HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will lead well-wishers to welcome the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, who will arrive in Qatar on Monday on a two-day official visit.
HH the Emir and King Salman will discuss means of enhancing the well-established fraternal relations between the two countries in addition to the latest developments on the regional and international arenas.
Qatar's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer al-Thani, on Sunday described King Salman’s visit to Doha and the meeting with HH the Emir as a "consolidation of the distinguished strong historic and fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries."
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Qatari ambassador said the meeting between HH the Emir and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques opens vast prospects for joint action and cooperation in all areas and emphasises more cohesion and interdependence among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.
This year has witnessed several meetings which brought together HH the Emir and King Salman along with the Emir's meetings with Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence. The meetings stress the continuous communication between leaders of the two countries, the ambassador said.
The mutual visits between the two countries represent a chance to enhance the brotherly relations while offering a suitable opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest as well as regional and international issues, he added.
The ambassador hailed the distinguished level of bilateral relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia in all areas and at political and economic levels.
Bilateral ties are not limited to the formal side between the two governments and officials in the two countries but have also reached out to the grassroots level, he said, referring to the various events which brought together businessmen in both countries. There has also been an increase in number of visitors from Saudi Arabia to Qatar, placing Doha and Qatari cities as popular touristic destinations for Saudi families.
Trade and economic relations between Doha and Riyadh present an excellent model of the integration and strength of joint interests between the two countries, the ambassador said, expressing pleasure over the successful 'Made in Qatar Exhibition 2016' organised by the Qatar Chamber for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the Qatari-Saudi Economic Forum.
The ambassador stressed the conformity of the two countries' policies and positions in all Arab issues including Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya as well as counter-terrorism issues, which now threatens the region.
The Palestinian cause and the efforts aimed at ending the Israeli aggression against Islamic holy sites in Al-Quds and achieving the Palestinian national reconciliation remain at the head of Qatar and Saudi Arabia's diplomatic priorities in all international forums, the ambassador said.
He stressed the great role being played by the State of Qatar in the framework of the Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen within its 'Restoring Hope' and 'Decisive Storm' operations along with the Arab, Islamic and Gulf countries participating in the coalition to protect the legitimate rights in Yemen and repel any malicious attempts to tamper the security of Saudi Arabia which is the security of the Gulf and the entire region.
The ambassador referred to Qatar's active participation in Raad Al-Shamal Exercise, pointing to HH the Emir's personal keenness to attend its closing to emphasise the role of Qatar along with its brotherly Arab and Islamic countries to promote peace and security in the region.
Preparations are being made to welcome King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, who arrives in Doha on Monday. Picture: Jayan Orma
