Qatar President arrives to promote ties

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday for a short visit and is likely to sign key agreements as well as participate in pivotal discussions as both countries focus on increasing trade ties. The Government has announced that he is being accompanied by a large entourage of around 80 people, including a crucial business delegation of about 30.

This is a follow-up visit to that of the delegation of Qatar officials who came to Sri Lanka last month to evaluate investment opportunities and engage in the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between the two Presidents while the Emir is in Sri Lanka.

Since top dollar land at the Galle Face has already been allocated to Sheraton and Shangri-la, the delegation will be offered land in another part of the country, said Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa, adding that the delegation had visited Kalpitiya, Hambantota and Negombo to identify land that could be leased on long-term contract for investment.

The Emir of Qatar is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat. A State Banquet will also be hosted by the President for the Emir of Qatar and his delegation.

Several agreements covering improvement of bilateral relations between the two countries in the fields of economic, trade, investment, cultural and industrial sectors are also scheduled to be signed during the visit.

Cabinet last week approved two agreements to be signed with Qatar on Investment Promotion and Protection as well as for cooperation in education, higher education and scientific research.

On a proposal made by External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Cabinet approval was granted for the proposed agreement to intensify economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of Sri Lanka and the State of Qatar while creating and maintaining more favourable conditions for investments by investors of both countries.

Meanwhile, the proposal made by Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Cabinet decided to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation in education, higher education and scientific research.

This MoU intends to consolidate friendship ties and promote cooperation in the fields of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research between the two Governments, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Under the investment agreement protection and security will be assured for businesses by both countries by the Governments.