(MENAFN- Gulf Times) His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani patronised the
opening of the 46th ordinary session of the Advisory Council yesterday
morning at the Council's premises.
His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the inaugural session.
The inaugural session was also attended by His Highness the Deputy Emir
Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Special
Representative of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad
al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, His
Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE Sheikh Jassim bin
Khalifa al-Thani.
It was also attended by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister
Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and a number of Sheikhs,
ministers, heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar and the
State's dignitaries.
His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani delivered the
following speech on the opening of the Advisory Council's 46th Ordinary
Session.
In the Name of Allah the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Sisters and Brothers, Members of the Advisory Council,
* express to you my best greetings at the opening of the 46th session of
the Advisory Council, and at the outset I want to extend sincere thanks
to the brothers, the former members of the Council for their
appreciated efforts during their term of office. I welcome also the
brothers and sisters the new members, wishing them every success in
serving their country.
Honourable Brothers and Sisters,
Our annual meeting to which we look forward to comes to assess
activities in the preceding year, and to glimpse the future prospects of
our development march that, thanks to God, is striding confidently
towards achieving our national goals.
** The unjust blockade
As you know, Qatar has come under an unjust blockade, during which all
established values and norms not only those prevalent among fraternal
and friendly countries, but even among enemies were breached. It was
evident from the nature of the steps that were taken, as well as the
accompanying behaviour and rhetoric, that their goal was not to reach a
solution or settlement.
* will not elaborate on the repercussions of those steps, as they have
already been discussed at every social gathering and household,
especially since the blockading countries have left nothing without
endangering it, i.e., the norms, values, consanguineous relations,
private properties and interests. Accordingly, they provoked the
condemnation and repulsion of the Gulf, Arab and global public opinion.
They have built their campaign on fabrications since the hacking of
Qatar News Agency's website. Their propaganda campaign drives them to
get embroiled in more lies which hurt them alone.
As you know, Qatar has pursued a policy of self-restraint, moderate
response, and has risen above all wrangles and misbehaviour in respect
for our values and norms and out of our keenness to maintain the
fraternal relations among the Gulf peoples. Qatar's political approach
and diplomacy have gained the respect of the whole world.
** Captives of their own rhetoric
It seems that the countries which imposed the blockade on Qatar have
been embroiled in it. They have become captives of their own media
rhetoric, as attempts made to give them a way out through mediations and
dialogue as well as our declared readiness for settlements, etc., did
not succeed. It also seems that, this has become their approach, as they
became hasty in taking steps in other countries as well, without having
any exit strategy from the situation they tend to implicate themselves
in.
** Qatar has well-known counter-terrorism record
The fabrications regarding supporting and financing terrorism levelled
against the State of Qatar have failed to convince the international
community, especially the major powers and active countries in this
field. Paradoxically, our originally good relations with these countries
are now better than they were before the crisis. The State of Qatar has
a well-known and documented counter-terrorism record. Qatar has acceded
to the international and regional treaties in this respect, foremost of
which is the United Nations Convention against the Financing of
Terrorism of 1999, and has contributed to every international and
regional effort in this regard. Recently, it has signed a detailed
Memorandum of Understanding with the US administration on combating
terrorism and its financing.
Many foreign officials have asked the blockading countries to submit
evidence for their claims; and you all know that they did not submit
anything because they haven't anything to submit. They know, and
everyone who visits them from the politicians knows, that their campaign
against Qatar has nothing to do with terrorism.
** Siege has brought out the best in us
Brothers and sisters,
Here in Qatar, we are used to frankness between the leadership and the
people, as is the case in a family. I am addressing you very clearly
that we mean what we say when we express our readiness for resolving
issues within the framework of dialogue based on mutual respect for
sovereignty and joint commitments. On the other hand, we are aware that
the indicators we receive reveal that the siege countries are unwilling
to reach a solution.
These countries began in their conduct a new phase in the relations
between the Gulf states. We have benefited from this experience, as it
brought out the best talents and spirit of challenge inherent us, and
contributed to crystallising our national identity, and enhanced
cohesion between the people and the leadership.
Our government knows that what we have said about the productive
society, self-sufficiency in food and medicine and the national
security, and establishing balanced bilateral relations based on the
mutual interests between Qatar and other countries, are tasks for
implementation that cannot be delayed.
The blockading countries want to distract us in battlefronts they open
against Qatar everywhere, so that our internal and external policies are
disrupted. But this will not happen, as we continue to pursue our
positive and effective foreign policy and meet our humanitarian and
international obligations, which contribute also to defending our people
and our country. Domestically, we have to continue to work and produce
more vigorously under the new circumstances. I do not need to remind you
of the number of countries that are thriving with sea and air routes,
without having land crossings.
** We do not fear the boycott
The Qatari society knows how to lead a normal life, flourish and develop, whether the blockade is prolonged or not.
