Qatar

Doha – Information Office – 18 December

The diplomatic, consular and representative missions of the State of Qatar celebrated the occasion of the National Day, which falls on Dec. 18, in commemoration of the founder of the state, Sheikh Jassim Bin Muhammad Bin Thani, under the slogan: "We praise you, the Lord of the Throne, We accept your judgment in all actions."

Their Excellencies, Heads of the diplomatic, consular and representative missions of the State of Qatar abroad raised their highest greetings and blessings 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 diplomatic celebrations in the capitals and cities of the world witnessed the participation of high-level official, 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 in New York held a virtual celebration on the occasion of the National Day, with the participation of HE President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly Volkan Bozkr, HE Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed, as well as Their Excellencies ambassadors accredited to the United Nations and officials of the United Nations Secretariat.

In her opening statement during the ceremony, HE the permanent representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, affirmed that the National Day is an opportunity to reflect on the past and future of Qatar, and Her Excellency reviewed the achievements made by the State of Qatar, expressing her pride in the accomplishments.

Her Excellency emphasized that the State of Qatar seeks to create a balance between economic and environmental development goals. In the field of human rights, Her Excellency referred to the declaration issued by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, at the opening of the forty-ninth regular session of the Shura Council, to hold elections next October, in accordance with the constitution of the State of Qatar and to ensure the practice of the constitutional right for all citizens.

Her Excellency expressed her pride that the State of Qatar is one of the most effective countries to play the role of mediation and its commitment to achieving comprehensive peace and stability through dialogue, referring to the peace conference hosted by Doha for the Afghan parties.

With regard to confronting the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), Her Excellency stated that the State of Qatar has given priority to international cooperation in confronting and addressing the pandemic, stressing that it will continue its efforts in supporting international efforts to spread and distribute vaccines in a fair way to countries in need.

For his part, HE President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly Volkan Bozkr extended his congratulations to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar on the occasion of the celebration of the National Day, and praised the role that the State of Qatar has played since its accession to the United Nations in 1971. His Excellency said that the State of Qatar is a distinguished partner in international and multilateral cooperation.

His Excellency added that the State of Qatar is leading the way for education for all and is at the forefront of international efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the needy, and to encourage the principle of mediation and peace-keeping. He also praised the leadership role played by the State of Qatar to help the least developed countries, noting that Doha is hosting the Least Developed Countries Conference in Jan. 2022.

HE Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed, praised the efforts made by the State of Qatar to combat the Coronavirus pandemic at the national, regional and global levels, and expressed her gratitude and deep appreciation for the generous assistance provided by the State of Qatar to the various programs and activities of the United Nations, and said that the State of Qatar is an important partner in the international community and a defender of multilateral action, expressing her aspiration to continue working with the State of Qatar now and after the post-Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The program of the ceremony included displaying a video on the construction of stadiums by the State of Qatar to host the World Cup 2022, where HE the permanent representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani explained that these stadiums are a model of sustainability and advanced technology that provides a new global standard for the benefit of future generations.

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

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Italian Republic Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al-Malki, said in a speech on this occasion that everyone is celebrating within the framework of protection and safety measures, which is an approach that the world has not been used to, and everyone hope to change it at the earliest possible opportunity. The State of Qatar has supported the efforts of the international community and provided the necessary assistance to more than 70 countries and international organizations, stressing that the State of Qatar will continue its efforts to support the manufacture of the vaccine and provide it in a fair way to the most needy countries.

His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar, in this exceptional circumstance represented by the outbreak of the Coronavirus, has paid close attention to human rights, especially workers' rights, the need to preserve the health and safety of all workers, regardless of their place and work conditions, and full attention to their economic and legal rights, and the State of Qatar has adopted an integrated package of measures to preserve the health of citizens and residents and the country's economy, and financial incentives were allocated in the amount of QR 75 billion, including guarantees to banks of QR 5 billion within the salary support program and at the level of health procedures, examination, treatment and health care were provided to all citizens and residents of Qatar free of charge.

