Qatar's Amir pays first visit to Madrid Since 2013

MADRID, May 17 (KUNA) -- An official reception ceremony was held at the Spanish Royal Palace, Tuesday, for the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on his first visit to Spain since taking office in 2013, aimed at boosting bilateral relations.
The Royal Palace in the capital, Madrid, received the Qatari Amir, his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani and a high level delegation accompanying him.
The Amir of Qatar was received by King Felipe VI of Spain, his wife Queen Letizia, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and a number of members of the Spanish government.
The two-day visit aims to enhance cooperation at all levels. Moreover, a number of trade and economic cooperation agreements will be signed, and energy-related issues will be discussed, especially in light of the war in Ukraine and the embargo on Russian oil and gas.
Issues related to the FIFA World Cup (Qatar 2022), which will be held in November and December, also will be discussed.
Following the reception, Sheikh Tamim will head to the Senate headquarters, where he will be received by its President of the Senate Ander Gil and the Speaker of the Spanish House of Representatives, Mireille Patet, where he will be awarded with medals of both houses.
The Amir of Qatar will follow up his visit by heading to La Zarzuela Palace, where he will hold a meeting with the Spanish King. The day will conclude with a visit to the Madrid City Council, where the Mayor of Madrid, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, will present him with the Golden Key of the City of Madrid The Embassy of Qatar to Spain said in a statement that the visit, which is the first for the Amir of Qatar since taking office in 2013, comes within the framework of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, during which various cooperation agreements will be signed. (end) hnd.sam