Councillor explains meeting with Qatari royal
A Labour Cardiff Council member who met with a member of the Qatari royal family for breakfast said he stands up for democracy and human rights.
Cardiff Council ward member for Cathays, Cllr Ali Ahmed, posted images of his meeting with Sheikh Dr Khaled Thani last Sunday on social media.
Although he wrote in his post that he had invited the Qatari royal to visit Cardiff to meet First Minister Mark Drafkeford and for “investment opportunities” among other things, Cllr Ahmed insisted the visit was “personal”.
Cllr Ahmed’s post read: “It was an honour and privilege to be invited by H. E. Sheikh Dr Khaled Thani A .T. Al-Thani to his Mayfair London mansion for breakfast this morning Allhamdulillah.
“I have invited him to visit our beautiful City and opportunity to meet our First Minister and leader of City of Cardiff Cllr Huw Thomas also for Investment opportunities.”
When asked about the meeting, Cllr Ahmed said: “I know the family, I know the other people as well, so therefore he invited me to come to his house. That is all.
“I, like any other councillor in Cardiff, would like investment into our city.
“It was just a personal visit.”
As Qatar prepares to host this year’s FIFA World Cup, the country’s government has come under fire over a lack of labour laws again after a report from human rights group Equidem highlighted the exploitation faced by some migrant workers.
There are also continuing concerns around discrimination towards women and members of the LGBTQ community in the country.
When asked what he would say to people who have concerns about Cardiff having any potential future dealings with Qatar, Cllr Ahmed said: “I totally understand.
“Democracy and human rights are our core values and this is what I want to see, but this is an international issue that I think the UK Government needs to deal with.”
Sheikh Dr Khaled Thani A. Al Thani describes himself as a businessman with ‘diverse business interests’ in real estate insurance, financial securities, healthcare and telecom.
He is also the chairman of Ezdan Holding – a real estate company that engages in the acquisition and sale of property and land.
Cllr Ahmed added: “He has got investment – massive investment – in Bristol, London, in other cities and he has got investment in other European countries. In America and New York he has got massive investment.
“I don’t have the authority to talk about international issues. What I will say is I do stand up for democracy and human rights.
“Nobody called me to talk about democracy in Palestine. Nobody called me to talk about democracy in Yemen. Nobody called me about democracy in Myanmar, where over a million people have been kicked out of their own home.”
A Wlesh Government spokesperson said: “We are proud that Wales will be competing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“We work hard to raise the profile of Wales and create trade and investment opportunities from our involvement in major events around the world.
“We also believe that it is better to engage with countries that do not always share our values on human rights, LGBTQ+ rights, workers’ rights and political and religious freedom.
“Engaging with countries provides an opportunity to develop a platform for further discussion, to raise awareness and to potentially influence a change in approach.”
By: Ted Peskett, Local Democracy Reporter
Former Barry office building transformed into vital new homes
Prolific thief banned from entering shops in Barry
I’m proud that all parties agreed on children in care plan
WHEN you elected me in May, I said I had come to listen and to…
Royal Welsh highlights the role of the rural economy
Parent may have to lose job for school run
Double victory for Pencoed cricketers
