His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has held a telephone conversation with the President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, the current president of the African Union (AU). The conversation reviewed the latest developments related to the current Gulf crisis. President Conde, who chairs the AU, expressed his support for the mediation efforts of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah that aim to resolve the crisis through constructive dialogue among all parties based on diplomatic efforts.
President Conde briefed the Emir on the outcome of the African summit and the declaration, in which AU member-states agreed to back the Kuwaiti mediation efforts as a solution for the current crisis.
For his part, the Emir thanked the Guinean president for his efforts and his stance on the crisis, expressing his appreciation for the AU declaration that supports diplomatic efforts.
Omani banks asked
to exchange Qatari
riyals at official rate
The Oman Central Bank has issued a circular urging all banks and money exchange establishments in that country to exchange Qatari riyals at the “official exchange rates hitherto prevailing”.
“In case licensed banks and money exchanges have surplus stock of Qatari riyal notes, these can be exchanged for OMR (Omani riyals) at the counters of Qatar National Bank, Ruwi. The Central Bank of Oman will also accept Qatari riyals and provide exchange services if needed,” the statement said.
All branches of banks and exchanges operating in Oman have been asked to strictly comply with the directive.
Qatar will host
‘Great’ World Cup
Qatar could be hosting the “greatest” ever World Cup when it stages the football showpiece in 2022, Spanish 2010 world champion Sergio Busquets has said in an interview with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC). The Barcelona midfielder, who is in Doha along with club and country teammates Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba, said he has “very good impressions” of Qatar as it is developing sports, football in particular.
“I have great feedback from a former teammate and great friend in Xavi. I had the opportunity to come here to play against Uruguay a few years ago. Now they have advanced even more, they are doing it with a lot of passion, preparing well, so I think it will be a great event.
“There are still some years remaining, but they are doing projects and planning in a very good way, always improving and it will for sure be a great World Cup,” Busquets said.
The visit is Busquets’ second to Qatar, having featured for Spain in a 3-1 friendly win over Uruguay in Doha four years ago.
IN BRIEF
