Doha - QNA
Governments of the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment, and the Republic of Albania, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Management, today signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of environment protection. The memorandum was signed by HE the Minister of Environment Abdullah bin Mubarak bin Aaboud Al-Ma\'dhadi and Albanian Minister of Minister of Environment, Forestry and Water Management Fatmir Mediu. The MoU emanated from the two countries awareness of the global nature of environmental issues and the need to find durable and cost-effective solutions to address these issues through international cooperation, as well as the importance of the coordination of joint activities between the two countries and conviction that cooperation in the field of environmental protection results in mutual benefit and promotes the development of the relationship and friendship between the two countries. It also stemmed from awareness by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Albania of the responsibility of ensuring environmental integrity of present and future generations and the respect and appreciation of international environmental protocols and agreements signed by the two countries. The MoU stated that the two parties cooperate with each other in environmental issues on the basis of security, equal rights and mutual benefit within the framework of their related scope of practice and legislations. In order to achieve the objectives of the memorandum, both parties shall work to create, promote and develop ties of cooperation between the various public and private authorities in issues relating to the protection of the environment and sustainability. The two parties shall cooperate in the field of environment and enhancement of closer relations between their enterprises in the framework of sustainable development and to ensure proper application of the provisions of the memorandum. The parties agreed to form a joint committee composed of officials from each party to implement areas of cooperation included in the memorandum. The Committee aims to find ways and means to enhance environmental cooperation between the parties and to coordinate the approved bilateral projects approved. The Committee is to meet periodically in each of Qatar and Albania alternately in the date and venue they set.