The Emir (President) of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani arrived in the country today and was welcomed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
The visiting Emir was welcoemd with a military guard of honour.
The Emir was accompanied by Ministers and senior officials from the State of Qatar.
Bilateral discussions between the Emir of Qatar and the President of Sri Lanka are scheduled for 15th January 2012 followed by a State Banquet hosted by the President in honour of the Qatari Emir.
During the visit, several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed to further promote cooperation between the two countries in investment, economic cooperation, tourism, education, cultural and legal fields.
The two sides are also scheduled to enter into an agreement for the formation of a high level joint committee.
The Ministers and high level business delegation accompanying the Qatari Emir will hold discussions with their Sri Lankan counterparts aimed at exploring potential opportunities in investment, trade, tourism and other promising sectors of interest.
Sri Lanka and Qatar have enjoyed relations and long standing friendship culminating in the opening of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha in 1997 while Qatar reciprocated with the setting up of its resident mission in Colombo in 2004.
Around 100,000 Sri Lanka nationals are employed in Qatar in various fields and professions.
ST
