HH The Amir Meets President of Syria in Damascus

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met today with HE President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed Al Sharaa at the People's Palace in the capital Damascus.

At the outset of the meeting, HH The Amir congratulated HE the Syrian President on the victory of the Syrian revolution and on being named President of the transitional period. His Highness reiterated the State of Qatar's position in support of the unity; sovereignty and independence of Syria, praising the efforts exerted by the new Syrian administration to achieve stability; preserve the capabilities of the State; and secure the necessary needs of the Syrian people.

His Highness highlighted the urgent need to form a government that represents all segments of the Syrian people to consolidate stability and move forward with reconstruction, development and prosperity projects, affirming that the State of Qatar will continue to stand with the Syrian brethren to achieve their goals for which they fought to reach a state of unity, justice and freedom.

For his part, HE the President of the Syrian Arab Republic welcomed the visit of HH The Amir, underlining that this visit reflects the steadfast and supportive positions of the State of Qatar at all stages for the Syrian people and its keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.

His Excellency also underscored that the next stage will witness strategic cooperation between the two countries in various fields, noting his country's aspiration to benefit from Qatari experiences to achieve the desired renaissance

in Syria.

Discussions during the meeting, focused the latest developments in Syria and ways to strengthen relations between the two countries in various fields for the benefit, good and development of the two brotherly peoples. The two sides also touched on the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The meeting was attended by HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi, HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, and HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, along with a lineup of senior officials members of HH the delegation accompanying HH The Amir. On the Syrian side, the meeting was attended by HE Prime Minister Mohammed Al Bashir, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al Shaibani, HE Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra, and a number of officials.

HH The Amir and HE the Syrian President earlier held a bilateral meeting, to discuss cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them.

HH The Amir attended the luncheon banquet held by HE the Syrian President, in honor of His Highness, and the accompanying delegation.