Khalid Al Tawalbeh
Qatar’s National Day this year is extra significant not only for the country, but also for the world, as it coincides with the final of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity, peace and pride, a group of ambassadors told Qatar Tribune.
Their excellencies congratulated the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari government, and the people of the country on this happy occasion, which has a special character this year, coinciding as it is with the Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022.
In a related context, the ambassadors praised the State of Qatar’s great preparations for a successful World Cup. They mentioned the facilities, infrastructure, modern stadiums, cooling equipment among other things that the State of Qatar has put together to make the event a grand success.
They also praised the State of Qatar’s contributions to worldwide development, its humanitarian assistance to poor and needy countries, its continuous mediatory role in resolving many conflicts, Qatar’s internationally recognised efforts for peace and prosperity in the world, reflecting the principle of global solidarity, as well as national unity.
The ambassadors said that this year’s Qatar National Day slogan, “Our Unity, Source of Our Strength,” is a national value that demonstrates amply the spirit of unity and solidarity.
HE Timmy T. Davis, Ambassador of the USA
The Ambassador of the United States of America to Qatar, HE Timmy T. Davis, in a statement to Qatar Tribune, congratulated the people and government of the State of Qatar on the occasion of the 2022 National Day. In his statement, he underscored the long and strong partnership between the United States and the State of Qatar which has stood the test of time for the last 50 years.
He said: “I send my sincere congratulations to Qatar’s government and people for their 2022 National Day. It is an honour to celebrate this occasion with you, at the end of a special and successful World Cup”.
He concluded: “Thank you for 50 years of partnership with the United States; we look forward to many more.”
HE Satoshi Maeda, Ambassador of Japan
The Japanese Ambassador to the State of Qatar, HE Satoshi Maeda spoke of Qatar’s active diplomacy to promote better and closer relations among countries. He told Qatar Tribune: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the honourable people and esteemed government of Qatar on this auspicious occasion celebrating the National Day of the country”, he stated.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Qatar for the outstanding organisation of the World Cup. It has certainly been a memorable experience for all of us,” he added.
He further added: “Qatar has achieved prominence in the Middle East region and has greatly enhanced its presence in the international community under the leadership of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Over the years, Qatar has channelled significant efforts into the cultural, sports, education, medical care, and tourism sectors.”
He laid stress on the knowledge-based economy as “the thing that has contributed to complete the picture of Qatar as a strong and modern emerging country in the world today”.
On the diplomatic front, he said: “Qatar’s active diplomacy to promote better and closer relations with other countries is also highly appreciated. With Japan in particular, Qatar has always shared an excellent and special relation since the establishment of its diplomatic ties.
“And as we celebrate this auspicious occasion with Qatar, we reiterate our hope for our long-lasting cooperative relation to be further strengthened in the future,” he concluded.
HE Ghulam HooseinAsmal, South African Ambassador
The Republic of South Africa’s Ambassador to Qatar HE
Ghulam Hoosein Asmal expressed his great admiration of the recent achievements that State of Qatar has accomplished on all levels, especially the extraordinary organisation of the World Cup. He stated: “Allow me to convey, on behalf of HE President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, the people and government of South Africa profound felicitation and good wishes to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government and people of the State of Qatar on the occasion of the 144th National Day”.
He added: “We pray that the Almighty Allah continue to grant wisdom and strength to HH the Amir and the leadership of the state of Qatar so that they continue the nation’s path of peace, prosperity and socio-economic development”.
He further said: “The Republic of South Africa and the State of Qatar share the ideals of contributing towards the transformation of the geopolitical system of governance from a power based to a rules-based international system so as to create a more just and equitable world order and strengthen multilateralism”.
“Happy National Day. I wish you all pride and optimism for the future of South African and Qatari diplomatic relations,” he said.
HE Boniface Nduva Mwilu, Kenyan Ambassador
The Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the State of Qatar HE Boniface Nduva Mwilu has said in his congratulatory message on the occasion of the Qatar’s National Day: “It gives me great pleasure to join the Qatari people in celebrating the auspicious occasion of commemorating the National Day of the State of Qatar. I wish to send warm congratulations to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the people of the Qatar on this historic occasion”.
He continued: “At the onset, we wish to thank the State of Qatar for organising an amazing and wonderful FIFA World Cup, 2022 which has taken place under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Qatar has demonstrated that anything is achievable with the right planning and preparedness.”
His Excellency commented on the World Cup Qatar 2022 saying: “The tournament has exceeded all expectations. It has been full of surprises and has left positive memories in the minds and hearts of every participant. It is worth noting that for the very first time an African Nation, Morocco is in the semi-finals. As we celebrate Qatar’s National Day, we also congratulate the Morocco national team,” he added.
“Kenya and Qatar enjoy close and fruitful relations at both bilateral and multilateral levels and as we celebrate this great day, I wish to reflect on the tremendous bilateral relations. Kenya appreciates the generous support that Qatar has been providing over the years towards our development endeavours,” he confirmed.
The Kenyan ambassador further said: “Kenya wishes to record Qatar’s continued support through various forms of development and the opportunities offered to Kenyans who are working in the various sectors of the Qatari economy. Kenyans constitute a significant portion of the workforce taking part in the World Cup.
“Kenya-Qatar bilateral relations have been on the upswing ever since Kenya opened a resident Mission in 2010. This has led to an increase in the Kenyan labour force in Qatar and has opened doors in other sectors as well, especially in the last few years. There are ongoing discussions in various sectors that include education, infrastructure development, health and agriculture among others.
