participation in intergovernmental organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), BRICS, and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) presents valuable opportunities for Qatar. 

He condemned Israel's violent assaults on the oppressed populations in Lebanon and Gaza, asserting, “Iran and Qatar share a unified stance regarding the aggression of the Zionist regime and its effects on children in the region. We also acknowledge and respect Qatar's vital role as a mediator in addressing these regional issues.” 

The Iranian Vice President announced plans for the construction of the world’s longest undersea tunnel connecting Iran and Qatar, marking a significant step in their collaborative efforts. 

Qatar’s ambassador in Tehran highlighted the success of the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's recent visit to Qatar. He stated that both the Emir of Qatar and the President of Iran are committed to aligning the level of economic relations with that of their political ties, as both nations share a strong desire to enhance commercial and economic cooperation. 

Al-Mohammed Al-Sharif noted that Iran and Qatar have coexisted for centuries, sharing numerous historical, social, and cultural connections. 

Furthermore, the Qatari ambassador condemned the violent attacks by the Israeli regime on the people of Lebanon and Gaza, asserting that “Qatar is actively mediating to halt the war and the bloodshed in both Gaza and Lebanon.”