President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena has announced his country's support to HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Adviser at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar’s candidate for the post of Director General at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), during a meeting in the capital Colombo.
During the meeting, the Sri Lankan President hailed the distinct relations between the two countries, and expressed keenness to further developing them in all fields.
The President highlighted HH the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, and looked forwards to visit Qatar soon to promote the bilateral relations in all areas.
The President talked about Sri Lanka's role in the UNESCO in the fields of education and heritage, praising the role of the State of Qatar at the educational level.
He underlined Sri Lanka's support to the Qatari candidate for the post of UNESCO director general, which stemmed from the excellent relations between the two countries, and confidence in the capabilities of the Qatari candidate, looking forwards to cooperate with him in the future for the success of the noble goals of UNESCO.
For his part, HE Dr. Al Kuwari expressed thanks to the Sri Lankan President for his support, and presented a part of his vision for the advancement of UNESCO, stressing his keenness to cooperate with Sri Lankan officials in the various fields of UNESCO, particularly in education, heritage and science.
During his stay in Sri Lanka, HE Dr. Al Kuwari met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera who praised the relations between the two countries, and expressed support for Qatar's UNESCO candidate.
The Qatari candidate also met with Sri Lanka's Minister of Higher Education Lakshman Kiriella. Talks during the meeting dealt with the educational institutions role in developing education and the role of UNESCO in that regard.
Meanwhile, HE Dr. Al Kuwari met with Sri Lankan Minister of Development and discussed the Ministry's efforts to serve the society and the UNESCO role in science, environment and water resources management. The Minister looked forward to cooperate with the Qatari candidate in those vital sectors and wished him success.
The meetings were attended by HE Qatar's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Rashid Shafeea Al Merri. 

Source: QNA