RAJESH MISHRA

DOHA THE German government hails the decision of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani to hold elections to the Advisory Council in 2013 and feels that the decision will resonate ‘far and wide’, the German Ambassador to Qatar HE Anne Ruth Herkes said on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion of German National Day celebrations, HE Herkes said that the German government considered the move of HH the Emir as self-explanatory and a step, which will have far reaching effects in future. Also present on the occasion was Minister of Economy and Finance His Excellency Yousef Hussain Kamal. Later talking to Qatar Tribune, the German ambassador said that Germany and Qatar were cooperating in diverse sectors such as infrastructure, education, health and culture. “Germany and Qatar are strategic partners in the attainment of the Qatar National Vision 2030. We are cooperating in diverse sectors including education, health and culture because of mutual confidence”, the German envoy pointed out. HE Herkes said that a German company was involved in one of the biggest infrastructure projects of Qatar, the metro railway. She added, “Besides, we are also looking forward to play an active role in Qatar’s preparation for FIFA World Cup 2022. Several German companies are ready to provide cooling technologies for the stadiums.” The German National Day celebration started with the playing of national anthems of Qatar and Germany. This was followed by cutting of cake by HE Kamal and the German ambassador.