His Majesty King Abdullah received on Sunday Sheikh Abdullah Ben Khalifa Al Thani, son of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani, who conveyed condolences of Sheikh Hamad for the death of Major General Walter Gardiner, the King's maternal grandfather.

During the meeting, which also addressed bilateral ties, King Abdullah stressed keenness to improve cooperation with Qatar to serve the interests both countries.

King Abdullah also congratulated Sheikh Abdullah on Qatar's winning bid to host the 2022 World Cup, saying that hosting this major international event is an achievement for all Arabs.

The meeting was attended by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Feisal, Prince Ali and Prince Ghazi.