BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Czech star Pliskova takes tough Vodafone Qatar schedule in posts QR118mn profi t in 2018 her stride published in QATAR since 1978 TUESDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11092 February 12, 2019 Jumada II 7, 1440 AH GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Amir meets French FM Amir honours winners of state awards His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani honoured winners of the Qatar’s appreciative and incentive state awards in sciences, arts and literature. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with French Minister The award winners were Dr Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Turki al-Subaie in the field of education, Mohamed Jassim al-Khulaifi (museums and archaeology), Dr Saif Saeed of Europe and Foreign Aff airs Jean-Yves Le Drian and his accompanying delegation Saif al-Suwaidi (economics), Dr Yousif Mohamed Yousif al-Obaidan (political science), Dr Hamad Abdulrahman al-Saad al-Kuwari (earth and environmental sciences), at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. The minister conveyed to the Amir the congratulations Mohanna Rashid al-Asiri al-Maadeed (earth and environmental sciences), Dr Huda Mohamed Abdullatif al-Nuaimi (allied medical sciences and nursing), Dr Asma of French President Emmanuel Macron on Qatar national football team winning the Ali Jassim al-Thani (allied medical sciences and nursing), Salman Ibrahim Sulaiman al-Malik (the art of caricature) and Abdulaziz Ibrahim al-Mahmoud in the novel 2019 Asian Cup. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and means of field. The Amir commended the winners’ distinguished performance, wishing them success in rendering services to the homeland. For their part, the award winners developing them. Page 2 expressed their thanks to the Amir, saying the honour is a source of pride. Page 2 Amir congratulates GCO urges citizens, Iranian president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim residents to bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness refrain from the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the abuse of all sorts Prime Minister and Minister of Qatar, France sign pact Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent yesterday he Government Communica- cables of congratulations to Iranian tions Offi ce (GCO) has called President Hassan Rouhani on his Tupon all citizens and residents country’s National Day. in Qatar to avoid abusing peoples and for strategic dialogue communities and their symbols on the social media outlets and elsewhere, in US Olympian to take line with the true principles of Islam part in NSD events O Agreement covers defence, security, sports, economy, combating terror and genuine Arab ethics. In a press statement yesterday, the O French minister reaff irms support for Qatar’s hosting of World Cup GCO said it is following with great regret the mutual abuses that have O French PM to attend opening of National Museum in March dominated exchanges on social media outlets recently. E the Deputy Prime Minister tween the two countries constituted a important extension of co-operation combining the two countries”. The GCO said this call follows the and Minister of Foreign Aff airs qualitative leap for the strategic part- mechanisms and open up broad pros- Further, he noted that the strategic directives of His Highness the Amir HSheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- nership between Doha and Paris. pects for strengthening co-operation dialogue opens “new and very strong Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, rahman al-Thani yesterday announced The agreement was signed by HE relations between Qatar and France. prospects” for co-operation in various who in his fi rst speech after the block- the signing of a declaration of intent to Sheikh Mohamed and Le Drian follow- He explained that the strategic dia- sectors, such as security, defence, ener- ade, commended the Qatari peo- establish a strategic dialogue between ing a meeting yesterday during the lat- logue is based on “very strong foun- gy, economy and other sectors of inter- ple’s adherence to values and princi- Qatar and France, constituting “a ter’s visit to Qatar. dations, adding that it will create the est to both countries, stressing that the ples even in times of diff erences, and qualitative leap for the distinguished HE the Deputy Prime Minister and right ground for co-ordination and Qatari government highly appreciates stressed the need to continue on this strategic partnership between the two Minister of Foreign Aff airs expressed action, especially at the level of build- the partnership between the two coun- approach. countries”. hope that the dialogue would be an ing partnerships and a strategic vision tries and always works to support it. The GCO noted that Qatar had earli- The agreement covers various ar- HE Sheikh Mohamed said the French er responded to the appeal of the Amir The Government Communications eas, such as defence, security, health, minister held very positive discussions of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al- Off ice (GCO) has announced that education, culture, sports, economy, in Doha. