Qatar is open to buying stakes in part state-owned lenders RBS and Lloyds Banking Group and has discussed investing in the UK, Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al-Thani said on Wednesday.

Asked whether the Gulf state would invest in RBS or Lloyds specifically, he replied:'We are very open to any investment in the UK and we have discussed some.'

Qatar's prime minister, who is also the chief executive of its sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), made the remarks during a press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was on a visit to the region.

Qatar has stakes in companies including retailer J Sainsbury, Barclays bank and German automaker Porsche through QIA.

Earlier this month the QIA's Qatar Holding unit invested in contingent convertible bonds issued by Credit Suisse.

Other high-profile investments made by QIA over the past couple of years include the 1.5 billion pound acquisition of iconic London department store Harrods.

Analysts say QIA is set to focus increasingly on Asia and other emerging markets, and will have to diversify away from 'trophy assets' to ensure sustainable growth. Last year QIA raised its stake in Agricultural Bank of China.

RBS shares were up 0.7 per cent, while Lloyds shares rose 1.5 percent on the London Stock Exchange.-Reuters