Qatar ready to help Lanka’s development programmes

The main objective of the State of Qatar is to see Sri Lanka achieve rapid development. He is ready to assist Sri Lanka in the field of development in every way possible without pre-conditions or agreements, Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Ali Thani and Prime Minister of Qatar Hamad bin Jassem bin Jahar Althani said when they met with President Mahinda Rajapaksa for talks Sunday.

The Emir of Qatar who described the visit of President Rajapaksa in Qatar as a great honor to Qatar, said he made a point to stay and meet with President Rajapaksa by canceling a scheduled state visit to abroad. A statement issued by the President of the Media Division said the emir of Qatar, who said that development aid to Sri Lanka by his country is far from satisfactory, said he was ready to extend any assistance to Sri Lanka in the future as a mark of respect for President Rajapaksa. The emir said Sri Lanka had been able to make considerable progress in the field of development and achieve a higher growth rate in the region in a very short time after the defeat suffered against terrorism through leadership able President Rajapaksa.

Talks between the Prime Minister of Qatar Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabar Althani and President Rajapaksa also took place in a very cordial atmosphere. The Minister of Qatar thanked the First President Rajapaksa for the hospitality extended to him during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, said the cordial friendship between the two countries should be strengthened in the future. He said Qatar is anxiously watching the progress of Sri Lanka in the field of development.

President Rajapaksa said he wanted to thank Qatar for the full cooperation and support extended to Sri Lanka during the last sessions of the HRC.

Ministers Prof. GL Peiris, AHM Fowzie, Rishad Bathiudeen and Rauf Hakeem, Deputy Minister Faizer Musthapha, AHM Azwer Parliamentary Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Sri Lankan Jayantha Palipana ambassador to Qatar were also present during the discussions.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, currently on a state visit to Qatar as a special guest of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani of Qatar visited the museum yesterday. Expert on urban issues AHM Fowzie Minister, External Affairs Minister Prof. GL Peiris, Industry and Trade Minister Rishard Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem Minister of Justice, Technology and Research Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha, MP AHM Azwer , secretary of the President Lalith Weeratunga and the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Qatar were also present on the occasion. Photo by Sudath Silva