Qatar in first State donation to Community Chest Fund

The Emir of Qatar has given €70,282 to the Malta Community Chest Fund in the first donation to the national charity organisation ever made by a State.

"This donation, which we greatly appreciate, shows that the relationship between two States can go beyond the political and economical level. There is also the social level and the strengthening of the relationship between populations," President George Abela said. The donation was handed to the President yesterday at the Palace in Valletta, during a courtesy visit by Ambassador of Qatar Saad Nasser Al-Homidi on behalf of Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

Dr Abela explained that when he went to Qatar on an official two-day visit, in August, he and the Emir spoke about their common social purpose.

Just like the MCCF fell under the President's patronage, the Qatari government had its national charity - the Qatar Foundation for education, science and community development.

In fact, he pointed out, during the August visit the Emir said he was interested in seeing some investment made in Malta, particularly in the areas of education and tourism.

Dr Abela said the meeting was a success as it culminated in the signing of six agreements by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg who was part of a business delegation. The agreements covered air services, legal aid, media relations, sport, political consultation and avoidance of double taxation.

They aim to attract more foreign direct investment and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and professionals.

During yesterday's courtesy visit, Dr Abela handed Mr Al-Homidi a formal invitation for the Emir to come to Malta on an official visit.

The MCCF has recently been the source of controversy following the annual Boxing Day fund raiser, L-Istrina, when €2.3 million were raised.

Days after L-Istrina, NGO Commissioner Kenneth Wain had called on the MCCF to enrol as a voluntary organisation, arguing that receiving state benefits without enrolling was tantamount to preferential treatment.

The President's Office said the MCCF was not legally bound to enrol while the Attorney General went a step further, saying that even if it wanted to, it was not legally able to do so.