We do not fear the boycott of these countries against us, we are a
thousand times better off without them. But vigilance is required. Their
claims that they will only adopt boycott are not true, as they continue
to interfere in the internal affairs of our country and take collective
punitive measures against the Qatari people, and practise incitement
everywhere against the State of Qatar, thus wasting the energies and
resources of their peoples although these efforts hurt them. This
dispute is a no-win situation. Its continuation will dent the reputation
and interests of all the GCC countries.
On this occasion, I extend my sincere thanks to my brother His Highness
Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of the brotherly State of
Kuwait, for all his commendable efforts in mediating between our Gulf
States and my special appreciation for his strong will, wisdom and
keenness on the future of the GCC, which he expressed in his latest
cautionary appeal on 24 October to heal the rift and halt the
deterioration; a call which was promptly and positively responded to by
the State of Qatar. I also extend thanks to all the countries who
supported us in our stance during this crisis.
** Steps to counter challenges
Brothers and sisters,
We have, of course, taken the necessary measures to counter the new
challenges in areas of air and maritime transport and to find
alternative sources of goods and services that had adversely been
affected. These matters have, thank God, been restored to almost normal
levels, and on stronger bases than before.
As you know, before the present crisis we were preoccupied with curbing
the impacts of falling oil prices on our development plans, as oil and
gas prices fell by 49% in 2015, and a further fall of 18% in 2016.
As expected, this cumulative decline, has led to low growth rates in all
GCC countries, including Qatar, where GDP growth in fixed prices fell
from 3.6% in 2015 to 2.2% in 2016.
Despite this decline, per capita income in Qatar, according to
purchasing power is still among the highest in the world, according to
international institutions' reports such as the World Bank, and the
International Monetary Fund. However, this shouldn't lead us to
self-conceit, as this achievement was not easily achieved, and
maintaining it requires redoubling the effort. It is not to be taken for
granted.
It is reassuring that although the hydrocarbon share in GDP has fallen
by about 1%, Qatar's growth rate has improved, as the share in GDP from
other sources has risen by about 5.6%.
Our achievement of this rate does not mean that we are satisfied with
it, as it is less than our ambitions, and we will strive to achieve
higher growth rates in the future. Our commitment to implement prepared
plans in the fields of industry, agriculture, trade, tourism and
services, will contribute to that end.
** Will of Qatari people underestimated
Brothers and sisters, members of the Advisory Council,
The measures taken by the blockading countries were aimed at creating a
political shock, affecting Qatar's stability and forcing us to accept
tutelage and cede our independence. Then they have moved on to a second
plan that is still being applied. It could be summed up as an attempt to
harm our economy. But they have erred in their evaluation of the will
of the Qatari people and the State, as well as in their estimates of our
economy.
The negative impacts of the blockade were temporary and our economy has
managed to contain most of them very quickly, while adapting and
developing itself in the course of the crisis management.
These campaigns have not affected our major exports of oil and gas. On
the contrary, our respect for our gas export contracts even to
countries that have played a leading role in the campaign against our
country has boosted the confidence of the international community in
our credibility to honour our commitments, in addition to our keenness
not to harm a brotherly people.
Efforts exerted in previous years to achieve Qatar's national vision
have steadily proceeded. In continuation of efforts to support small and
medium industries, an industrial zone has been developed with state-of
the-art basic services and facilities, in addition to the construction
of industrial facilities which are ready for the private sector.
** Projects to fortify our economy
Work is underway to implement economic development projects that would
help in fortifying our economy, these include establishing areas for
storage, developing logistics areas and introducing a number of food
security projects.
The State has given special attention to water security and has
constructed new desalination plants and mega storage reservoirs for
potable water, the largest of its kind in the world. Its first stage
will be commissioned in the first half of next year.
As a result of Qatar's strong economy and its ability to withstand the
crises rapidly and efficiently, the monetary authorities, in
collaboration with the fiscal authorities, the banking and financial
systems, were able to counter and foil attempts to harm the Qatari
Riyal, thus maintaining the financial and exchange rate stability and
free remittances.
As you know, Hamad Port, one of the largest and most modern ports in the
Middle East, was opened and commissioned recently. Several agreements
have been signed with important shipping lines to connect the port to
international ports in Turkey, China, Taiwan, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore,
Kuwait and Australia.
These achievements were realised despite that the blockading countries'
relentless efforts to disrupt and obstruct them by various means, which
started with the blockade itself, and included pressure on other
countries in addition to even spreading rumours and fabrications, and
acting against hosting of the World Cup in 2022 by Qatar.
** Seven-point strategy to fortify economy
Brothers and sisters,
Based on our awareness of the new situation that must be addressed, our
strategy to fortifying the national economy must be based on the
following:
* First, completion of the necessary legislation and decrees to
facilitate investment, reduce bureaucracy, and reform the banking system
to be compatible with the major tasks that we face in the new stage of
building the economy and the state.
* Second, completion of food and water security projects over a specified
time frame, and development of new industries and services necessary to
respond to any contingencies, and implementing constructions and
facilities that are essential for oil and gas industry.
