Tribune News Network
Doha
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said the FIFA World Cup 2022 was an occasion for Qatar to portray "who we are" and described the campaign against the country as the host as unprecedented and riddled with "ferocious" fabrications and double standards.
HH the Amir was delivering a speech at the opening of the second ordinary session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the Shura Council's 51st annual session.
"Hosting the World Cup incorporates several elements that form the components of credibility and the ability to influence positively. This is manifested by accepting the challenge and integrating it into our national projects and development plans," the Amir said.
"In short, it is an occasion in which we portray "who we are”, not only in terms of the strength of our economy and institutions but also in terms of our civilizational identity.
"Since we won the honour of hosting the World Cup, Qatar has been subjected to an unprecedented campaign that no host country has ever faced. We initially dealt with the matter in good faith and even considered some of the criticism as positive and useful.
"But it soon became clear that the campaign tends to continue and expand to include fabrications and double standards that were so ferocious that it has unfortunately prompted many people to question real reasons and motives behind this campaign."
The country’s comprehensive development remains the ultimate goal Qatar is working to achieve, HH the Amir said, adding that it continues steadily to fulfil its requirements at all levels in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its aspired goals.
"In view of the measures taken by the state to protect the environment and upgrade the urban quality of life, he noted that Qatar has become the first country in the world to obtain healthy cities’ status accreditation for all its cities from the WHO.
The Amir said Qatar's budget surplus would be directed to reducing the level of public debt and increasing the state's financial reserves.
"The hike in energy prices turned a projected budget deficit at the beginning of the year into a surplus of about 47.3 billion riyals in the first half of the year.
"Qatar’s economy has continued to grow during the current year, after the 2020 decline. Preliminary data indicate that the GDP during the first half of this year increased by 4.3%.
"The global interest in this event as well as in the host country reveals the extent of the significance of this event for our country.
"Our meeting today is marked by taking place against the backdrop of the State and the people’s preoccupation with preparing to host a historical event that constitutes one of our most important national projects, which is the World Cup.
"I fully appreciate the efforts you exert in our national march by your right opinion and full care for the requirements of the public interest and government work."