President of the European Council visits Qatar Foundation

The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, visited Qatar today in his official capacity. During his day trip to Doha Van Rompuy paid a visit to Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF).

President Van Rompuy was welcomed to the QF Visitors Center by a delegation led by Dr. Abdelali Haoudi, Vice President for Research at QF.  He attended a presentation of QF’s plans for the nation’s transformation to a knowledge based economy, one that relies on unlocking human potential for Qatar’s development in the 21st century. 

Mr. Van Rompuy was also shown the impressive 3D scale model of QF’s buildings and future construction projects.  As the presentation ended, Dr. Haoudi presented him with a gift on behalf of the QF community.

“It is an honor to host President Van Rompuy at Qatar Foundation today. In our nation's endeavor to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world and make Qatar a global leader in innovative education and research, some of the world's greatest universities, including two European institutions, now call Qatar Foundation home. In addition, some of our brilliant young Qatari students are currently enrolled into research training internships in some of the best European research institutions” said Dr. Haoudi.

“This is a testament to Qatar's long-standing friendships in Europe and with President Van Rompuy's visit, we look forward to new opportunities for collaboration across all fields," he continued. 

Prior to his appointment in 2009, President Van Rompuy held the office of the 49^th Prime Minister of Belgium and was regarded an influential and stabilizing figure during the linguistically divided nation’s political crisis. Mr. Van Rompuy current term as President of the European Council lasts until June this year.

“Qatar Foundation is one of the major achievements of Qatar and I came here especially between my trip to India and to China. What you are doing here is so impressive and vital to the transformation of Qatar’s hydrocarbon-based economy into a knowledge based one” said President Van Rompuy. He continued, “What Qatar Foundation is doing - investing in human capital - is a guarantee for its future.”