Doha: He Minister of Transport SHeikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani and HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama Carlos Arturo Hoyos have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the mutual recognition of seafarer's certificates between Qatar and Panama.

According to Qatar News Agency, this agreement is aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and its amendments. It aims to enhance both countries' adHerence to international standards in maritime practices.

The MoU pertains to the certificates of seafarers serving on merchant ships registered under the flags of either Qatar or Panama, with the exception of those serving on ships specified in Article 3 of the STCW Convention. It ensures that the agreement does not conflict with the local laws of either nation.

Following the formal signing, Qatar's Minister of Transport Held discussions with Panama's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The talks focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in the transportation industry.