His Excellency added, during the past two decades, the State of Qatar has moved with strong determination towards building an open and tolerant society where people of different religious beliefs and cultures feel that they are at their home and for this purpose Qatar established a number of institutions that enhance interfaith dialogue and combat intolerance and religious extremism.

His Excellency said that the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the friendly Republic of Italy are excellent and distinctive relations at all levels, including political, economic and military, which depend on respect, mutual trust and common interests, stressing that they have reached the strategic level. His Excellency pointed out that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries has achieved high increases compared to what it used to be, due to mutual investments and bilateral investments through sovereign funds and others in various sectors.

In Stockholm, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Sweden celebrated the National Day. The ceremony was attended by HE Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Robert Rydberg.

HE Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Sweden Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Thani, and a non-resident Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Norway, affirmed that the National Day marks a turning point in the process of building a modern, prosperous and developed country as it is a great opportunity to express our pride in our past and present.

Her Excellency pointed to the pivotal and vital role played by the State of Qatar on the regional and international arenas, providing help to the needy around the world, and its medical assistance to more than 70 countries to combat the Coronavirus pandemic and the relief for people suffering from ongoing crises and conflicts around the world, as well as the crucial role in the peacemaking process and conflict resolution to make the Middle East a better place for stability and prosperity.

Her Excellency said that the National Day is a dear opportunity to emphasize the historical and strategic ties between the State of Qatar and Sweden and Norway, as our common goal is to achieve peace, stability and international prosperity.

For his part, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Robert Rydberg extended his warmest congratulations and 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 Kingdom of Sweden's keenness to develop relations to new dimensions, praising the measures taken by the State of Qatar regarding its hosting of the World Cup. 2022, and the migrant worker issue.

In Ottawa, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Canada held a virtual ceremony on the occasion of the National Day with the participation of a number of Their Excellencies members of the Canadian Parliament, officials in the Canadian government, and a group of ambassadors accredited to Ottawa.

In a speech on this occasion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada Saud bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, mentioned the exceptional health conditions that the world is going through this year due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and also touched upon the important developments and achievements at the state level. His Excellency reviewed the two most important events expected during the next year and the following year, represented in the Shura Council elections in October of next year, and the FIFA World Cup finals organized by the State of Qatar in 2022, for the first time in the Arab region.

Speaking about the Qatari-Canadian relations, His Excellency affirmed that they are in continuous development. He highlighted some aspects of economic and investment cooperation between the two countries, as well as the contribution of the State of Qatar through Qatar Airways to the return of about 40,000 Canadians who were stranded in a number of countries due to the almost total suspension of aviation movement in the world, and added: "Also, there is economic and investment cooperation. We note that there are approximately 10,000 Canadian citizens residing in the State of Qatar, and up to 600 Canadian companies operating there."

In Amman, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan celebrated the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al-Thani, said in a speech on this occasion: "This glorious day, which constitutes the starting point in the establishment of the modern state, is an occasion for pride in the past of this nation, and pride in its great achievements in various fields and pride in the regional position. It is our collective right to feel proud of the renaissance of the State of Qatar in all fields and sectors and to be proud that it has become a center to host international and regional events and activities".

His Excellency affirmed the depth of the historical, brotherly and strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which is witnessing continuous development in all fields that establishes further progress and prosperity under the auspices of the two wise leaders.

In Paris, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the French Republic celebrated, virtually, the occasion of the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, affirmed in a recorded speech that he addressed through video conference technology on this occasion, that what increases our pride in this precious national occasion is that we feel today in the State of Qatar more proud of our pioneering national experience, despite the economic and health difficulties that the whole world is witnessing, the State of Qatar has managed to overcome these enormous difficulties and challenges, and made bright national achievements in the process of development and comprehensive construction in all aspects of life within the framework of the modernization system led by the wise leadership in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030 which foresees prospects for a promising future and a new era of prosperity for the country and the citizen.

