His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Her Highness Consort of the Amir Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani arrived Monday in London on a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of HM King Charles III.
Their Highnesses were welcomed upon arrival at Stansted International Airport by Viscount Hood — on behalf of King Charles, a number of British officials, Qatar's ambassador to the UK Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud al-Thani, British ambassador to Qatar Neerav Patel, and members of Qatar's embassy.
His Highness the Amir is accompanied by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and an official delegation.
Two Royal Air Force warplanes accompanied the Amir's plane upon entering the UK airspace, to welcome and celebrate His Highness's visit.
His Highness the Amir's visit to the UK has been hailed as of significant importance reflecting the depth and strength of bilateral relations.
Qatar's ambassador in London HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud al-Thani has emphasised that the visit comes within the framework of the distinguished relations between His Highness the Amir and King Charles.
HE Sheikh Abdullah said the bilateral relationship spans more than five decades at the diplomatic level, and long decades of solid historical relations that are of value and importance to the British government.
The ambassador also highlighted the distinguished relations in defence, noting the ongoing joint naval, air, and ground exercises between the two countries.
Meanwhile, British ambassador to Qatar Neerav Patel has underlined that the Amir's visit to will contribute to boosting relations across various fields, hailing them as "deep and historic".
The ambassador said: "The Buckingham Palace is delighted to host His Highness the Amir as the first Arab leader on a state visit. It is a generational opportunity to celebrate and renew our bilateral relationship.
"The UK-Qatar relationship continues to go from strength to strength. We have for a number of years collaborated on very important issues including foreign policy, economic ties and defense and security."
HE the Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee at the Shura Council Yousef bin Ali al-Khater, said the Amir's visit holds great significance in light of the growing relations between the two countries and the major challenges facing the Middle East region and the world.
HE al-Khater stated that the current circumstances, whether in terms of the growing bilateral relations or the situation in the Middle East, highlight the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and enhancing dialogue to achieve security, stability and development.