Underlining the changing nature of the relationship he said: “Kenya and Qatar have begun to add economic and trade dimensions to their relationship and have also enhanced institutional cooperation. Their excellent relation that was limited to political cooperation is now being transformed into a relationship that has a more positive impact on our peoples.”
HE the Kenyan ambassador to Qatar reiterated: “Once again, I would like to congratulate His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and people of Qatar on their National Day.”
HE Mohamed Setri Ambassador of Morocco
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the State of Qatar HE Mohamed Setri underscored that this year’s slogan reflects football’s basic value, with the World Cup succeeding in bringing together peoples and cultures from the world over to Qatar and setting the value of integrity in competing for the World Cup.
His Excellency stressed that the unity of the Qatari people is the driving force for all of Qatar’s achievements, including its successful hosting of the World Cup for the first time in the history of the Arab region and the Middle East. The tournament reflects the extent of the Qatari people’s unity, and will leave in its wake a lasting legacy for successive generations.
HE Mohamed Setri said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari people on the occasion of the National Day.
He added: “I would like to emphasise that the slogan of the National Day, “Our unity is the source of our strength” has connotations and meanings that transcend the borders of Qatar thanks to the great efforts made by it to deliver a unique version of the World Cup.”
“Qatar has succeeded in delivering an extraordinary World Cup, and in the process, proved its strength and unity, which is referred to in the National Day slogan. What Qatar has achieved is manifest in the excellent World Cup stadiums and other infrastructure as well as extraordinary organisation of the tournament. Those are achievements that Qatar is entitled to celebrate on its National Day.”
On a concluding note he said: “I would like to emphasise the distinguished bilateral relations between Qatar and Morocco in all fields, which are based on the solid foundation of mutual respect”.
HE Zeid Mufleh Al-Lozi, Ambassador of Jordan
The Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the State of Qatar HE Zeid Mufleh Al-Lozi, stressed that the celebration of Qatar’s National Day this year, in conjunction with the final of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, acquires a new symbolism, as it is an opportunity for the guests who have come to see the World Cup matches to participate in the celebrations of the State of Qatar, and take advantage of an occasion to learn about its culture and history.
In a special statement to the Qatar Tribune, His Excellency said that the celebration of the National Day is a wonderful opportunity, which allowed all the guests of Qatar who came to follow the FIFA World Cup, to live the experience of its celebration, to be part of the interesting events planned on this special date.
He praised the dynamic development that Qatar has experienced in recent years, which has made it a modern country. He pointed out that the changes and reforms witnessed by the State of Qatar in various fields have been running parallel to efforts to preserve its values, traditions, identity and culture.
The ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the people of the State of Qatar, on the occasion of the National Day, calling on God to return the same to the Qatari people in prosperity and growth in all fields.
HE Feisel Aliyi Abrahim, Ambassador of Ethiopia
The Ambassador of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the State of Qatar HE Feisel Aliyi Abrahim extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the brotherly people of Qatar.
He said:” I am honoured to offer my sincere congratulations and blessings to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and also to all the honourable people of Qatar, on the anniversary of the State of Qatar’s founding”.
He added: “It also gives me pleasure to congratulate His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and government and entire people of Qatar on hosting the first ever FIFA World Cup 2022 in the Middle East.”
He continued: “Qatar has succeeded in disproving all the unprecedented negative campaigns with regards to its hosting of the World Cup by delivering the most spectacular tournament the like of which has never seen before. May the Almighty God grant His Highness personal wellbeing, and peace, security and prosperity to the people of Qatar.”
HE Nehro El-Arabi, Chargé d’Affaires of Tunisia
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Tunisia in the State of Qatar HE Nehro El-Arabi expressed his heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government and people of the State of Qatar on the occasion of the National Day and over the success they achieved in hosting this special edition of the World Cup.
He said: “On my own behalf, and on behalf of the embassy of Tunisia in Doha and all members of the Tunisian community residing in the State of Qatar, I am overjoyed by this eternal occasion among our Qatari brothers to address congratulations to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for the great achievements”.
He added: “The state of Qatar is celebrating its National Day on December 18 this year, coinciding with the World Cup final. Both events confirm its good choice in terms of linking national events and world events.”
He continued: “National days for all peoples are an occasion to recall the past and draw lessons, celebrate what has been accomplished, and look ahead and plan for the future.” He said: “What has been achieved in the state of Qatar is a source of pride for all Arabs and Muslims.” In this regard, he mentioned Qatar’s National Vision 2030, the development and modernisation that the country is already witnessing, the top rank it has achieved in many development indicators besides its active diplomatic presence in the regional and international arenas that have made it a successful mediator in many crises.
HE Ridwan Hassan, Ambassador of Indonesia
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the State of Qatar HE Ridwan Hassan expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Qatar, and his admiration for the success of the World Cup Qatar 2022. He said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the honourable people and esteemed government of Qatar on this auspicious occasion celebrating the National Day of the country.”
He added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Qatar for the outstanding organisation of the World Cup, it has certainly been a memorable experience for all of us.”
In their statements to Qatar Tribune, the ambassadors praised the bilateral friendly and brotherly ties the State of Qatar shares with countries of the world right since its establishment. They expressed their great admiration for the State of Qatar’s impressive capabilities demonstrated in its hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, its unparalleled success, and the comprehensive development it has accomplished. In addition, they praised its openness and economic diversification, the way ahead as delineated in its National Vision 2030. They praised the tremendous determination and will of the country’s leadership and people.