On this occasion, His Excellency praised the relations between the State of Qatar and the French Republic, which had made long strides of prosperity and progress in recent decades, and pointed to the increasingly deepening of relations between the State of Qatar and France after the two countries signed the Strategic Dialogue Agreement early last year, which gave the relations a strategic dimension deeper and more established,

His Excellency added that the recent period has witnessed intensive cooperation with friends in France in the efforts exerted to fulfill the requirements for the FIFA World Cup that Qatar will host in 2022. Aspects of cooperation in relations between the two countries have also been strengthened on more than one level, especially after the solidarity of the State of Qatar with friends in France during the crisis of the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. 

In Nairobi, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Kenya celebrated the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Kenya Jabr bin Ali Al Dossari, stressed in a speech on this occasion that the celebration of the States National Day comes and the State of Qatar is steadily moving towards growth, modernization and regional and international leadership. At the local level, Qatar has achieved great developments, including the historic announcement of holding the first elections for the Shura Council in October of next year, and thus the country is moving towards strengthening established traditions of fair and rational governance linked to the people, and strengthens Qatar's national vision 2030 aimed at completing the building of the state of institutions and the expansion of popular participation in decision-making.

His Excellency said that the state has continued the march of development in all fields, achieved self-sufficiency in the agricultural and industrial sectors, established many farms and factories, and established giant companies and projects, including the 2022 World Cup facilities.

His Excellency added: "On the regional and international level, the State of Qatar has succeeded in strengthening its strategic relations with a large number of countries in the world and the region, expanding its network of cooperation and strategic partnerships, and strengthening solid diplomatic bridges with influential global powers, and its successes have emerged in mediation. The success of mediation, dispute resolution and conflict resolution efforts has become linked to the name of Qatar, and its efforts to mediate a solution to the conflict in Darfur in Sudan, and between the Afghan government and the Taliban movement, are the latest and most prominent examples of the success of Qatari mediation. "

His Excellency stressed that the Qatari-Kenyan relations are characterized by durability and development in a number of diplomatic, political, military and economic fields, and stressed that diplomatic relations have witnessed development and prosperity to broader horizons of cooperation, adding that the two countries signed many agreements and memoranda of mutual understanding in the political fields, commercial, investment, legal, transport, aviation, employment, etc., and exchanged visits at the highest levels. His Excellency noted the exchange of Qatar and Kenya during the last period of support in regional and international forums.

In Athens, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Greek Republic celebrated, via video communication technology, the occasion of the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Greece Abdulaziz Ali Al-Naama, said that the celebration this year comes (remotely) in application of precautionary and preventive measures to preserve the health and safety of everyone. His Excellency added: "Within the framework of serious and continuous work to address the Coronavirus pandemic, the State of Qatar has worked to strengthen its medical sector, as it provided assistance to many countries and Qatar Airways continued to operate its flights to return thousands of travelers stranded outside their countries due to closures caused by the outbreak of the virus."

His Excellency indicated that the principles of the foreign policy of the State of Qatar are based on the foundations of peace, security, stability, cooperation and friendship among all countries.

His Excellency noted the announcement of the Shura Council elections to be held in October of next year, and referred to the proclamation of Sept. 9, 2020 of every year as an International Day to Protect Education from Attacks, based on the proposal of HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and this is in addition to all the initiatives of the Education Above All Foundation, pointing to the State of Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and affirming that it will be an exceptional edition in history.

His Excellency added: "Since 2007, diplomatic ties have been born between the State of Qatar and the Greek Republic, as we are witnessing a flourishing in bilateral relations between the two countries, and today we renew the bonds of cooperation with our common heritage, cultural exchange and communication and historical ties to ensure a better future for the two peoples". His Excellency expressed thanks and praise to the government and to the friendly Greek people, and to the deep-rooted and historic friendship between the State of Qatar and Greece.

