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President Moon Jae-in met on Monday with the Emir of Qatar.In their summit at the presidential office in Seoul, they agreed to upgrade their countries' comprehensive partnership... and signed multiple MOUs.Shin Se-min has the details. President Moon Jae-in's first diplomatic schedule of the year -- a summit meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the visiting Emir of Qatar,... in which they discussed strengthening their countries' ties both economically and culturally."I'm glad to see that South Korea and Qatar, as cherished friends and comprehensive partners, have developed such friendly cooperation. Our bilateral trade volume stands at 17 billion U.S. dollars, and many South Korean firms have entered the Qatari market. They've been contributing to Qatar's development of its infrastructure and economy."A large chunk of that trade volume comes from Seoul's imports of Liquefied Natural Gas from the Gulf State -- with industry data showing that more than 30 percent of Korea's total LNG imports comes from Qatar. And in a gesture that would help bring the two sides closer together than ever,... Qatar say it will consider buying 60 new LNG carriers from Seoul.The two leaders discussed ways for South Korean firms in Qatar to grow in several areas -- including smart-farming and smart-grid technology... in addition to the sectors of energy and construction, where they mainly are now.Korea and Qatar have also agreed to forge closer ties in Qatari maritime affairs,... with two sides promising to exchange related technologies and proceed with joint research projects,... as Qatar plans to ease its dependence on foreign countries for food. Solidifying their cooperation even further through cultural ties,... the two sides also exchanged their experience in hosting global sporting events -- especially with Qatar now prepping for the 2020 FIFA World Cup,... the first time for the event to be hosted by a country in the Middle East."The 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Seoul has experience in hosting multiple large sporting events. We will study those experiences and will be sure to ask for support." "That support will start with transportation infratructure on land and on the sea -- President Moon having suggested shipping Qatar buses that run on compressed natural gas... as the Gulf state readys itself to welcome the world for the 2020 World Cup.Shin Se-min, Arirang News."