President returns from Qatar
President Mahinda Rajapaksa who paid an official visit to Qatar to
attend the Doha Economic Summit Forum as a special guest on the
invitation of Qatar Emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani returned to
the country yesterday morning.
During his stay in Qatar, President Rajapaksa met Qatar Emir
Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin
Jabar and held bilateral discussions with them.
The Qatar Emir and the Prime Minister during discussions said Qatar
was anxious to see Sri Lanka proceeding towards accelerated development
and Qatar was prepared to assist Sri Lanka in this endeavour
unconditionally.
The Emir said he even cancelled a scheduled foreign visit to stay
behind and meet President Rajapaksa as a mark of honour to him. The Emir
said Sri Lanka which suffered a setback due to terrorism had been able
to attain rapid growth and development due to its efficient leadership.
The President's delegation included Minister Prof G L Peiris, A H M
Fowzie, Rishath Bathiutheen and Rauf Hakeem, Deputy Ministers Faizer
Musthapha, Parliamentarian A H M Azwer and Sajin Vaas Gunawardena and
Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga.
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