President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is on a three-day official visit to Qatar held bilateral discussions with Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani.

President Rajapaksa, who is participating in the Doha Forum as an international guest of honor, had discussions with the Qatari leaders on a range of economic issues.

The main objective of the State of Qatar is to see Sri Lanka achieving rapid development. It is prepared to assist Sri Lanka in the development sphere in every possible way without any pre - conditions or agreements, Qatar leaders have assured.

The Qatar Emir said President Rajapaksa’s visit to Qatar as a great honour bestowed on Qatar adding that he was prepared to extend any type of assistance to Sri Lanka in the future as a mark of respect for President Rajapaksa.

The Emir said Sri Lanka had been able to make significant strides in the development field and achieve a top growth rate in the region within a very short time after the setback suffered from terrorism due to President Rajapaksa’s able leadership.

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani said the cordial friendship between the two countries should be strengthened in the future. He said Qatar is anxiously watching the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in the field of development.

President Rajapaksa said he wished to warmly thank Qatar for the cooperation and support extended to Sri Lanka at the recent UNHRC sessions.

President Rajapaksa also made an observation visit to the Qatar Sport Academy yesterday.

The Qatar Sport Academy, consisted of 15 full-fledged football arenas, is the only sports center in the world where all sport events could be held.

The President also visited the Qatar Museum.

Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris, A.H.M. Fowzie, Rishad Bathiyutheen, Rauf Hakeem, Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha, Parliamentarian A.H.M. Azwar, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar Jayantha Palipana accompanied the President.