DOHA – An agreement providing for the exploration of gold and various metals between the Republic of Sudan and Qatar Mining Company was signed here Saturday.



The agreement was signed for the Sudanese side by Minister of Minerals Kamal Abdul Latif and for the company by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Board Chairman of Qatar Mining Company Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah.



During the signing ceremony, Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah said this achievement has been made under the patronage of the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, adding that "the Qatari working team has benefited greatly from the Sudanese experience in this area."



"This project comes as an embodiment of our faith in the emergence of a strong Sudan supportive of its nation," Al Attiyah said, stressing that it represents the first joint cooperation between the two countries in the field of mining, and it will be a model to be followed in the entire region.



The Sudanese Minister welcomed Qatar Mining Company as a strategic partner, noting that it enjoys efficiency and accumulated experience, and has an outstanding and competent human cadre in the field of mining.



He added that the agreement represents the conclusion of a strategic futuristic partnership between Qatar Mining Company and the Sudanese Ministry of Minerals, including four blocks, one in the Red Sea with the three others in the state of North Kordofan. It also allows for work in more blocks, the minister said. — SG/QNA