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Ailyn Agonia
Doha
AS Qatar officially received the mantle of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup from Russia at a ceremony held in Moscow on Sunday, messages of support were expressed by heads of different diplomatic missions in Qatar. The diplomats congratulated Qatar, wishing the country all the best and promising all support in the preparations for the coveted international sporting event.
"The eyes of the world are now on Qatar and preparations are progressing well," said the Ambassador of Australia to Qatar HE Dr Axel Wabenhorst.
The Australian top official reiterated support of his country to Qatar's preparations for the event. Wabenhorst said,"I congratulate HH the Amir of Qatar on the occasion of receiving the host's mantle for the next FIFA World Cup in 2022. I wish Qatar well in organising a superb tournament, the first time that an Arab country will host the World Cup. Australia is ready to support Qatar's preparations for the event."
Maciej Kubicki, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of Poland in Qatar, also extended his country's support for Qatar as it becomes the first Arab nation to host the major sporting event that attracts millions of viewers from across the globe.
"Last Sunday, Qatar reached the final stage of preparations for the World Cup 2022. It is great to observe in Qatar the predominating belief and understanding that it is not only about state-of-the-art infrastructure but, above all, about people," Kubicki said.
"Therefore, I would like to congratulate the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and the People of Qatar on officially receiving the World Cup host's mantle. Poland strongly supports Qatar's aspirations. We have no doubts that the greatest football feast will be delivered in Qatar in 2022 and that its legacy shall be preserved in years to come," he added.
Ambassador of BulgariaHE Metin Kazak also lauded Qatar's preparations for the mega football event. He said,"Bulgaria as an EU member country compliments the resilient and consistent efforts of Qatar to deliver an excellent WC 2022."
Kazak added,"I believe that this is an excellent opportunity not only for Qatar and the Gulf countries, but an honour for the Arab world too. Let us also not forget the commitment to work together with the international community and the agreement with the International Labour Organization to improve labour conditions in the country. Nelson Mandela had rightly said,'Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does'. Good luck, Qatar for 2022!"
Several Southeast Asian countries with large expatriate communities in the country also extended their support to Qatar's journey towards hosting World Cup in 2022.
"On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia, I extend the sincerest wishes and congratulations to HH the Amir of Qatar, Qatari citizens, expatriates and Arabs on the occasion of Qatar officially receiving the mantle of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Indonesian Embassy and the Indonesian community in Qatar are ready to support Qatar in the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup," said Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar HE Muhammed Basri Sidehabi.
Roussel Reyes, Charge d'Affaires at the Philippine Embassy, Doha, remarked,"The Philippine government and the Filipino community in Qatar extend its congratulations to HH the Amir and the people of Qatar on the occasion of receiving the mantle of World Cup 2022 host. Filipinos are aware of the significance that the tournament holds for Qatar and we eagerly look forward to this historic event."
