Qatargas, QMA and British Council Sign Sponsorship Agreement for Qatar-UK 2013

Doha, April 03 (QNA) - Qatargas, Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) and British Council on Wednesday signed a tripartite agreement whereby Qatargas will become a Platinum Sponsor of the Qatar UK 2013 initiative that aims to forge new partnerships between Qatar and the United Kingdom in the fields of art, culture, education, sport and science. The agreement was signed by Ghanim Mohamed Al Kuwari, the Chief Operating Officer Administration, Qatargas; Phil Lawrie, the Chief Commercial Officer, Qatar Museums Authority and Martin Hope, Director of British Council. Addressing a press conference following the signing ceremony, Ghanim Al Kuwari, Chief Operating Officer Administration, Qatargas, said: "We are very much delighted to be part of this significant initiative which has been undertaken by Qatar Museums Authority in cooperation with the British Council to strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries and help build new bridges for increased cultural exchange and understanding. "Our support to this initiative comes as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme through which we demonstrate our commitment to promoting education, art, culture, community development and sports," he said. "Qatargas has a strong relationship with the UK as a major customer for us. Currently, we supply nearly 20 per cent of the UKs gas needs and this volume is set to grow in the years to come. Our association with this initiative gives us an opportunity to build on that relationship and add value to the cultural, educational and arts side of it.", he added. Representing Qatar Museums Authority, Phil Lawrie, Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Engaging in cultural dialogue and educational programs to build bridges between nations has been a core objective of QMA since its inception. Not only is this a tremendously exciting year from a cultural perspective, this cultural partnership is also moving Qatar closer to realizing its National Vision 2030 by igniting an international exchange of ideas. The mission of Qatar UK 2013 will cultivate mutual recognition, understanding, and appreciation of Qatari and British cultures in both countries throughout the year through events that both entertain and educate." For his part, Martin Hope, Director of British Council, said: "We are grateful to Qatargas for supporting Qatar-UK 2013, a major programme of cultural events which will contribute to stronger long term partnerships between Qatari and UK organizations in a number of fields relevant to the Qatar 2030 National Vision: the arts, education, science and sport. Festivals such as these depend on sponsors for their success, and Qatargas, with its strong links to the UK, is a natural partner with whom we are delighted to work." Qatar UK 2013 is a year of events to celebrate and develop the partnership between Qatar and the United Kingdom. The year aims to increase engagement between the people of both countries in the spirit of innovation, openness and learning. Qatar Museums Authority and the British Council are coordinating a varied and exciting programme of activities in both countries, in association with several other partners. Qatar UK 2013 is the second bilateral year of culture coordinated by QMA, after Qatar - Japan 2012 which was also sponsored by Qatargas. (END)