Ministerial, official and private visits from Qatar to the UK

This file concerns visits and relations between Qatar and the UK. It contains background briefings and correspondence on:

• A visit by Khattab Al Daffa to the Royal Institute of Public Administration in the UK, and his meeting with Mr Ward
• A visit by the Amir’s adviser Dr Hasan Kamel and his meeting, together with the Ambassador Sherida Sa’ad Jubran Al Ka’abi, with the Minister of State Richard Luce, with notes on the meeting and personality notes on the Qataris
• A misunderstanding over the funding of a visit by British MPs to Qatar
• A complex ruling handed down by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal on the dispute between Qatar and Shell relating to negligence and a cracked tank; and HMG's hopes that the ruling may end the threat of action in the Qatar courts
• The North Field gas project, and BP’s concerns over the possible involvement of the German firm Wintershall
• A message of congratulations to Brigadier Mohammad Bin Abdulla Al Attiyah who is safe following a kidnapping.

The file also refers to:

• The Iran-Iraq War and Iranian intransigence in the search for a settlement
• Meetings between Israel’s Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian officials
• Arab unity and the Gulf Cooperation Council
• Improving Iran-Soviet relations.