Doha, August 27 (QNA) – The 2012 International Handball Federation (IHF) Super Globe tournament  was officially opened  this evening  at  Al Gharafa Arena  in the presence of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad  Al-Thani. The opening ceremony was also attended by  HE Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, HE Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani,  Ahmad Mohamed Abdulrab al-Shaabi, president of the Qatar Handball Association (QHA) as well as a number of guests.
The tournament will continue till September 1
This is the fourth time, after 2002, 2010 and 2011, that Qatar will host the IHF Super Globe. Eight of the world’s top ranked handball club teams from five continents will compete for the trophy. (QNA)

Jakarta, August 27 (QNA) – The Director General of the Protocols and Consular Affairs, head of the State Protocols in the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Rushdie received here today a copy of the credentials of HE Mohamed Khater Al-Khater, newly-designate  Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Indonesia. Rushdie wished success for Qatar’s Ambassador in his duties, lauding the advanced level of bilateral relations between the two countries. (QNA)

Doha, August 27 (QNA) – HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani  has sent a cable  of condolences to President Hugo Chavez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on  the victims of the fire incident that broke out in an oil refinery in Venezuela.(QNA)

Doha, August 27 (QNA) – HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has sent a cable  of condolences to President Hugo Chavez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on  the victims of the fire incident that broke out in an oil refinery in Venezuela.(QNA)

Doha, August 27 (QNA) – HH the Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of condolences  to President Hugo Chavez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on  the victims of the fire incident that broke out in an oil refinery in Venezuela.(QNA)

Doha, August 27 (QNA) – Chairman of Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, HE Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah has praised the distinguished bilateral relations between Qatar and Japan considering it as an example of successful cooperation and partnership between the Middle East countries and Japan. Addressing the 37th Japan Co-operation Forum for the Middle East at the Sheraton Doha today, HE Al Attiyah said he is pleased to host this forum while marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and Japan.
The Japan Co-operation Centre for the Middle East (JCCME) organizes the event in collaboration with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on August 27 and 28.
This is the first time that the forum is being held in Qatar. The forum aims at discussing and exchanging views on the political and economic situation of the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) countries in order to give an overall picture and direction of measures to enhance industrial co-operation between Japan and the Mena region.
“Ever since Qatar became an independent sovereign State, it has given top priority to develop and maintain friendly, beneficial and diverse economic ties with Japan based on trust mutual respect and win-win cooperation,” said HE Al Attiyah.
“The Qatari Economy has been transformed in recent years thanks to the vision of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar and his wise leadership,” he went on saying, adding that ” Qatar’s strategy is based on the development of the country’s natural resources for the benefit of the people and the diversification of the economy in preparation of a better and more sustainable future for the next generations. “
“We in Qatar always remember that Japan was the first country to partner with us in our mega gas projects in the early nineties through the signing of a long term LNG supply agreement between Chubu Electric and Qatargas. This was our first ever export commitment that allowed us to be on the LNG exporters map and helped shape our subsequent steady progress to become the largest LNG producer and exporter in the world,” said Al Attiyah.

