Malta is trying to woo investment from the rich Gulf state of Qatar for a number of projects the government will unveil in the near future, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

He was speaking after meeting the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, at Auberge de Castille in Valletta yesterday.

The Sheikh, accompanied by his wife Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, flew to Malta for a half-day visit during which five agreements were signed between the two countries.

Dr Gonzi did not specify what the projects were but said the Qatari government was willing to invest in Malta. “We cannot run and we have to have our feet on the ground but there is a clear will from the Qatari government to increase their investment in Malta.”

He said the agreements covered health, education, economic cooperation and research. They provided the basis for further talks between the countries.

No joint press conference was held and Dr Gonzi briefly addressed journalists on his own after the Sheikh left.

The Amir’s entourage seemed reluctant to have journalists present for the introductory speeches – a normal occurrence – and after a minute the media was asked to leave the room before the Sheikh spoke and while Dr Gonzi was still welcoming him.

Malta will be opening an embassy in the Qatari capital Doha, as a sign of its willingness to cooperate with the Gulf state, Dr Gonzi announced.

The energy sector and the possibility of sourcing gas from Qatar were also discussed during the high-level meetins.

Dr Gonzi reiterated the government’s commitment to eventually shift the Delimara power station to gas and talks with Qatar formed part of the drive to explore all possible avenues.

He said relations with Qatar went back some years but were particularly strengthened last year during the Libya crisis.

A ceremonial welcome which was meant to have taken place in St George’s Square, Valletta, soon after the Sheikh’s arrival was cancelled because of the rain.

He was instead greeted in the Palace courtyard by President George Abela, who introduced him to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and members of the diplomatic corps as the AFM accorded a national salute. He then lunched with the President. Before leaving in the evening, the Sheikh planted a at San Anton Palace gardens.