By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak called for Qatar to increase investment in the fields of finance, shipbuilding, construction and renewable energy to promote stronger economic ties with South Korea, the presidential office said Monday.
At a meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee and Qatari Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani shared common goals for economic prosperity in their countries and agreed to increase economic exchanges.
It was the Qatari prince's first official visit to South Korea. He promised to send an economic delegation to Seoul soon to discuss bilateral investment and trade, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Qatar is Seoul's No.1 supplier of liquefied natural gas and the fifth-largest supplier of crude oil. The two countries formed diplomatic relations in 1974.
``South Korea and Qatar have increased cooperation in various fields. I hope the relations will develop further,'' Lee was quoted as saying at the meeting.
The crown prince said he trusts South Korean firms because they are experienced and technologically advanced. He hoped Qatar would share more business opportunities with Korean firms, the presidential office said.
The prince also offered condolences to the bereaved family of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun. Roh made Korea's first-ever presidential visit to Qatar in 2007.