In his speech HE Al-Attiyah said “Allow me here to briefly reflect on the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and Japan as an example of successful cooperation and partnership between a Middle Eastern Country and Japan.  Such relations go back 40 years ago with the establishment of diplomatic relation between the two countries.
“Indeed ever since Qatar became an independent sovereign state, it has given top priority to develop and maintain friendly, beneficial and diverse economic relations with Japan based on trust, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
The Qatari Economy has been transformed in recent years thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar and his wise leadership.  Qatar’s strategy is based on the development of the country’s natural resources for the benefit of the people and the diversification of the economy in preparation of a better and more sustainable future for the next generations.
“We in Qatar always remember that Japan was the first country to partner with us in our mega gas projects in the early nineties through the signing of a long term LNG supply agreement between Chubu Electric and Qatargas.  This was our first ever export commitment that allowed us to be on the LNG exporters map and helped shape our subsequent steady progress to become the largest LNG producer and exporter in the world,” Al-Attiyah added. 
HE the Chairman of Administrative Control and Transparency Authority said “This 37th Forum is taking place at a very crucial and challenging time for the Middle East with all the political tensions and social unrests sweeping many countries and which will no doubt affect the future shape of the entire Middle East region.
The current fragile international economic environment is also adding to uncertainties and hampering the global efforts to achieve a much needed sustainable and balanced regional growth.
“Indeed we do recognize the vital importance of the Middle East for Japan since it is the main source for its energy supplies and represents a very important  market for Japanese products and services.  Relations between Japan and countries of the Middle East are deeply rooted and will emerge stronger once the current uncertainties dissipate and growth and stability return,” he added.
Praising Japan HE Al-Attiyah said “Japan is considered as a very good partner of the Middle East.  Over the as few decades, it has observed a consistent policy that aims at promoting cooperation and enhancing economic ties through dialogue, trade and investment.”  
HE Al-Attiyah said “Since Qatar embarked on a massive energy infrastructure development and construction plan, leading Japanese companies have played a very effective role in the successful planning and execution of such projects.
They provided us with investment, technology, know-how, a stable and guaranteed off-take of our production.  They also helped introduce and maintain the best practices in health, safety and protection of the environment and for which Japan is well known.
On the oil and gas sector Al-Attiyah said “Qatar has also become one of the largest and most reliable and stable supplier of LNG, Crude Oil, LPG and other products to Japan particular after the sad Fukushima events which affected the nuclear power generation sector and required additional fuel imports. This form of cooperation became a model of win-win partnership”.
“As Qatar develops and its priorities and needs change and expand to other areas outside the oil and gas sector, Japanese companies have been quick to recognize the country’s  potential in areas such as transport, power and water, small industries, health, education, sports, tourism and literally all other activities required to develop a diversified and sustainable economy.
I have no doubt those companies who pursue actively and consistently these opportunities will be ultimately rewarded”.
Before concluding his remarks, Al-Attiyah  highlighted the importance of the role played by governments in steering relations and encouraging private companies to interact and establish sound partnerships based on mutual interest.
“Whilst we are strong believers in free enterprise and in the leading role that the private sector should play in developing businesses and trade, we also see a crucial role for government and public institutions in paving the way and creating the right environment for investment and enterprise.
“The role played by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and their affiliated organizations such as Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East, Japan International Cooperation Agency, JETRO, JBIC and others who are actively promoting not only dialogue, friendship and understanding but also facilitating economic cooperation, trade, investment and cultural exchange between Japan and Countries of Middle East.
“We in Qatar very much appreciate the importance that Japan gives to developing meaningful and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Middle East region.  This Forum is a testimony to such genuine effort”.
Concluding, HE the Chairman of Administrative Control and Transparency Authority wished the participants fruitful and successful deliberations and for those who have come all the way from Japan and other parts of the Middle East region, a very pleasant stay in Qatar.(END)

Doha, August 27 (QNA) – HE the President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, the President of the Eighteenth Climate Change Conference (COP18) Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah said that Qatar has completed all the logistic preparations for hosting this important global conference in Doha later this year. HE Al-Attiyah told (QNA) that the preparations are going in full swing and that all the logistic aspects have been completed. We are fully ready to host this conference, which is considered one of the largest and most important conferences in the world,” he said.
On whether the Doha conference can achieve a breakthrough in the controversial issues between the States Parties to  issues of climate change, Al-Attiyah said that it is a matter of negotiations between the states, and these negotiations are interest driven. (QNA)

BIRMINGHAM, 27 August, 2012- Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim occupied the fourth place in the High Jump Competition at Birmingham Diamond League Meet on Sunday. Barshim cleared 2.24 to finish fourth behind the host country’s Robbie Grabarz who won the competition with a height of 2.32, according to Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC). The Olympic champion, Ivan Ukhov of Russia, failed at his first attempt at that height and reserved his two remaining efforts for the next height of 2.35 but found that beyond him to finish second.
Third was former Olympic champion, Andrey Silnov of Russia.   (QNA)