Luxembourg, October 18 (QNA) - The State of Qatar on Monday signed a Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement with the European Union (EU), ushering in a new chapter of cooperation in the field of air transportation between Qatar and EU countries.

The Agreement was signed in Luxemburg by HE Qatar's Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Anze Logar, whose country is the current President of the EU, and HE European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell.

The new Agreement replaces already-signed bilateral agreements but will not strike out the previous rights granted to the State of Qatar and the EU Member States.

As per the Agreement, the companies concerned from all intended countries will enjoy an easy and free access to markets with less restrictions, aiming to significantly boost the opportunities of competition which all parties were keen they shall be fair and shall ensure the application of the principles of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) through allowing fair and equal opportunities for all parties.

It will also allow Qatar's national carrier to enter European markets easily (without restrictions) and expand its network in EU countries with the possibility of linking it to the rest of networks without limits to payloads or number of flights, thus reflecting positively on the national carrier's profitability.

On the occasion, HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said that the Agreement will be beneficial to all its parties and it is the first of its kind in the Gulf Region, for transportation rights (third and fourth freedoms).

HE added that the Agreement will allow a phased progressive liberalization over four years after which markets will have become fully liberalized, and the concerned companies will then be able to exhibit the capacity that is appropriate for their needs, thus allowing Qatar's national carrier to operate in some key European markets such as France, Germany, Spain and others.

HE the Minister expressed pleasure in signing the Agreement, which had seen serious negotiations from both parties to ensure its success, adding that this reflects the sincere intention for developing the bilateral ties between the Sate of Qatar and all EU countries to accelerate development and ensure an effective contribution to strengthening bilateral economic relations.

HE said that the Agreement is a testimony to Qatar's notable profile in air transportation and that the national carrier has an active role around the world.

HE the Minister thanked all parties that contributed to the success of the Agreement, particularly the negotiating teams representing the Agreement and Qatar who successfully reached the final version for signing the pact, wishing Qatar-EU bilateral relations more success and progress. (QNA)