In Singapore, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Singapore celebrated, the occasion of the National Day, by sending an electronic note to the Singaporean government represented by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and to all diplomatic, consular and representative missions accredited to Singapore, which included expressing the embassy's thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Ministry, and the missions for their permanent support by participating in official events of the State of Qatar during the past years, and announcing that, given the current circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic, this year's celebration will be remotely, and the note also included a link to an introductory video on the State of Qatar.

At the conclusion of the note, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Singapore Saud bin Jassim Al-Jufairi, referred to the strong bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Singapore, expressing his wishes for more success, progress and prosperity for the relations between the two friendly countries. His Excellency also received a number of congratulations electronically and through direct visual communication, where he expressed his thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the heads of mission, expressing his hope for improvement and development of the conditions related to the Coronavirus pandemic, and to welcome them personally during the celebration of the National Day of the State of Qatar next year.

In Colombo, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka held a virtual ceremony on the occasion of the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Sri Lanka Jassim bin Jaber Al Sorour, received congratulations from a number of Their Excellencies Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior officials in the Sri Lankan government, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Colombo.

The Sri Lankan officials expressed their praise of the existing bilateral relations between the two countries in all fields, and praised the achievements and development witnessed by the State of Qatar, expressing their sincere wishes for the government and people of the State of Qatar for further progress and prosperity.

In Sarajevo, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated, virtually, the occasion of the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Bosnia and Herzegovina Sultan bin Ali Al Khater, said in a speech on this occasion that the celebration of the National Day comes this year and all humanity is still facing the Coronavirus pandemic, which has put everyone before difficult choices, and stressed that the State of Qatar has managed to control the spread of the pandemic,

His Excellency referred to the support of the State of Qatar, the international community, and its provision of the necessary assistance to more than 70 countries and international organizations, in recognition of the importance of international cooperation in addressing the pandemic.

His Excellency stressed that the relations of the State of Qatar with Bosnia and Herzegovina are solid relations of friendship and brotherhood, which have been documented through the signing of many agreements and bilateral cooperation protocols, in addition to the exchange of visits between officials of the two countries at the highest levels.

His Excellency referred to Qatar's political and humanitarian support for Bosnia and Herzegovina by providing assistance in times of crisis, the last of which is providing medical assistance to help it cope with the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

In Bucharest, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Romania celebrated the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Romania Abdullah bin Nasser Al Humaidi, affirmed that this occasion has profound connotations in the consciences and hearts of all citizens, as the State of Qatar has become a civilizational beacon and a shining pioneering model in all fields of life because it puts the citizen in priority.

His Excellency said, "The policy of the State of Qatar and its projects in all fields, such as education, culture, health, sports, youth, and social care to raise the level of well-being of the citizen and resident on its lands, respect his rights and preserve his dignity, have been affirmed by the legislative structure represented in the permanent constitution of the country, where elections will be organized for the Shura Council next October which is an expression of its respect for the foundations of democracy and the freedom of the citizen and his rights, an embodiment of what our leadership believes in of the authentic social and moral values affirmed by Islamic law and the ancient traditions of the Qatari society."

His Excellency added "Our country has recorded the highest rates of development on the list of Arab countries and ranked 27th in the world in the ranking of global peace indicators 2020 issued by the Institute for Economics and Peace in Australia, and according to the index of the most secure and socially peaceful countries. The report ranked Qatar first in the Arab world and 16 globally among 163 countries," His Excellency added: " This makes Qatar one of the twenty safest countries in the world, and the State of Qatar topped the index of women's participation in the workforce by 58.3 percent according to the latest study issued by the Arab Monetary Fund. Qatar also ranked 31st globally among 186 countries included in the Economic Freedom Index to enhance the investment climate. "

His Excellency noted that Qatari diplomacy played a mediating role in resolving many disputes at the regional and international levels, which would contribute to strengthening peace and security. His Excellency stressed that peace, according to Qatari diplomacy, is not only extinguishing the fire of violence, but rather achieving justice, cooperation, political and economic integration, and rejection of injustice and exclusion.

