President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks, centred on investment opportunities, with the Ruler of the State of Qatar, His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at the start of a three-day state visit to Qatar.

The two leaders discussed ways of strengthening relations between Ghana and Qatar, with President Mahama focusing on how Qatar’s vast expertise and experience in the oil and gas industry could benefit Ghana.

The Amir commended Ghana as a wonderful model of religious tolerance where Muslims and Christians live and work together in peace and harmony. “Ghana is a very good example,” the Amir stated, as he urged the President and Ghanaians to uphold and maintain this valuable attribute.

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s urgent need for the supply of Qatari Liquefied Natural Gas, (LNG), and investments in power generation as well as the development of Ghana’s integrated bauxite-to-aluminium industry.

He further stated that once Ghana achieves energy security the country should be able to export power to neighbouring countries, using the infrastructure of the West African Power Pool.

The Amir raised questions about the potential for investment in the tourism, hospitality and aviation, as well as agriculture sectors. He also spoke of the value of developing an education city in Ghana along the line of what Qatar has built.

The two leaders discussed the power of Sports, especially Football, in a nation’s socio-economic and cultural development.

The Amir recalled the valuable and memorable contribution of Ghana’s legendary soccer star, Abedi Ayew Pele, to Qatar football. (Abedi, who played soccer in Qatar in the 1980s, is a member of President Mahama’s delegation.) President Mahama congratulated the Amir and the people of Qatar on the nation’s recent success in winning the Gulf Cup.

President Mahama and the Amir also discussed the Ebola disease outbreak in some West African nations with the Amir offering his assistance and support in the fight against the disease.

They also shared views and concern over the security situation in the West African sub-region.

President Mahama extended an invitation to the Amir to pay a reciprocal state visit to Ghana.