* Third, expanding existing economic and trade relations and developing new bilateral relations.
* Fourth, completion of the current infrastructure projects under
construction now, as well as the 2022 World Cup projects in line with
the National Development Plan and Qatar Vision.
* Fifth, development of sea ports and the expansion in concluding
agreements with international shipping companies to connect the ports of
Qatar directly with international ports, and enhancing Qatar Airways'
cargo and passenger capacity.
* Sixth, accelerating the implementation of tourism strategy over a specified time frame.
* Seventh, encouraging the private sector to engage in these areas and
facilitating them for it. Yet, the private sector has to acknowledge its
responsibilities towards its country.
** Advisory Council elections
Brothers and Sisters,
The government is currently preparing for the Advisory Council
elections, including drafting legislative measures necessary to ensure
that these elections are conducted perfectly well, so as to avoid the
need for further amendment in each stage. There are legal shortcomings
and legal issues that must be addressed beforehand, in order to have
fair Advisory Council elections. These measures will be submitted to
your esteemed Council during the next year.
** Upgrading justice system
Due to of the importance of achieving justice and keenness on developing
the judicial system and enhancing its abilities to cope with the rapid
developments our society has seen in all fields, I have directed that it
is necessary to upgrade our justice system to ensure the consolidation
of the independence of the judiciary, avoiding prolonged litigation (as
it is said: slow justice is tantamount to injustice), and taking the
necessary measures to provide all human, administrative and
organisational capabilities and necessary equipment for the courts of
law, the prosecution and the assisting agencies, in addition to opening
new branches for them in various locations in the State. The government
will present to your esteemed Council soon the draft laws prepared for
this purpose.
** Balanced foreign policy
Brothers and Sisters, Members of the Advisory Council,
With regard to our foreign policy, we continue to draw our policies
guided by our values and based on a balance between our firm principles
and the interests of our people, and the peoples of the region, and our
political reality.
** Resolve disputes through dialogue
We follow with deep concern the deterioration of the political situation
at the regional level, and call for de-escalation to spare the peoples
of the region the perils of tension and emergence of axes. It is not
plausible that the countries and societies be regarded as mere spheres
of influence or spaces to settle old scores between regional countries.
There is a geopolitical reality that forces us to resolve our
differences through dialogue. Qatar has been calling for that in line
with its approach of resolving disputes by peaceful means. In the case
of the Gulf and the region this is not only an option, but an urgent
necessity. Relevant mechanisms must be found to address this.
We congratulate our Palestinian brethren on the unity which has been
realised. We hope that ending the Palestinian rift will lead to lifting
the siege on Gaza and unifying efforts to find a just and durable
solution for the Palestinian issue based on the resolutions of
international legitimacy and the two-state solution, and the
establishment of a Palestinian State on the borders of 5 June 1967, with
East Jerusalem as its capital.
Qatar, as you know, has exerted extensive and long-term efforts to
achieve unity as part of its multifaceted support for the brotherly
Palestinian people. Qatar's diligent efforts were characterised by no
considerations other than the national interest of the Palestinians.
With regard to the brotherly Iraq, as terrorism receded from most of the
areas it had controlled as a result of recent victories by the Iraqi
Government, we hope that this plague will be eliminated from the rest of
the regions in the near future. We also support the territorial
integrity of Iraq, and call on the central government and the Kurdistan
region to solve the lingering problems between them by constructive
dialogue based on the Iraqi constitution, to preserve the fraternal
relations between all components of the Iraqi people and Iraq's
territorial safety.
On the Syrian issue, we hope that the international efforts will be
active in finding a just solution to this tragedy that fulfils the
aspirations of the Syrian people after a lengthy inaction, and
alleviates the suffering of the brotherly Syrian people, and ends the
breach of their inviolabilities and dignity. We reaffirm the unity of
the Syrian territory and people and reject any action leading to its
partition.
Regarding Libya, the State of Qatar supports the Government of National
Accord in its efforts to bring about reconciliation between the
conflicting Libyan factions and to counter terrorism. We will continue
to support the international mediation efforts in this brotherly
country.
Concerning Yemen, Qatar supports the efforts of the United Nations envoy
to end the crisis in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution
2216. We call upon all parties to a genuine national reconciliation to
end this conflict, preserve the stability, safety and territorial
integrity of Yemen, and put an end to the suffering of the Yemeni
people, who are the major party to bear the whole brunt of the
continuation of the war.
On this occasion, I also reiterate the call to the Government of Myanmar
to put an end to the suffering of the Rohingya, and to resolve the
crisis in a constructive dialogue that preserves the rights of all
parties. Qatar will spare no effort in collaboration with friendly
states and the international community in this regard.
In conclusion, I reiterate my appreciation to our pedigreed Qatari
people and residents of the State for standing up with dignity and pride
against the blockade.
God bless you with success, and may God's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.
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