DOHA, Qatar, 31 May, 2022 – Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper is currently heading a Bahamas government delegation to the Middle East with several high-level meetings planned to further the interest of The Bahamas to build and strengthen ties with Qatar.

The purpose of the mission is to engage in matters of mutual interest and cooperation in aviation, investments, tourism, transport and financial services while positioning The Bahamas as the regional leader in sustainable tourism.

Cooper yesterday met with the Prime Minister of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, who warmly received him and thanked the government of The Bahamas for accepting the country’s invitation to discuss areas of mutual benefit.

They reviewed bilateral relations and ways to deepen them, as well as air transport and tourism investment.

They also had productive discussions about the potential for public private partnerships on airports, training and technical assistance for Bahamasair and in the area of civil aviation and air traffic services.

Cooper also attended meetings with the Minister of Transport, H.E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaitithe CEO of Qatar Airways Akbar Al-Baker and other key government officials where tourism, transportation, civil aviation, navigation, airport logistics and expanding airlift to the Bahamas.

Cooper is accompanied by Minister of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis, Deputy Director General of Tourism and Acting Director of Aviation Dr. Kenneth Romer, Acting Director of Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority Alexander Ferguson and Director of Investments Phylicia Hanna, Mr. Anthony Stuart, Director, MOTIA, Europe & Middle East.

The delegation will head to Saudi Arabia today, which has invited The Bahamas to discuss areas of common interest and cooperation.

Anthony Stuart, Minister Halkitis, DPM Cooper, Dr. Romer

DPM Cooper, Prime Minister of Qatar

DPM Cooper with CEO & COO of Qatar Airways

DPM Cooper with CEO of Qatar Air