15 Apr 2018 – 8:15
The Peninsula
DOHA: Ahead of the official inauguration of the Qatar National Library (QNL), H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani yesterday welcomed Princess Lalla Hasna, sister of King Mohammed VI, of Morocco, to Qatar.
Long interested in social and cultural activities, the Princess will join dignitaries, officials and VIPs invited to attend the grand opening ceremony of QNL tomorrow.
Princess Hasna’s visit is further proof of the strong and lasting ties between Qatar and Morocco. Only last month, Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani travelled to Morocco for a series of meetings to develop closer commercial links.
At the time, the Prime Minister highlighted the strong commitment on the part of both countries to strengthen bilateral co-operation and develop strategic partnerships.
In November last year, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed King Mohamed VI of Morocco to Qatar for a visit to explore bilateral relations between the two countries and opportunities to strengthen and develop them further.
Taking place this week, the much-anticipated official inauguration ceremony at the QNL will also see a full range of exhibitions and services launched.
The opening of the QNL building has been a landmark achievement for the cultural and education landscape in Qatar.
Designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the library gives residents access to more than one million books, periodicals, and special collections, as well as the QNL Heritage Library.
It has proven to be hugely popular with members of the community looking to access books and other media, use QNL’s creative and collaborative facilities, such as the Writing Center, Innovation Stations, and study rooms.
During her visit to Qatar, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Princess Lalla Hasna will also explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and partnerships related to educational initiatives including preserving cultural and artistic heritage, sharing knowledge and encouraging creativity.
