(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNA
Doha: Qatar's embassies and diplomatic missions marked the National Day, which is celebrated on December 18 of every year, in commemoration of the state's founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, under the theme "as long as it was proven by our deeds...Qatar Will Remain Free."
Their Excellencies, Heads of Diplomatic, Consular and Representative Missions of the State of Qatar abroad, extended greetings and congratulations to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and the Qatari people on this precious occasion, wishing the State of Qatar further progress and prosperity.
The Qatari diplomatic celebrations in the capitals and cities of the world have been attended by a high level official and public representation that reflecting 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 in New York hosted a reception marking the National Day at the Lincoln Cultural Center. The reception was attended by Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute, and Founder of Reach Out to Asia HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani. It was also attended by HE High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Nasr, HE Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed, HE President of the United Nations General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa, and U.S Representative from New York Carolyn Maloney.
HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani welcomed the guests, and said in a speech that the national day is a very special day for the Qatari people, as the founder of Qatar Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani united the country on the same day in 1878, before ultimately gaining independence in 1971.
Her Excellency reviewed the achievements of the State of Qatar in education, sustainable energy, sports, and arts. She noted that the State of Qatar invested mainly in its people, as mentioned in Qatar National Vision which aims to transform the economy into a knowledge-based one.
For her part, HE Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani congratulated HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with the national day. Her Excellency said that keeping this memory alive is a tribute to founding moment of the modern Qatari state. Her Excellency reviewed the achievements made by the State of Qatar in the areas of economic development, education and enhancing the role and status of women. Her Excellency highlighted the rights enjoyed by women in the fields of employment, wages, equal opportunities and the high-ranking positions as well as their role in the national economy.
Her Excellency discussed Qatar's interest in arts and heritage, and focused on the national museum that will be opened in the Spring of 2019. Her Excellency described the museum as an embodiment of Qataris pride in their national identity, and a bridge linking the past and history to the present in all its diversity and openness to the world. Her Excellency also said that the museum was a testament to the country's continued investment in arts.
Her Excellency also highlighted the blockade imposed by some neighboring states on unfounded allegations, and said that the blockade helped unite the people and residents of the State of Qatar around the leadership and government of the country.
For his part, HE Al Nasr said that celebrating the National Day acts as a reminded us of the achievements of the State of Qatar. He added that they realize that the State of Qatar is a small country in terms of geography, but one that has made great achievements in the last 30 years in many fields such as education and developments. He also focused on Qatar's hosting of the World Cup 2022 for the first time in the Arab region.
Qatari music composer Dana Al Fardan introduced Qatari artist Aisha Sayed Al Zayani and Juilliard Orchestra who played a number of national songs.
A large number of permanent representatives of U.N. member states attended the ceremony along with representatives of consular missions in New York, a large number of diplomatic corps members and staff of UN.
HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kyrgyz Republic Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day in Bishkek.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurlan Abdrakhmanov, HE Minister of Labor and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic Ulukbek Kochkorov, a number of government officials and heads of diplomatic missions and consulates accredited to Kyrgyzstan.
In his speech, HE the ambassador spoke about the unjust siege imposed by the siege countries since June 2017.
His Excellency touched on the reasons behind the crisis and the State of Qatar's contributions to combatting terrorism.
For his part, HE the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister congratulated the State of Qatar on its national day, pointing to the development of the relations between both countries and his country's interest in activating trade, economic and investment cooperation with Qatar.
In Nicosia, HE Ambassador of Qatar to Republic of Cyprus Sultan bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud hosted a reception ceremony on the occasion of Qatar National Day.
The ceremony was attended by HE Acting President of Cyprus Demetris Syllouris, who is also President of the House of Representatives and to represent the Cypriot government, HE Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Giorgos Lakkotrypis attended. A number of officials from Cyprus, ambassadors of Arab and foreign countries accredited to Cyprus and a number of businessmen attended the ceremony.
In Bucharest, the Qatari Embassy hosted a ceremony on the occasion of Qatar National Day.
The ceremony was attended by HE Deputy Prime Minister of Romania Viorel Stefan, the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, health and agricultures, a number of parliament members, senior officials, heads of diplomatic missions, media personnel and businessmen.
In Dhaka, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the People's Republic of Bangladesh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Dhaimi, held a reception on the occasion of the Qatar National Day
A number of government officials, politicians, businessmen and a number of members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Bangladesh, attended the ceremony.
Qatar Airways and Qatar Charity participated in the ceremony with films and photographs on the history of the State of Qatar.
In Budapest, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Hungary Mohamed bin Hamad Al Khalifa hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.
The reception was attended by HE Deputy State Secretary for Economic Foreign Affairs Dr. Petra Pana, a number of parliament members and military officials.
In Canberra, HE Ambassador of Qatar to Australia Saad bin Abdullah Al Mohamoud held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.
The event was attended by a number Australian officials representing different governmental sectors, parliament members, ambassadors of friendly countries accredited to Australia.
