KATHMANDU: Kathmandu, the federal capital, is preparing to warmly welcome the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is scheduled to arrive later this afternoon for a state visit. The Emir is undertaking a two-day state visit at the cordial invitation of President Ramchandra Paudel.
The city has been adorned with welcoming gates and banners along major roads and intersections in honour of the distinguished guest from Qatar. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office has taken on the task of cleaning and decorating roads from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to various key areas including Tinkune, New Baneshwor, Babarmahal, Tripureshwor, Kalimati, Jamal, and Lainchaur.
According to KMC spokesperson Nabin Manandhar, the decorated roads display the national flags of both Nepal and Qatar. Additionally, banners featuring the names of President Ramchandra Paudel and the Emir of Qatar, along with a portrait of Kumari, the Living Goddess, adorned with the Namaste gesture, showcase the cultural richness and diversity of the Kathmandu Valley. These banners read "A hearty welcome to the Emir from Qatar".
Security arrangements along the designated route for the VIP from Qatar have been ramped up, with each welcome gate being guarded by security personnel. Furthermore, key areas such as Shital Niwas (the Office of the President), The Soaltee Kathmandu where the Emir will be staying, and Dwarika Hotel where various visit-related events are scheduled to take place have been tastefully decorated for the occasion. The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and the Qatar Embassy in Nepal have also prepared welcome gates to greet the Emir.
In acknowledgement of the Emir's visit, the government has declared a public holiday for today, signifying the diplomatic importance of the visit.
Security strengthened
Meanwhile, the Nepali Army has announced that it has deployed a security mechanism at the venues where various visit-related events, ranging from welcome and other ceremonies to farewell, are scheduled to take place. The security arrangements are in place as required.
In coordination with the NA Chief of General Staff, a Lieutenant General, various security squads comprising security personnel from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department have been deployed. According to TIA General Manager, Jagannath Niroula, all flights at TIA will be suspended for 15 minutes each during the arrival and departure of the Qatari Emir, in consideration of the security sensitivity of the visit.
The visit is expected to help elevate the bilateral relations between Nepal and Qatar to a new height. The Qatari Emir's visit marks the first highest-level visit from the entire Middle East to Nepal. Qatar serves as one of the major labour destinations for Nepalis.
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