President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has stepped up high-level engagements in Qatar, advancing discussions on potential investments in Guyana while exploring new avenues for international air connectivity between the two countries.
The engagements are part of the President’s three-day State Visit to Qatar, which is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas including investment, trade, transportation, education and economic development.
During the visit, President Ali held discussions with M. A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, one of the Gulf region’s leading retail operators. The meeting focused on potential investment opportunities in Guyana.
President Ali and First Lady Arya Ali toured Education City in Al Rayyan
President Ali said Yusuff Ali expressed a firm interest in investing in Guyana and confirmed that a technical team from the company is expected to travel to the country within the next 30 days to assess possible areas for investment.
The proposed visit by LuLu Group’s technical team is expected to provide an opportunity for the company to examine Guyana’s expanding economy and identify sectors that could support its international business interests.
President Ali also held talks with Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Ali Al-Khater, with the discussions centred on the possibility of Guyana being incorporated into the airline’s international network.
The talks covered both passenger and cargo services, with the potential establishment of direct or connecting services expected to create new opportunities for travel, trade and the movement of goods between Guyana, Qatar and other destinations across the airline’s global network.
Improved air connectivity could also strengthen Guyana’s access to markets in the Middle East, Asia and other regions, while supporting the country’s growing tourism, business and investment sectors.
As part of his diplomatic engagements, President Ali met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders discussed the existing cooperation between Guyana and Qatar and examined ways to further strengthen and expand bilateral relations across several areas.
The Guyanese leader also met Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Ali Al-Khate
They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international matters of mutual interest, reflecting the broader diplomatic discussions taking place during the State Visit.
Beyond the economic and diplomatic engagements, President Ali and First Lady Arya Ali visited Education City in Al Rayyan, where they toured the Qatar Foundation campus and the 40,000-seat Education City Stadium.
The stadium was among the venues developed for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and forms part of Qatar’s wider investment in major infrastructure and international sporting facilities.
During their visit to Qatar Foundation, the President and First Lady met Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Guyanese delegation to gain insight into Qatar’s approach to education, research, innovation and human development. Discussions and observations during the tour could help identify areas where Guyana may benefit from increased cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The latest engagements build on a series of meetings held earlier during President Ali’s State Visit, including official discussions with the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The State Visit forms part of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to broaden its international partnerships and attract investment as the country continues to expand its economy and strengthen connections with global markets.
Through the meetings with major international businesses, Qatar’s leadership and institutions involved in education and innovation, the visit is creating opportunities for deeper cooperation between Guyana and Qatar across multiple sectors.