(MENAFN- Gulf Times) HE the Foreign Minister Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah yesterday expressed confidence that Turkey and Russia would soon find a way to a political and diplomatic solution after a Russian warplane was downed when it violated Turkish airspace near the Syrian border.
During a joint press conference with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Paolo Gentiloni, al-Attiyah said that Turkey and Russia would overcome the current crisis, referring to their "excellent" bilateral ties.
He said that Qatar and Italy shared the same views about the Syrian crisis and supported the need to find a political solution in accordance with the Geneva principles, adding that their talks were "in depth" about terrorism and ways to combat it.
Al-Attiyah said the Syrian people have priorities, at the forefront of them is the departure of Bashar al-Assad and solving the problem of terrorism, pointing to the importance of taking into account these priorities during the debate on a political solution in Syria.
He said that the "ideas and visions" of Qatar and Italy were also identical on the Libyan issue, stressing the need for Libyan unity. He confirmed support for the mission of the special representative of the secretary-general and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Martin Kobler, to reach a political solution in Libya.
Al-Attiyah described relations between Qatar and Italy as "ancient and diverse". The minister said that his discussions with his Italian counterpart covered "all matters relating to bilateral relations, especially at the economic, cultural and political levels".
For his part, Gentiloni stressed the "depth of Qatar-Italian relations", noting that a number of joint projects and investments would soon be implemented, especially those relating to the Qatar National Vision and cultural co-operation.
Gentiloni said that he discussed with al-Attiyah bilateral relations and co-operation in various areas.
The crisis being experienced by countries in the region, especially Syria and Libya, was also featured in the discussions, he added.
The Italian minister said that his country would take part in the coming Vienna summit and would exert all efforts to reach a solution to the crises that have beset the region's countries.
He stressed the keenness of Qatar and Italy "to move forward in solving the Libyan question despite numerous risks and potential problems".
He also underlined the need for Libya to remain united for the interest of its people and that of the neighbouring countries, welcoming the reconciliation agreement signed in Doha last week between the Libyan tribes of Tuareg and Tebu.
Qatar, he felt, could have an active role at the negotiating table by hosting opposition forces in Syria to reach a political solution.
The Vienna summit would produce a number of solutions, he said, adding that Italy proposed that Assad step down during the transitional period.
He also called for the respect of Turkey's territorial integrity and prevent the recurrence of airspace violations.
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