Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 17th Doha Forum, an annual gathering of business leaders, academics, politicians, specialists and civil society organizations to discuss political, economic, regional and
international issues.
Sessions in this year's forum, held Sunday and Monday under the theme “Development, Stability and Refugee Crisis,” included sessions titled "International Cooperation and the Importance of Political and Economic Stability,” "Oil and Energy Issues” and "Future of International Trade Agreements and Investment.”
Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani gave the opening speech at the economic stability session.
Keynote speakers for the oil session included Minister of Energy and Industry Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, Sudan's Minister of Investment Modathir Abdul-Ghani, State Secretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs- Romania Monica Gheorghita and and State Secretary to the Minister for EU Affairs and Trade, Ministry for Foreign affairs - Sweden Oscar Stenstrom.
Keynote speakers for the trade agreement session included Ahmed Ali Al Hammadi, director of active investments for the Qatar Investment Authority, and Dr. Afnan Al Shuaibi, secretary general and CEO of the British Arab Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia.