New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar will pay an official visit to Qatar on November 20-21 and represent India at the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup 2022, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
He is visiting Qatar at an invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
During his visit, besides attending the inaugural ceremony on 20 November, Dhankar will also interact with the members of the Indian community, it said.
People-to-people ties form an important element of bilateral relationship with over 840,000 Indians in Qatar, MEA said.
"His visit would be an opportunity to join a close and friendly Qatar as it hosts a major sporting event and also to acknowledge the role played and support extended by Indians in this World Cup," MEA said.
In the last financial year, bilateral trade crossed US $15 billion, it stated.
"Qatar plays an important partner in India’s energy security and India participates in Qatar’s food security. Next year, both countries would be celebrating 50 years of establishment of full diplomatic relations," MEA said.
The World Cup kicks off tomorrow with the opening match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.
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