Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani being welcomed by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, at 10 Downing Street in London yesterday.
DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed with the Prime Minister of the friendly United Kingdom, Theresa May, aspects of strengthening the strategic bilateral relations and joint cooperation in the different fields so as to achieve the interests of the two friendly countries and peoples, especially in economy, trade, investment, health, sports, security and defence, in addition to discussing both countries’ efforts to combat terrorism and its financing in order to strengthen regional security and stability.
The discussions, which were held at the U K government headquarters, 10 Downing Street, touched on a number of international and regional issues, notably the Gulf crisis and the importance of resolving it via dialogue to ensure the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in addition to discussing the general situation in the Middle East.
Amir with the Qatari team who swam across the English Channel
The Prime Minister had welcomed H H the Amir at the beginning of the talks and praised the tangible development of mutual cooperation in different fields, including security, defence, health, education and culture. She also highlighted the long-standing and historical ties between the two countries and their strong friendship, looking forward to encouraging it towards wider horizons in the future.
The Prime Minister expressed her country’s will to contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, developing trade and investment relations between both countries, in addition to cooperating on fighting terrorism.
As for Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup, the Prime Minister said that all eyes are now on Qatar after the end of the World Cup in Russia, noting that Qatar will organise a successful tournament.
For his part, H H the Amir expressed his pleasure to visit the United Kingdom and hailed the strategic relations and strong historical ties that brought both countries together for more than 100 years. H H the Amir also praised the progress made in all cooperation fields since his last visit, especially in economy, security, defence and many other fields.
Regarding cooperating on fighting terrorism, H H the Amir highlighted the close joint work being done by both countries through Al Udeid Air Base.
H H the Amir also highlighted the importance of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the contribution of British companies to achieve it.
On Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup, H H the Amir highlighted the meetings that were held with the British side to review the potential opportunities and aspects of cooperation, referring to Britain’s expertise and success in organizing the 2012 Olympic Games and other international sporting events.
The talks were attended by a number of Their Excellencies members of the official delegation.
From the British side, the talks were also attended by a number of Their Excellencies ministers and senior officials.
H H the Amir and the Prime Minister, yesterday witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for cooperation in the field of combating terrorism between the governments of the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom at 10 Downing Street. Signing the letter comes in response to the keenness of both countries to deepen cooperation in combating terrorism and also in respect of international standards and the principles of human rights in terms of tackling the threat of terrorism. The letter of intent aims to exchange information and intelligence on terrorism and cooperation in the area of law enforcement in issues related to terror activities, in addition to cooperation in tackling threats facing the transport sector, including airport security, aviation and combating financial crimes.
A number of Their Excellencies members of the official delegation attended the signing. In addition, a number of Their Excellencies ministers and senior officials attended from the British side. H H the Amir also attended a luncheon banquet hosted by the Prime Minister at the No. 10 Downing Street, in honour of His Highness and the accompanying delegation.
The banquet was attended on the UK side by a number of their excellencies ministers and ranking officials.
H H the Amir met yesterday with Secretary of State for the Home Department of the United Kingdom, Sajid Javid, at H H the Amir’s residence in London. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop them, especially in security cooperation, in addition to the efforts of both countries to combat terrorism and its causes, and exchange related experiences. They also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. The meeting was attended by a number of Their Excellencies members of the official delegation.
H H the Amir attended a ceremony held by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence in the Horse Guards in London, on the occasion of the agreement signed between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom in December 2017 to establish a Joint Operational Squadron (JOS) to protect their airspace. During the ceremony, H H the Amir received the flag of the joint squadron of the Qatari Amiri Air Force and the UK Royal Air Force. H H the Amir then handed over the flag to the commanders of the joint squadron.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Qatar and the United Kingdom. H H the Amir then received a guard of honour afterwards.
The ceremony was attended by a number of their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying H H the Amir and a number of Qatari military leaders.
H H the Amir met with the members of the Qatari team that crossed the English Channel at His Highness’s residence in London. At the beginning of the meeting, H H the Amir congratulated members of the team for their sporting achievement, wishing them more progress and achievements, stressing his highness’ continued support for youth initiatives. For their part, the members of the team expressed their thanks and gratitude to H H the Amir for holding the meeting, expressing their happiness and pride with their achievement that raised the name of Qatar, pointing out that this achievement is only a real translation of the support of H H the Amir to youth initiatives, which is a catalyst for giving more in the future.
