Doha: Qatar will post a budget surplus this year after a deficit a year ago, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on Tuesday in televised remarks.

Amir delivered a speech at the 48th ordinary session of the Shura Council where he reviewed the local and foreign policies, spoke about the achievements of the State and its future projects, in addition to its positions on main issues and challenges facing the region.

Amir did not give details in the remarks broadcast on Doha-based channel Al Jazeera.

Qatar had previously forecast a 4.3 billion riyal ($1.18 billion) budget surplus in 2019.

Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani attended the inauguration ceremony.

HH Personal Representative of HH the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al-Thani were also present.

The inauguration was also attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani and a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs, Ministers, heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to the State and the State’s dignitaries.