On this occasion, His Excellency affirmed his pride in the 27th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Romania, looking forward to further cooperation in various fields of common interest, foremost of which is the economic aspect, and praised the bilateral cooperation in combating the Coronavirus pandemic, the exchange of experiences and information, and the medical assistance provided to Romania.

In Khartoum, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Sudan celebrated the National Day. Due to the circumstances of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), the celebration this year was limited to the diplomatic staff of the embassy represented by the Charg d'Affairs to the State of Qatar to the Republic of Sudan Talal Farhan Al-Anzi, Brigadier General Abdullah bin Muhanna Al-Raml Al-Mannai, Military Attach, and Abdullah Matar Al-Dossary a diplomat at the embassy, Abdullah Muhammad Abdullah Al-Subaie, a diplomat at the embassy, Brigadier General Muhammad Jassem Fakhro, Deputy Chief of the Military Attach, as well as Nasser Al-Obaidli from the Military Attach.

In his speech on this glorious occasion, Talal Farhan Al-Anzi affirmed the celebration of the National Day comes and the State of Qatar has made great achievements in all fields, including political, economic, social and sports, the most recent of which was the winning of hosting the 2030 Asian Games, thanks to the policy and the vision of the wise leadership, and the solidarity and unity of the people with their wise leadership.

He referred to the established relations between the State of Qatar and the brotherly Republic of Sudan, which were and still strong relations, reaffirming the State of Qatar's full support for Sudan at this historical stage, stressing the firm position of the State of Qatar in support of the unity, stability and sovereignty of Sudan, and renewing the State of Qatar's praise for the final signing of the peace agreement between the Transitional Government of the Republic of Sudan and the armed groups,

He pointed out that the State of Qatar has been calling in all forums for the need to cancel the classification of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism to enable it to face challenges.

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

The reception ceremony was limited due to the circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic, as it was attended by HE Director of the Asia and Oceania Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Ambassador Mahmoud Arabi, representing the government, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Bamako, representing the ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Mali, in addition to a number of diplomats and community personalities. 

In Tunis, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Tunisia celebrated the National Day of the State. The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic mission and employees.

In a speech on this occasion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Tunisia Saad bin Nasser Al Humaidi, affirmed that only a small ceremony was held at the embassy, in compliance with the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

He stressed that the development of bilateral ties with the Republic of Tunisia further is a goal that will benefit the peoples of the two countries.

In Mexico, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United Mexican States celebrated the occasion of the State's National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Mexico Mohammed bin Jassim Al Kuwari, delivered a speech virtually during which he addressed the Mexican people and informed them of the significance of the day to Qataris. He highlighted Qatar's prominent position regionally and internationally, and discussed the country's initiatives in many areas related to combating terrorism, eradicating poverty and maintaining peace.

HE Al Kuwari stressed the importance of bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and Mexico in several areas, including investments and trade exchange, he also highlighted the sense of solidarity between the Qatari people and Mexico in terms of efforts to contain the Coronavirus pandemic.

In Algeria, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria celebrated, virtually, the occasion of the State's National Day.

The embassy issued an introductory article on the State of Qatar in Arabic and French, and provided movie links to government and official agencies in Algeria, diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited by the state, and the media.

In New Delhi, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in India celebrated the National Day of the State. The ceremony was attended by the HE Minister of State for External Affairs of India.

The embassy prepared a special video for this occasion, which included the participants and the words of HE , Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of India Mohammed bin Khater Al Khater, and HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of India.

In N'Djamena, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Chad celebrated, virtually, the occasion of the State's National Day. The ceremony was attended by a delegation from the Chadian government headed by HE Director of the Arab Nation Administration Office at the Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Salah El-Din Hassan, and a number of community figures.

