April 23: The federal capital, Kathmandu, is preparing to warmly welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, who is scheduled to arrive late this afternoon on a State visit.    
The Qatari Emir is arriving on a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Ram Chandra Paudel.    
The city has been adorned with welcome gates and banners along major roads and intersections in honor of the high-profile dignitary’s visit from Qatar.    
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office has undertaken the cleaning and decoration of roads stretching from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to various key areas including Tinkune, New Baneshwor, Babarmahal, Tripureshwar, Kalimati, Jamal and Lainchaur.    
According to Nabin Manandhar, the spokesperson for the Kathmandu Metropolis, the decorated roads proudly display the national flags of both Nepal and Qatar.    
Moreover, banners featuring the names of President Ram Chandra Paudel and the Emir of Qatar, along with a portrait of Kumari, the Living Goddess, have been placed with the Namaste gesture, indicate the cultural richness and diversity of the Kathmandu Valley. Such banners read "Hearty welcome to the Emir from Qatar".    
Security arrangements along the designated route for the VVIP from Qatar have been intensified, with each welcome gate being guarded by security personnel.    
Furthermore, key areas such as Shital Niwas (the Office of the President), Soaltee Hotel where the Emir will be staying, and Dwarika Hotel where various visit-related events are scheduled to take place have been beautifully decorated for the occasion. The Non-Resident Nepali Association and the Qatar Embassy in Nepal have also prepared welcome gates to extend greetings to the Emir.    
In light of the Emir's visit, the government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, suggesting the diplomatic significance of the visit.    
 

Security beefed up    
Meanwhile, the Nepalese Army has said it has mobilized a security mechanism in various venues where visit-related events ranging from welcome and other ceremonies to farewell are scheduled to take place. The security arrangements are in place on a need basis.    
In coordination with the NA Chief of General Staff, a Lieutenant General, various security squads comprising security personnel from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department have been mobilized.    
According to TIA General Manager, Jagannath Nirauala, all flights at TIA will remain halted for 15 minutes each during the arrival and departure of the Qatari Emir, bearing in mind the security sensitivity of the visit.    
The visit is expected to help elevate the bilateral relations between Nepal and Qatar to a new height. The Qatari Emir's visit marks the first highest-level visit from the entire Middle East to Nepal. Qatar serves as one of the major labour destinations for Nepal. -- RSS