Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar Ridwan Hassan presented credentials to Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Amiri Diwan Palace on Wednesday, Dec 9, 2020.

Presentation of the credentials marked the start of the ambassador's duties to represent Indonesia's interests in Qatar, the Indonesian Embassy in Doha noted in a written statement released on Thursday.

At his meeting with the Qatari Amir, the ambassador sent the Indonesian president's rewards and appreciation to the Amir for his visit to Indonesia in 2017 and 2019.

Several agendas will be high on the list of the new ambassador's priorities comprising intensifying economic relations between both nations, increasing the protection of Indonesian citizens, strengthening people-to-people contact, and participating in creating global peace by playing a role in the Afghanistan peace negotiations wherein Qatar is the host.

Indonesia established diplomatic ties with Qatar in 1976. Since then, the two countries have made achievements in several fields.

Indonesia's exports to Qatar had reached US$162.9 million in the January-September 2020 period, up 32.30 percent as compared to $123.14 million during the same period last year.

Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani had visited Indonesia in 2017 and 2019, while Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited Qatar in 2015.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa P/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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