Tirana, July 01 (QNA) - HE Chairperson of Qatar Museum Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani visited 'Qatar Square,' one of Qatar Fund for Development's (QFFD) projects in the Albanian capital of Tirana. During Her Excellency's visit, Deputy to the Prime Minister Natalie Blushi, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Albania Jaber bin Ali Hussein Al Dosari and Director-General of QFFD Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti were also in attendance.

The visit aimed to strengthen cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries and included a comprehensive program focused on promoting cooperation in areas of culture, urban development, and heritage preservation. This project is considered one of the most prominent initiatives of QFFD as it embodies a shared cultural and urban development vision and reflects the strong fraternal ties between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Albania.

In July 2024, QFFD signed a grant agreement with the Municipality of Tirana to establish 'Qatar Square' in the heart of the capital. The project is funded with a budget of EUR 11 million and spans an area of 23,700 square meters. It will feature diverse facilities, including public celebration areas, exhibition and event spaces, commercial outlets, gathering spaces, and a water purification system for the Lana River, which will support the natural irrigation of the surrounding park.

The square's design is inspired by the traditional Qatari Sadu pattern, reflecting the beauty of Qatari heritage and fostering cultural exchange between the two nations.

The project seeks to achieve long-term development goals, including creating a suitable environment for building 25,000 housing units around the square and generating diverse job opportunities for Albanian citizens. This will contribute positively to the local economy and position the square as a vibrant center in the city.

This initiative embodies Qatar's active role in supporting development and infrastructure efforts in friendly nations and reaffirms its steadfast commitment to empowering communities across various sectors worldwide. (QNA)