The diplomatic, consular, and representative missions of the State of Qatar continued their celebrations of the National Day, which falls on Dec. 18, in commemoration of the founder of the state, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, under the slogan: “Ancestral Meadows: A Matter of Trust.”

Their Excellencies, Heads of the diplomatic, consular, and representative missions of the State of Qatar abroad extended their congratulations to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and all the Qatari people on this occasion, wishing the State of Qatar more progress and prosperity.

The Qatari diplomatic celebrations in the capitals and cities of the world witnessed high-level official and popular participation, which reflected Qatar’s distinguished relations with the countries of the world.

In New York, the permanent delegation of the State of Qatar to the United Nations held a ceremony on the occasion of the State’s National Day.

The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of members of the diplomatic corps, heads of international, intellectual, and academic organizations, UN officials, representatives of the media accredited to the international organization in New York, and a group of members of the Arab and Islamic community.

The 2021 National Day celebration has acquired a special significance, as it coincides with the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by the State of Qatar in various fields, and also coincides with the golden jubilee of the 50th anniversary of the accession of the State of Qatar to the UN and the beginning of the countdown to the launch of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, hosted by Qatar in November 2022, as the first World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani and HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in New York Mohammed bin Sultan Al Kuwari welcomed well-wishers from the ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions of Member States, senior UN officials, heads of intellectual institutions, academics, diplomats, journalists, economic and social figures in New York and the Arab and Islamic communities.

In a speech, HE Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani welcomed the attendees and HE President of the 76th UN General Assembly Abdullah Shahid, the guest of honor of the National Day celebration.

Her Excellency pointed out that 2021 is of special importance for the State of Qatar, as the country is witnessing, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a developmental and scientific renaissance in all fields, and the status of the State of Qatar has been strengthened at the international level, in addition, that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Qatar’s accession to the UN.

HE the Ambassador touched on Qatar’s policy and efforts at the national and international levels, indicating that the State of Qatar has chosen the path of science, culture, development, promoting and protecting human rights and human dignity, and adhering to the principle of resolving conflicts by peaceful means as a fundamental pillar of Qatar’s foreign policy, in addition to strengthening partnership with the UN in various fields of concern to the international community. She noted the contributions of the State of Qatar to address the effects of climate change and preserve the environment.

Her Excellency also addressed the great achievements made to implement Qatar National Vision, and the development, prosperity, stability, and promising prospects the State of Qatar is witnessing in all aspects of life.

She pointed out that Qatar will host the first-ever environmentally friendly FIFA World Cup in the Middle East, which reflects the spirit of coexistence and the values of peace and love among human beings.

In his speech on this occasion, HE President of the 76th UN General Assembly Abdullah Shahid extended his congratulations to the State of Qatar, the leadership, and people, noting that the celebration of the National Day of the State of Qatar coincides this year with the 50th anniversary of the accession of the State Qatar to the UN.

His Excellency said that the State of Qatar has emerged as an economic power and a regional and international mediator, hailing Qatar National Vision for Sustainable Development for 2030, and said that it is a bold vision that defines a comprehensive framework that meets the needs of current and future generations. He added that the State of Qatar continues its policy to resolve disputes by peaceful means and adhere to the principles of international relations and respect for the sovereignty of states and good neighborliness.

The State of Qatar, as a distinguished member of the international community, has made invaluable contributions to the international multilateral system, he pointed out. He noted Qatar’s support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and its role in the Vaccine Alliance for preventing the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.

HE UNGA President praised the State of Qatar’s investment in creativity and innovation to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Also, he praised the role that the State of Qatar plays in the UN and its position in the international organization.

He hailed the leadership role of HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani and the critical tasks of the international system that she assumed, including her role in facilitating negotiations on the political declaration adopted by leaders of countries and heads of government on the occasion of the 75th UN anniversary, her major role in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform, her presidency of the Legal Committee of the UNGA (Sixth Committee), and other sensitive and important tasks in international multilateral action.

In Tirana, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Albania held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE President of the Republic of Albania Ilir Meta, HE Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj, several ministers and members of the foreign diplomatic corps accredited to Albania, in addition to several businessmen, culture, opinion leaders, and community figures.

In his speech on this occasion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Albania Ali bin Hamad Al Marri reviewed the achievements of the State of Qatar and the progress it is witnessing in all fields.

He pointed out that the State of Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the country has made all efforts to complete the necessary preparations and giant structural projects well in advance of the date, as it is determined to organize this World Cup distinctively so that it is a message of peace and a source of pride for the Gulf region and all Arabs.

His Excellency invited the Albanian people and the whole world to attend the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

During the ceremony, videos about the State of Qatar and preparations for the World Cup were shown, in addition to decorating the facade of Tirana University with the Qatari flag throughout the day, and lighting the sky in the center of the Albanian capital, Tirana, by launching fireworks in the colors of the Qatari flag.

In Moscow, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Russian Federation held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mikhail Bogdanov, as a guest of honor, in addition to several senior Russian officials, Their Excellencies ambassadors, and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Moscow.

In Zagreb, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Croatia organized a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Croatia Sheikh Mohammed bin Youssef Al-Thani attended the ceremony, which was limited to diplomats in the embassy due to the COVID-19 precautionary measures.

In a speech on this occasion, His Excellency said that the State of Qatar today holds a prestigious regional and international position due to its efforts to achieve peace and stability and its support for development and prosperity in partnership with international actors.

He pointed out that the State of Qatar has emerged as an economic power and as an honest and impartial regional and international mediator, which has earned it confidence and strengthened its position.

