New Delhi (NVI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Qatar, today visited Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in the city of Al Rayyan, a 2022 FIFA World Cup venue built by Larsen and Toubro, an Indian construction engineering company and its Qatari partners.
The 40,000-seat stadium has become the fourth arena to be unveiled for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
While taking to Twitter, Jaishankar shared the pictures of his visit to the stadium and congratulated Larsen and Toubro, saying that it has enhanced India’s reputation for quality and delivery.
“Visited Ahmed bin Ali Stadium at Al Rayyan. Congratulate Larsen & Toubro and their Qatari partners on an impressive project. Has enhanced India’s reputation for quality and delivery. Best wishes to Qatar for FIFA 2022,” the Foreign Minister said in a tweet.
Visited Ahmed bin Ali Stadium at Al Rayyan. Congratulate Larsen & Toubro and their Qatari partners on an impressive project. Has enhanced India’s reputation for quality and delivery. Best wishes to Qatar for FIFA 2022 @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/F0LkfkGm4d
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 28, 2020
On his second and last day of visit to the Middle East country, Jaishankar also met Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and other important dignitaries. He thanked the Qatari PM for taking care of the Indian community in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed strengthening bilateral, economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
He called on the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and handed over a personal communication from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him while inviting him to visit India.
“Called on H.H. @TamimBinHamad, Amir of Qatar. Handed over a personal communication from PM @narendramodi. Deeply value H.H.’s warm sentiments for Indian community. Impressed by his vision of taking our partnership to a new level,” Jaishankar said in another tweet.
The Amir accepted the invitation to visit India at an early date, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. He also recalled his telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which both leaders had decided to set up Task Forces on investment and energy. Both sides are in the process of implementing this decision, MEA said.
Jaishankar also called on Amir’s father Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who handed over power to his son Sheikh Tamim in 2013.
“Warm meeting with H.H Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. His leadership continues to guide India-Qatar relations. Appreciated his insights on global and regional developments,” he tweeted.
The Sheikh also appreciated the contribution of the Indian community in Qatar and recalled his visits to India. EAM thanked him for his continued guidance on India-Qatar relations. He also appreciated Father Amir for his insights on global and regional developments, MEA said.
Concluding his two-day visit to the country, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Qatar Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani “for a very productive visit”.
“Reviewed the entire gamut of our growing partnership. Discussed regional and multilateral developments. Looking forward to welcoming him to India for the Joint Commission meeting,” the FM said in another tweet.
Jaishankar held detailed discussions with Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on bilateral as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. Both Ministers discussed ways to strengthen the multifaceted bilateral relationship in areas such as energy, trade, investment, food processing, healthcare, education, culture, defence and security.
They agreed to maintain regular consultations and coordination on all issues of mutual interest at multilateral fora. EAM extended invitation to Deputy PM and Foreign Minister of Qatar to visit India for the first Joint Commission Meeting in 2021.
During his visit, the EAM also interacted with the business leaders from Qatar, including the Chairmen and board members of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Businessmen Association. He appreciated their commitment for business partnerships with India and briefed them about new opportunities flowing from Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Foreign Minister held a virtual interaction with the Indian community in Qatar. He appreciated the contribution of the community in meeting the Covid-19 challenge. He also visited the Qatar National Museum, MEA said in a statement.
-ARK
