MFA Press Statement: State Visit of the Amir Of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, 20 May 2009

The Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, is visiting Singapore on 20 May 2009 at the invitation of President S R Nathan.

Following the welcome ceremony at the Istana, HH Sheikh Hamad called on President Nathan, and met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong while the consort of the Amir, HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned was hosted to tea by Mrs Nathan.

HH Sheikh Hamad and our leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including bilateral cooperation and regional developments, and welcomed the healthy exchange of high-level visits that have reaffirmed the warm relations between Qatar and Singapore. Prime Minister Lee and HH Sheikh Hamad discussed global economic developments as well as ways to further enhance our bilateral relations. The leaders agreed that bilateral cooperation has deepened over the last few years to cover areas ranging from finance to healthcare. Business links between the two countries have also strengthened considerably. The leaders reiterated their commitment to bring bilateral relations to a higher level.

Later in the evening, President Nathan will host a State Banquet at Istana in honour of HH Sheikh Hamad.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
20 MAY 2009