He referred to the success of the State of Qatar in organizing the Arab Cup, and its readiness to host the most prominent global event by organizing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will be impressive and distinctive.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Youssef Al-Thani stressed the strength of relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Croatia in various fields, expressing his thanks to the Government of Croatia for its expressive participation in this occasion and for decorating one of the capital’s most prominent landmarks with the Qatari flag.

The Croatian capital, Zagreb, decorated the most famous fountain in the city center, with the image of the Qatari flag, as part of its participation in the celebrations on this occasion, which comes as an expression of the strength and depth of relations between the two friendly countries and peoples.

In Algiers, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria celebrated the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Algeria’s Minister of Transport Issa Bakay, HE Minister of Relations with Parliament Bessma Azouar, Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Defence Major General Mohamed Saleh Benbicha, several representatives of state agencies, heads of missions, and international organizations accredited to Algeria, businessmen, intellectuals, artists, media professionals, jurists, and several public figures.

The ceremony included pavilions that expressed the originality of Qatar’s ancient past through the tent inhabited by Arabs in the past and a pavilion in the form of “popular coffee” that allowed visitors to learn about popular songs and traditional Qatari food and sweets.

The wooden models presented to the visitors, which were carved in the style of “Souq Waqif” shops, also expressed the marine life on the shores of the State of Qatar through an exhibition of boats and ships of various types. The modern Qatar pavilion also included models and pictures that showed Qatar’s unique present and the most prominent landmarks in various Qatari cities.

The Qatari women’s personality pavilion showcased traditional clothes, ornaments, and jewelry that were adorned and still adorned by Qatari women and henna paintings.

The ceremony also touched on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 preparations, through an exhibition of stadium models, which included photos and visual explanations that reviewed the preparations and readiness of the State of Qatar to host the tournament.

The attendees enjoyed the atmosphere of the ceremony, which was described by officials as unique and was highly praised and applauded.

In Bamako, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Mali Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al Sunaidi held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Malians Abroad and African Integration Alhamdou Ag Ilyene, government representative, the ministers of youth and sports, environment, employment, and vocational training, deputy speaker of the transitional parliament, several officials, heads and representatives of diplomatic and consular missions and international organizations accredited to Mali, several public figures, businessmen, and community figures.

In Tbilisi, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Georgia celebrated the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Georgia Hassan bin Ahmed Al Mutawa, HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Khvtisiashvili, Head of the Middle East Affairs Department of the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zurab Aleksidze, ambassadors accredited to Georgia and several Qatari citizens in Georgia.

In Santo Domingo, Charge d’Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Dominican Republic Yasser Awad Al Abdullah held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Higher Education Franklin Fermin, HE Minister of Public Administration Tomas Lugo, HE Vice Minister Economic Affairs and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Hugo Rivera, representing the Dominican Minister of Foreign Relations, and HE Assistant Minister of Foreign Relations for Multilateral Affairs, several heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Santo Domingo, and several eminent personalities in the country, business leaders and community figures.

In his speech on this occasion, Yasser Awad Al Abdullah pointed out the importance of this day for the Qatari people, in which they renew the loyalty to their wise leadership, listing the achievements made by the State of Qatar in various fields, and the foundations on which the state’s foreign policy rests.

He also praised the distinguished bilateral Qatari-Dominican relations.

A documentary film was shown during the ceremony, about the achievements of the State of Qatar, its urban renaissance, and its readiness to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

In Kigali, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Rwanda celebrated the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, dignitaries, and heads of diplomatic and representative missions accredited in the Republic of Rwanda.

In Quito, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Ecuador organized a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Defense Luis Hernandez, HE Minister of Sports Sebastian Palacios, HE Minister of Labor Patricio Donoso, HE Minister of Communications Vianna Maino, HE Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Dario Herrera, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cesar Montano, HE Director of the Ecuadorean Police School, several members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Ecuador, and a large number of the Arab and Islamic community in Quito.

The guests were received by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Ecuador Mohamed Ali Al Maliki, and members of the Embassy.

In Lisbon, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Portugal held a virtual party on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

In a speech on this occasion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Portugal Saad bin Ali Al Mohannadi praised the development and political achievements the country is witnessing, which made Qatar a pioneering model and an essential contributor to the movement of growth and development regionally and internationally.

He pointed to the important role played by the state within the framework of international cooperation to meet the challenges of epidemics, climate, environment, and education. He noted the strength, diversity, and flexibility of the Qatari economy thanks to the policies, solid foundations, and sound measures taken by the state.

He also noted the development of strong friendship and cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Portugal, stressing the keenness of the State of Qatar to strengthen these relations in the economic, commercial, agricultural, tourism, sports, educational and cultural fields.

In Chisinau, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Moldova held a virtual ceremony on the occasion of the National Day.

The attendance of the ceremony was limited to the diplomats at the embassy due to the COVID-19 exceptional circumstances and adherence to government decisions and precautionary measures issued by the Ministry of Health in the Republic of Moldova.

In Yamoussoukro, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Advisor to the President of Cote d’Ivoire Ally Coulibaly, several parliamentarians, and officials in the Ivorian government.

HE Ally Coulibaly extended his sincere congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day and referred to the positive developments in bilateral relations, stressing the keenness of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire to develop relations to new dimensions.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Cote d’Ivoire Jaber bin Jarallah Al Marri said that this glorious day is an occasion to renew the loyalty to the wise leadership, which has devoted all possibilities to serve the State of Qatar and achieve its leading position at the global level. He stressed that the State of Qatar is moving at a confident pace towards more great achievements in all sectors in light of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development by enhancing the role and interest of the human being, diversifying sources of income and developing productive sectors.

His Excellency touched on the Qatari-Ivorian relations, stressing that they have witnessed a great development with the support and care of the leaderships of the two countries, and their common desire to strengthen and develop them, expressing his satisfaction with the level of these relations and his aspiration to advance them.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs