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IKOLI VICTOR
Doha
Ambassador of Ecuador to Qatar HE Ivonne Abdel baki says her country will support the 2022 World Cup especially acting as a hub for Central American fans to travel easily to Qatar to attend the games.
The envoy was speaking on Wednesday at a meeting with the President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani in the presence of Ecuador's Defence Minister Patricio Zambrano Restrepo at Al Bidda Tower.
Ivonne Abdel baki said:"We are very happy to be meeting with Sheikh Hamad, who gives huge importance to football and advocates the importance of excluding politics from sports. This visit highlights the great role football plays in bringing people together and building strong relations with different cultures away from politics."
"Ecuador is determined to contribute to the success of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. We are happy to to support this significant tournament in all matters. Ecuador is centrally located in the world and in Central America, which can act as a unique location to help fans travel easily to Qatar to attend the games," she added.
Ecuador's Defence Minister is in Qatar to attend the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2018).
"The presence of the Defence Minister in this important visit is a confirmation of the support of the President of Ecuador who stands with Qatar during the greatest football event," the envoy said.
"We have many Ecuadorian players playing in Europe and Latin America which showcasing the country's important role in world football. I wish Qatar the best of luck in their journey to host the World Cup."
During the meeting, the QFA President highlighted the strength of the relationship between the Qatari and Ecuadorian football federations and the importance of building that relationship by exchanging expertise. The two parties emphasised the importance of promoting cooperation to further develop football in the two countries.
Ecuador's Defence Minister Patricio Zambrano Restrepo said:"I would like to congratulate Qatar on hosting the 2022 World Cup, I am confident that Qatar will organise a unique version of the tournament."
He praised the important role played by the Qatar in the field of sports, pointing out that Doha has become one of the most important sports cities in the world.
"Football will certainly be a strong bridge to strengthen relations between Qatar and Ecuador in the coming period in all aspects, be it political, economic, social and commercial. Football has the ability to unite the world and bridge gaps between nations," he added.
"We have visited a number of stadiums and sports facilities, all of which confirm that whoever attends the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be very happy. Ecuador will surely be participating in the World Cup in Qatar though we did not qualify to the Russia 2018 World Cup."
