HH the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad attended yesterday a reception banquet hosted by Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoe at the Paris Municipality headquarters. Delivering a speech during the reception, the Emir praised Paris as a city which is open to the future, modernisation and continued renovation and which at the same time maintains its identity, spirit and ancient legacy. The Emir described Paris as a model for all cities and a meeting centre of global cultures. The Emir spoke about Doha, saying that it is now witnessing development in urbanisation, economic, industrial, health, educational, tourism, sports and cultural areas. He said Doha is looking far ahead and is endeavouring to build a promising future for its citizens through co-operation with leading knowledge and scientific centres in the world and in France in particular. The Emir stressed Qatar’s efforts to maintain the spirit and identity of Doha and the civilisation of the Qatari people who belong to a nation that contributed to the progress of mankind. Referring to the situation in Iran, the Emir said stability in Iran “is important to us in the Gulf region and also to you”. The Emir noted that 30 years have elapsed since the Iranian revolution, during which four presidents have changed in Iran, while in some Arab countries, no president has changed throughout that period. The Emir added that at the outset of any democratic practice, things like what had happened in the aftermath of the French Revolution, should take place. In his speech the mayor of Paris praised the relations between the two countries. He also lauded bilateral efforts aimed at establishing new East-West relations. Delanoe, meanwhile, praised the Emir’s leadership and hailed the Emir and Sheikha Mozah’s commitment to broadening the scope of the freedom of expression and the advancement of education and urbanisation. Delanoe hailed Sheikha Mozah for the achievements made by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), noting that Paris has established promising relations with Qatar Foundation. Earlier in the day, the Emir visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arch of Triumph in Paris as part of his current state visit to France. During the visit, the Emir laid a wreath of flowers at the tomb. The Emir was accompanied by Sheikha Mozah and a number of members of the accompanying official delegation. Later, HH the Emir and Sheikha Mozah attended a luncheon banquet hosted by President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher. - QNA

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