HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued the following instruments of ratification yesterday:
1. Approving a draft agreement on air transport between the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, signed in Doha on 10/1/2016.  
2. Approving a draft agreement for co-operation in the cultural and arts fields between the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, signed in Doha on 11/1/2016.  
3. Approving a draft memorandum of understanding for co-operation in energy and industry between Qatar’s Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Ministry of Energy of the United Mexican States, signed in Doha on 21/1/2016.  
4. Approving a draft agreement for co-operation in education between the governments of Qatar and the United Mexican States, signed in Doha on 21/1/2016.  
5. Approving a draft memorandum of understanding for co-operation in education and higher education and scientific research between Qatar and Chad, signed in Doha on 17/11/2015.

Emir ratifies Cabinet decision
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday ratified Cabinet Decision No 9 of 2016 on the application of Law No 24 of 2002 on the retirement and pensions to Qatari employees of the ‘Teach for Qatar’ foundation.
The decision is effective starting from its date of issue and is to be published in the official gazette.

Emir issues decree   
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued yesterday decree No 20 of 2016, amending unified customs tariff.  
The Decree is effective starting from 01/01/2016 and is to be published in the official gazette.

MoUs with Sri Lanka ratified
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued Decree No 18 of 2016, ratifying a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in the field of youth between the governments of  Qatar and Sri Lanka, which was signed in Colombo on March 24, 2015.
The Emir also issued Decree No 19 of 2016, ratifying a memorandum of understanding in the field of sports between the governments of Qatar and Sri Lanka, which was signed in Colombo on March 24, 2015.

Darfur peace process reviewed
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud has received a telephone call from the US President’s Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan ambassador Donald Booth.
They discussed bilateral relations and the peace process in Darfur.

Zakat Fund provides QR34.5mn aid
The total assistance provided by the Zakat Fund of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for needy families and individuals throughout Qatar in February amounted to about QR34.5mn.  
The Fund said in a press statement yesterday that these expenses included monthly permanent aid and assistance that is to be paid once as needed.
The Fund stressed that the assistance was distributed to aid seekers following thorough research so as to ensure that Zakat of Qatari people reached the actual beneficiaries.

Emir holds phone conversation with Djibouti president
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh yesterday.
During the phone call, they discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and Djibouti and issues of common concern.