All photos copyright Ray Toh
The UK’s heir to the throne, the Prince of Wales, has met with environmental scientists, officials and activists on the first full day of his latest visit to Qatar.
The Prince flew into Doha International Airport last night, following a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.
He attended an event this morning at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, which chimed with the Prince’s interest in sustainability. At the meeting were members of the Qatari COP18 negotiating team, environmental activists, and officials from the Qatar National Food Security Programme and the Department of Fisheries.
He also met with Qatar Museums Authority Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa at Mathaf:
@ukinqatar Prince Charles walks with Sheikha al Mayassa at the Mathaf (Arab Museum of Modern Art) in #Doha pic.twitter.com/dnnAHUVQ2e
— Chris Jackson (@ChrisJack_Getty) February 20, 2014
Later in the day, the Prince visited with the Emir.
Repeat visit
This is the Prince’s second visit to Qatar in less than a year.
The British Embassy has said that this repeat visit is a sign of ”the importance the British Government places on its association with key partners in the area,” placing emphasis on the “long-standing and respectful relationships” between the British and Qatari royal families.
It is likely that his visit will focus, at least in part, on commercial deals, including Qatar’s potential purchase of BAE Systems’ Typhoon fighter jet.
However, Human Rights Watch have urged the Prince to use his visit to “speak up for rights and justice,” focusing, among other matters, on the treatment of domestic workers and migrant laborers in Qatar and KSA.
Thoughts?