In Rabat, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Morocco, Abdulla bin Falah Al Dosari, held a reception on the occasion of the State of Qatar's National Day.
HE Prime Minister of Morocco Saadeddine Othmani attended the ceremony along with HE Minister of Labor and Professional Integration Mohamed Yatim, HE Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of General Affairs and Governance Lahcen Daoudi, Secretary of State to the Minister of National Planning, Town Planning, Housing and Urban Policy, responsible for housing Fatna Lkhiyel, Secretary of State to the Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research Responsible for higher education and scientific research Khalid Samadi, in addition to a number of dignitaries in the Kingdom of Morocco; heads and representatives of diplomatic missions
In London, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom Youssef bin Ali Al Khater held a reception on the occasion of the State of Qatar's National Day.
The function was attended by HE Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defense People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood, and Member of Parliament Alistair Carmichael. In addition to a number of Arab and foreign ambassadors, media personalities, businessmen, and academics who also attended.
In Brussels, HE the State of Qatar's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of its missions to the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi held a reception on the occasion of the National Day.
The function was attended by a number of ranking officials, and heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions.
In a speech, His Excellency reviewed the development of bilateral relations between the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Belgium, the European Union and NATO, and the momentum created by the official visit of HH the Amir to Belgium last March, which was an opportunity to sign a number of agreements.
His Excellency also stressed that the year witnessed the continuation of the State of Qatar's path towards prosperity, development, economic diversification and self-reliance under the wise leadership of His Highness.
The Ambassador praised the State of Qatar for making a number of reforms and legislation that were the first of their kind in the region, saying the country set an example for respect for and protection of fundamental rights.
In Quito, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Ecuador Mohammed bin Ali Al Malki held a reception ceremony to mark national day celebrations.
Attending the function were HE Minister of Tourism Rosi Prado de Holguin, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Andreas Tiran, Director of Protocoal Juan Holguin, along with members of the Arab and Muslim community in Quito.
In Asuncion, Charge D'Affaires of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Paraguay Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Suwaidi held a reception ceremony to celebrate the national day.
The ceremony was attended by Bernardino Caballero, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in addition to a number of prominent political figures, senate and parliament members, heads of diplomatic missions accredited by Paraguay.
In a speech, Al Suwaidi gave a brief overview on Qatar's Foreign Policy Principles. He also discussed the unfair blockade imposed on the State of Qatar, and the country's clear position that any dialogue to end the crisis must be unconditional. He also discussed the strength of the Qatari economy, and bilateral ties with Paraguay.
In Chisinau, Charge D'Affaires of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Moldova Hamad bin Rashid Al Athba held a reception ceremony to mark national day celebrations. A representative of the Moldovan presidency attended the ceremony, along with undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice President of the parliament Valeriu Ghiletchi, members of parliaments, government officials, and heads of diplomatic missions accredited by the state.
In Naypyidaw, Charge D'Affaires of the State of Qatar Mansour bin Mubarak Al Khayarain at the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held a reception ceremony to mark national day celebrations. HE Minister for Planning and Finance of Myanmar Soe Win attended as the guest of honor of the ceremony, along with a number of ranking government officials and heads of diplomatic missions accredited by the state.
In San Jose, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Costa Rica Mohammed bin Kurdi Al Marri held a reception ceremony to celebrate the national day. First Vice President of Costa Rica and Minister of Foreign Affairs Epsy Campbell Barr attended the function, along with HE Minister of Communications Juan Carlos Mendoza, HE Minister of Justice and Peace Marcia Gonzalez Aguiluz, HE Minister of Sport Hernan Solano Venegas, HE Science, Technology and Communications Minister Luis Adrian Salazar, HE Minister of Housing Irene Campos Gomez, a number of high-ranking government officials, and representatives from diplomatic missions accredited by Costa Rica.
HE the ambassador discussed in a speech the resilience of the State of Qatar after more than a year and a half of the blockade, which proved the extent of cohesion of the people of Qatar and their loyalty to the leader HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
For her part, the Costa Rican vice president congratulated the Qatari government and people on the occasion, wishing further progress and prosperity for them. She also thanked the Qatari government for the assistance they provided to the Costa Rican government. She spoke about the development of relations between the two countries and wished further progress in closer relations in many fields and achieve more joint cooperation.
In Ottawa, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada Saoud bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud held a reception ceremony to mark national day celebrations. The function was attended by a number of military leaders, parliament members, diplomatic representatives accredited by Canada, academics, journalists, members of the Arab communities in Canada, and Qatari students who are pursuing their education in the country.
In a speech, the Ambassador reviewed the reality of the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and Canada and the efforts exerted by officials at the level of the two countries to enhance them and develop prospects for cooperation in various fields. He said that there are a number of Canadian citizens engaging currently in projects in Qatar in many sectors such as education, health, and industry.
The ambassador also discussed the strong economic indicators of Qatar, despite facing the blockade for more than a year.
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