The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will travel to Qatar, June 17-20, to attend the graduation at the College of the North Atlantic � Qatar. Premier Williams will also be joined in Qatar by the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, for meetings with government officials and investment representatives.

"I very much look forward to my first visit to the beautiful state of Qatar; and the opportunity to address the graduates at the campus of the College of the North Atlantic - Qatar," said Premier Williams. "Education is one of the highest priorities for our government and we are extremely proud of the partnership that has been built with the Qatari government and people."

Premier Williams will provide the keynote address to the 288 graduates of the College of the North Atlantic � Qatar on Thursday, June 19. In addition, Premier Williams will also attend a meet and greet reception with employees of the campus including the more than 200 Newfoundland and Labrador employees.

"I am extremely proud of our college system, both the campuses within the province and the world-class campus in Qatar," added Premier Williams. "In just seven years since it was established, its success is indisputable. The project has grown in value from roughly $500 million to almost $1.7 billion. With more than 600 employees delivering world-class curriculum to more than 2,500 students from around the world, CNA-Q is a model of success and something in which our province should take great pride."

Premier Williams and Minister Dunderdale will also meet with a number of government officials and investment representatives on issues of mutual importance.

"Though we are a world apart geographically speaking, we share a great deal in common with Qatar not the least of which is our participation in the oil and gas industry," said Premier Williams. "Newfoundland and Labrador is an internationally competitive player on the world stage, and we look forward to discussing areas of mutual importance and also potential areas of cooperation."

"I look forward to building on our relationship with industry representatives in Qatar," said Minister Dunderdale. "Issues around energy are of global importance and are much the same in every country that produces or is looking to produce oil and gas, or has a demand that needs to be met. We can learn from each other and make strategic decisions in our own jurisdiction based on a position of knowledge of the global picture."

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