Qatar, Uruguay Share Strong Bonds Of Friendship And Many Similarities: Envoy

Doha, Qatar: Qatari officials, diplomats, and community members gathered to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Uruguay's National Day, at a reception in Doha yesterday.

The event, commemorating two centuries since the nation's declaration of independence from the Brazilian Empire on August 25, 1825, was hosted by the Ambassador of Uruguay to Qatar H E Marcelo Esteban Gerona Morales and his spouse Dr. Silvana Sosa de Gerona.

Present on the occasion were Minister of State H E Eng Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) H E Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, and Director of the Department of American Affairs at MoFA H E Jassim bin Mohammed Hassan Al-Asmakh.

In his speech, H E Marcelo Esteban Gerona Morales highlighted Uruguay's strong and stable economy, high human development, and key role in global food security through exports of natural products. He also noted the country's leadership in tourism relative to its population and its growing presence in sectors like renewable energy and software.

The Ambassador expressed profound appreciation to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the government of Qatar for its remarkable contribution to the international community as mediator in multiple conflicts worldwide.

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Quoting President of Uruguay H E Yamandú Orsi, he said that“Uruguay, in times of uncertainty and global crisis, reaffirms its vocation for peace and space for conflict resolution.”

The Ambassador said that, despite the geographical distance, Qatar and Uruguay share strong bonds of friendship and share many similarities. Both are small yet strategically located nations, surrounded by larger neighbours, and each has shown remarkable resilience and foresight in pursuing its path of development.

“Our economies are highly complementary. Uruguay, a global leader in food production relative to its population, stands ready to contribute to Qatar's food security. Meanwhile, Qatar's energy resources and fertilisers are vital for Uruguay's agricultural and industrial sectors. Strengthening bilateral trade and investment remains a shared priority,” said Morales.

The Ambassador noted that a significant milestone was achieved during the 2024–2025 period: agreements were reached on health certificates for the export of breeding cattle, live equine and ovine animals, and bee products.

“These agreements will promote the exchange of genetics between our countries and open new channels for trade,” he said.

“Together, Qatar and Uruguay are poised to unlock even greater potential across these key areas, reinforcing a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.”

In his final remarks, the Ambassador extended an invitation to the Bicentennial Concert: Celebrating Uruguay. The event will feature a performance by acclaimed Uruguayan soprano Sofía Mara, accompanied by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Professor Marcus Bosch, on September 27 at the Opera House in Katara Cultural Village.

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