Amir's UK visit tops British media headlines

The visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the United Kingdom captured the attention of the British media and newspapers, which discussed the results of the visit and the outcome of meetings His Highness the Amir held with senior British officials.British newspaper *The Independent highlighted the praise UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave to Qatar for its commitment to investments worth £1bn in the clean energy partnership between the two countries.The deal includes investment in technology programmes run by Rolls-Royce, as well as start-ups in the UK and Qatar, focusing on energy efficiency, carbon management and green energy.The partnership was originally announced in 2021 on the sidelines of COP26 in Glasgow, and is expected to establish "climate technology hubs" across the UK and Qatar, the newspaper added.Prior to the visit, the newspaper pointed out that Starmer hailed the partnership between the two countries and was pleased that the project is being launched with the initial commitment of £1bn.British website Middle East Eye reported that His Highness the Amir's visit came at a time when the UK aimed to attracted new investments.Meanwhile, *The Times newspaper reported on Queen Camilla's participation in the official banquet held in honour of His Highness the Amir, as well as King Charles III's speech in which he praised Qatar's tireless mediation efforts in the Middle East.*The Telegraph indicated that dignitaries joined Charles to provide the highest level of welcome that the country can offer during His Highness the Amir’s state visit.The official website of the British Royal Family issued a statement entitled *State Visit by the Amir of the State of Qatar, in which they said: "The United Kingdom is proud to be Qatar's oldest friend in the Western world.”"We have a special bond founded on mutual respect which has stood the test of time.""In the afternoon, following a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, the Amir and Sheikha Jowaher viewed a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to Qatar."In the evening, The King, accompanied by The Queen and other members of the Royal Family, hosted a State Banquet in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace," the statement added.*The Daily Mail reported that building stronger trade ties with the Gulf states was a key plank of Foreign Secretary David Lammy's approach even before he entered government in July.Trade between the UK and the GCC is worth £57bn, and Britain is looking to secure more investment in energy and infrastructure projects.The UK's trade ministry said a new deal between the UK and the GCC could boost the UK economy by £1.6bn. – QNA