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Jaber al-Sabah on October 24, 2017, the US Olympic medallist Ibtihaj investment, combating terrorism and Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with to preserve the rights of future gen- Mohamed (Pictured) is visiting Qatar follow-up on developments pertaining Le Drian yesterday and the meeting erations, heal the wounds and avoid on the occasion of National Sport to relations between the two countries dealt with the historic friendship be- falling into abuse. The GCO had also Day today. She is a dedicated and as well as the implementation of agree- tween the two countries and regional called upon everybody to refrain from accomplished athlete, entrepreneur, ments between them, the offi cial Qatar development, he added. exchanging abuses. activist and speaker, whose influence News Agency (QNA) reported. HE the Foreign Minister also pointed Urging the citizens and residents of transcends the world of sport. Addressing a joint press conference out that his talks with the French minis- Qatar to commit to authentic values Ibtihaj is a leading figure in the with French Minister of Europe and ter were characterised by an atmosphere when responding to abuses and fabri- global discussion on gender equality Foreign Aff airs of Jean-Yves Le Drian, of transparency and exchange of views cations, the Government Communica- and diversity, issues which Qatar HE Sheikh Mohamed said the common on all issues of strategic co-operation tions Offi ce reiterated that Qatar’s case has promoted in the international and fi rm approach to ties between Qa- between the two countries, both in the is just and it does not require exaggera- community and continues to set tar and France called for constructive HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin defence and economic fi elds as well as tion, and the people’s defence of the the highest standards in the region. steps in this relationship, noting that Abdulrahman al-Thani with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Aff airs of Jean- economic and cultural partnerships. homeland is based on justice, fairness Page 3 the declaration of intent signed be- Yves Le Drian at the press conference in Doha yesterday. To Page 2 and objective facts. — QNA Qatar celebrates National Sport Day today O Aspire Zone, Katara sporting activities. The fi rst sport day Qatar’s sport day is a unique initia- large celebration with the participation QWSC will off er table tennis skills held at 10am at Qatar Mall and will be in Qatar was held in 2012. tive which is dedicated to highlighting of players and visitors. from 9.30am to 1.30pm. The Qatar attended by Qatari fencing players. The and Corniche main This year’s sport day is particularly the importance of sport in the lives of Katara will host a number of sport Taekwondo and Judo team will hold Clement Academy will organise fenc- venues of events remarkable, especially as it comes af- people. The sport day also highlights events, including a weightlifting show, exercises for all categories on Katara ing matches at the MIA Park at 8am. ter Qatar was crowned 2019 Asian Cup the leadership’s interest in the people and the public will be able to participate Beach throughout the morning, in ad- In addition, the Qatar Swimming As- QNA champions in the tournament played in who are the real resource to achieve Qa- in these competitions for all age groups. dition to a taekwondo show from 12 sociation organises water sports at the Doha the UAE. tar National Vision 2030. The Katara boxing event will be held in noon to 3pm and a judo performance Hamad Aquatics Complex from 9am The Sport Day Committee organises The Qatar Olympic Committee co-operation with the Qatar Boxing from 3 to 5pm. onwards. many events launched by the Ministry (QOC) will mark the day in co-oper- and Wrestling Federation. The Qatar Golf Association will In co-operation with the Qatar Ath- atar celebrates the National of Culture and Sports and the Qatar ation with the Ministry of Education The Qatar Athletics Federation, in organise mini golf at Katara Beach letics Federation, the Organising Com- Sport Day today with partici- Sports For All Federation (QSFA), in- and Higher Education at Al Yarmouk co-operation with the Ministry of throughout the day, while Qatar Cy- mittee of IAAF World Championships Qpation of citizens and resi- cluding a number of innovative events Preparatory School for Boys with the Municipality and Environment, will cling and Triathlon Federation will hold will off er athletic activities for children dents from all segments of the soci- such as fun race or balloon race at Al participation of sports federations, hold competitions for children aged all-day aquathlon swimming at Katara aged 5 to 7 at Aspire Park.