Emir of Qatar to visit Ramallah

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RAMALLAH, West Bank, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Qatar's emir will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during his first visit to the West Bank city of Ramallah, Palestinian officials said.

Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani is to arrive in a Jordanian military helicopter Friday after meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah, the Ma'an News Agency reported. During his visit to the West Bank city, Hamad is to meet with Abbas and other senior Palestinian Authority officials.

The visit to the city marks the second by an Arab dignitary since the United Nations upgraded the Palestinian status to that of non-member observer. Earlier this month, King Abdullah met with Abbas there.

In October, the emir of Qatar visited the Gaza Strip, becoming the first regional leader to meet with Hamas officials since they took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. During his visit, he pledged about $400 million in aid.