DOHA: HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by senior officials, arrived in the Qatari capital on Tuesday on a state visit to the Gulf country. Upon entering Qatari territorial airspace, a squadron of Qatari warplanes accompanied HH the Amir’s plane until its landing at the airport, where he was welcomed by the Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and senior officials.

An official reception was held for HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal at the Qatari Amiri Diwan on the occasion of his state visit to Qatar. Upon arrival at the Amiri Diwan, a group of cavalrymen and cameleers formed a line, popular troupes performed the Qatari ardha dance and an 18-gun salute was given to HH the Amir. The national anthems of Kuwait and Qatar were then played. HH the Amir then shook hands with Qatari sheiks and senior officials, while Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim shook hands with HH the Amir’s accompanying delegation.

Sheikh Tamim presented the Sword of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad bin Thani to HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal as a symbol of the distinguished relations between the two countries and their friendly peoples. The Sword of the Founder is the highest national decoration, which is bestowed by the Amir of Qatar and on kings, princes and presidents.

In honor of HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal and his accompanying delegation, Sheikh Tamim held a lunch banquet on the occasion of his visit to Doha, before HH the Amir departed Qatar, seen off by the Amir of Qatar and senior officials.

Before arriving home, HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal sent a cable of appreciation to Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim for his hospitality and warm welcome during his visit to Qatar, displaying the deep brotherly ties between the two states. HH the Amir expressed his gratitude to the Qatari Amir for awarding him the Sword of the Founder, wishing the Qatari Amir and his country health and more prosperity. — KUNA