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During Tuesday's
visit, the governor and the amir signed an official agreement
to establish a shared understanding and friendship between Illinois
and Qatar and to develop mutual economic and cultural cooperation.
"It is an honor to host His Highness, the Amir of Qatar, in the
museum, and I welcome him to Springfield and the state of Illinois,"
said Gov. Blagojevich. "I believe this world-class museum, dedicated
less than one month ago, will continue to attract heads of state,
international leaders, scholars, historians and visitors from all
regions of the world. Additionally, I look forward to a strong
partnership with the people of Qatar. Through this agreement, we
will explore business ventures, cultural exchanges, tourism
opportunities and education opportunities."
"We're pleased to visit such an impressive museum for a great
man," said Hamad Al-Thani, first deputy prime minister and foreign
minister of Qatar. "This museum demonstrates that America does not
forget a president that united the country."
Just smaller than Connecticut, the state of Qatar is located on a
peninsula extending north from Saudi Arabia into the Persian Gulf.
With a delegation of 12, the amir visited Springfield for a cultural
tour. He also made two other stops for official business in Chicago
and New York.
The official agreement reads as follows:
THE
STATE OF ILLINOIS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND THE STATE OF QATAR
OFFICIAL AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING FRIENDLY RELATIONS
Whereas, it is the
intent of the government of the State of Illinois of the United
States of America and the State of Qatar to join together to
establish a shared understanding and friendship between the two
peoples of Illinois and Qatar and to further strengthen relations
between the United States and Qatar;
Whereas, it is
recognized that the State of Illinois and the State of Qatar wish to
develop mutual economic and cultural cooperation; and through this
Agreement;
Declare and agree to
the following:
[to top of second column in this article]
 |
 I
It shall be the goal of
the partnership formed by the State of Illinois and the State of
Qatar to develop mutually beneficial commercial, economic and
cultural cooperation by:
- the
development of commercial undertakings, cooperation in
manufacturing, creation of combined business ventures, which shall
include joint ventures;
- the
implementation of academic exchanges in areas representing mutual
interest, of contact between scientific research institutions and
academic institutions in general;
- the
organization of guest performances of creative groups and
performers, the establishment of art exhibits; the implementation of
contacts between cultural figures in various artistic genres,
including exchanges in the area of education;
- the
advancement of tourism opportunities.
II
State of Illinois and
the State of Qatar will pay special attention to the development of
contacts between women and young people including collaboration
between academic institutions of the State of Illinois and the State
of Qatar. This may include exploring university exchange programs,
educational collaborations or the development of a satellite campus
from an Illinois institution of higher learning in Qatar.
III
State of Illinois and
the State of Qatar will give proper observation to the corresponding
laws of both countries.
IV
Contacts between the
Governor of the State of Illinois and the Emir of Qatar will be
continued, including personal meetings.
On the 17th day of May,
2005, we set our hands forth in the interest of peace and prosperity
and hereby endorse this agreement and the new partnership between
our respective people and government.
[News release from the governor's
office] |