Acting Charge d'Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Chad Abdul Sattar Saleh Al Ansari affirmed that this is a precious national occasion for the Qatari people in which they renew their expression of love and loyalty to the wise leadership. He said that the State of Qatar has continued its development path in all fields and has never stopped its good and internationally trusted endeavors to work to find solutions to international disputes, as is the case in the Afghan issue, noting that the State of Qatar has established a large number of agricultural, industrial and livestock projects, and has been able to accomplish a lot of Its major projects planned in advance, along with the projects and infrastructure of the World Cup in Qatar, two years before its date, and it recorded a remarkable development in its economic performance, which made it the most attractive destination for foreign investment. He referred to the medical aid provided by the State of Qatar to more than 78 countries since the outbreak of the pandemic, with more than $90 million, including aid to the Republic of Chad.

In Skopje, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of North Macedonia celebrated the National Day of the State, by preparing an electronic newsletter in English to mark the occasion.

In Karachi, the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Karachi, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, held a ceremony on the occasion of the State's National Day.

In view of the circumstances of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), precautionary measures were taken at the ceremony to avoid gatherings, as participation was limited to HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Karachi Meshaal bin Mohammed Al Ansari, members of the diplomatic mission, and local staff and administrators at the consulate.

In London, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom held a virtual celebration on the occasion of the National Day.

The celebration was attended by HE UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa James Cleverley, in the presence of a number of members of the House of Commons, Arab ambassadors accredited to the United Kingdom, officials of the UK Foreign Office, media professionals and academics.

In a speech to mark the occasion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom Yusuf bin Ali Al Khater thanked the main workers in the State of Qatar, the United Kingdom and all over the world for their tireless efforts in combating the Coronavirus, referring to the participation of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the virtual summit of the Global Vaccine Alliance "Gavi", in which the State of Qatar pledged $20 million to the coalition, in addition to medical supplies and field hospitals provided by the State of Qatar to Lebanon and Italy.

HE the ambassador praised the ongoing bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and the State of Qatar, referring to the natural gas agreement signed between the national grid and Qatar Petroleum. He stressed that the State of Qatar is proud to be a partner in achieving energy security in the United Kingdom.

For his part, HE Cleverley expressed his happiness at celebrating the National Day, praising the dynamic and deep partnership between the United Kingdom and Qatar. He expressed his appreciation and thanks to the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways for their efforts in returning British citizens to their country during the height of the epidemic. He also praised the bilateral trade, energy and defense agreements between Qatar and the United Kingdom.

In Baku, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Azerbaijan held a virtual celebration on the occasion of the State's National Day.

HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Azerbaijan Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab addressed, in a speech on this occasion, the comprehensive renaissance the country is witnessing, in addition to the bilateral relations between Qatar and Azerbaijan.

In Budapest, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Hungary held a virtual celebration on the occasion of the National Day.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Hungary Mohammed bin Hamad Al Khalifa said that the State of Qatar celebrates its National Day on Dec. 18 every year, the date in which the foundations of the modern State of Qatar have been laid back in 1878. He noted that this year's celebrations come at a time when the world is facing the devastating impact of the Coronavirus pandemic that suspended many activities and events.

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

In a speech to mark the occasion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Portugal Saad bin Ali Al Mohannadi referred to the development in political and social fields that are taking place in the country under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani that made the State of Qatar a major contributor in development regionally and internationally.

His Excellency referred to the challenges that the State of Qatar has faced successfully, the latest of which was the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and social repercussions, in addition to implementing all major development projects in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030. The ambassador also praised the development of bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Portugal, stressing the states keenness to strengthen these relations.

In Dar es Salaam, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Tanzania held a virtual party on the occasion of the State's National Day.

HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania Hussain bin Ahmed Al Hamid, stated that Qatar has now become an inspirational development model as it loos to deliver on its 2030 national vision. He added that celebrations this year come at a time as Qatar puts the final touches on its preparations to host the 2022 World Cup finals, which will start in two years' time.

In Guangzhou, the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Guangzhou held a virtual celebration on the occasion of the States National Day in the presence of HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Guangzhou Ali Bin Ghanem Al Hajri, and a number of friends of the State of Qatar at the mission headquarters in Guangzhou.