President John Mahama and the Emir of Qatar in a closed-door discussion
President John Mahama and the Ruler of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani today held talks at the start of a three-day state visit to Qatar.
The discussions centred on investment opportunities in Ghana with the two leaders also discussing ways of strengthening relations between Ghana and Qatar.
The Emir of Qatar commended Ghana’s wonderful model of religious tolerance where Muslims and Christians live and work together in peace and harmony.
“Ghana is a very good example,” he stated, as he encouraged the President and Ghanaians to uphold and maintain this valuable attribute. He also spoke of the value of developing an education city in Ghana along the line of what Qatar has built.
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s need for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and investments in power generation as well as the development of Ghana’s integrated aluminium industry. He further stated that once Ghana achieves energy sufficiency, it will rely on the West African Power Pool to export power to the neighbouring countries.
The two leaders also discussed investment potentials in the tourism, hospitality, aviation and agriculture sectors.
The two leaders discussed the power of sports, especially football, in a nation’s socio-economic and cultural development. The Emir recalled the valuable and memorable contribution of Ghana’s legendary soccer star, Abedi Ayew Pele, to Qatar football. Abedi, who played soccer in Qatar in the 1980s, is a member of the President’s delegation.
President Mahama congratulated the Amir and the people of Qatar on the nation’s recent football success including winning the Gulf Cup.
The two leaders also discussed the Ebola disease outbreak in some West African nations with Qatar offering his assistance and support in the fight against the disease. They also shared views and concern over the security situation in the West African sub-region.
President Mahama extended an invitation to the Ruler of Qatar to pay a reciprocal state visit to Ghana.
Source : Flagstaff House Communications
