President Irfaan Ali paid a three-day State Visit to the kingdom of Qatar from September 6 to 7. He was accompanied by First Lady Arya and Ministers Hugh Todd and Ashni Singh, Director of Presidential Affairs at the Office of HE the President HE Marcia Nadir-Sharma and aides. There President Ali met with the Emir and had engagements with representatives of the state as well as the private sector. During several sessions, the two sides discussed relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them, particularly in the investment fields, in addition to discussing a number of topics of common interest. His engagements as well as those of his delegation focused on strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The visit and high level engagements come as Guyana continues to position itself as an investment destination, while seeking to deepen relations with Qatar beyond the energy sector.
HH the Amir of Qatar and the President held a bilateral meeting, during which they exchanged views on prominent current issues and developments. Then they were joined by the visiting delegation.
His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed the President in his office where they discussed ways to enhance relations. In a post on his official X account, HH the Amir said that both sides discussed expanding areas of economic, trade, and investment partnership between the two countries. His Highness said greater cooperation would open up broader horizons for the growing bilateral relations, enhance joint work, and help meet the aspirations of the two friendly countries. He also hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the accompanying delegation.
Ali expressed his thanks and appreciation to HH the Amir for the warm reception and hospitality, affirming his country’s keenness to strengthen cooperative relations and elevate them towards further development and growth.
President Ali and delegation also held several other high-level bilateral engagements during his visit. President Ali met with Mohamed Said Al-Sowaidi, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Investment Authority. The President said QIA is already undertaking a major hospitality and real estate project in Guyana and is examining other investment collaborations. President Ali and delegation met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, discussing collaboration in the energy sector. They also held discussions with
Qatar’s minister of finance on cooperation and collaboration between the Qatar Development Bank and the Guyana Development Bank, an investment fund and other opportunities.
Reports stated that President Ali also found time for a sporting connection, meeting former Australian cricketer Brett Lee and former professional footballer Tim Cahill in Doha. They talked about sports and talent development.
