Media Center

Doha / Information Office / December 17

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said celebrating National Day is a unique event, which reflects the keenness of the people of Qatar to commemorate the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, who made Qatar a unified, strong and independent entity.

His Excellency highlighted that on this glorious occasion, sense of pride is embodied in the generosity of the forefathers, and it paints bright images of identity, unity, cohesion and loyalty to the nation and wise leadership.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the National Day, HE the Minister said this year's celebration will be different than any other year as it comes under the imposed siege that took place months ago, hence the celebration hold new and deep messages to the siege countries about the strength of Qatar. In addition to the steadfastness of its community and unique cohesion between its loyal people and wise leadership, His Excellency added.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said this year's slogan of 'Promise of Prosperity and Glory' is perfectly consistent with the feelings of the people of Qatar at this sensitive time, where they are filled with feelings of pride and are looking forward to prosperity despite the tough and illegal procedures taken by the siege countries. These feelings comes out of their belief in God's sayings and because they are aware that prosperity will come from their country's independent freedom that is not subject to extortion or intimidation, His Excellency added. They also believe that good will come from their high morals, in their sublimation above conflicts and arrogance, in their unity against conspiracies and in their strong alignment behind their wise leadership, he said.

His Excellency confirmed that the State of Qatar, to everyone's testimony succeeded at unprecedentedly managing the Gulf crisis with wisdom and great respect to itself. The great Qatari community took into consideration its relations with its GCC brotherly countries and the principles and customs of dispute, which made it earn the world's respect, he added.

His Excellency said the complementary political, economic, media and population role has succeeded at thwarting all the scheming, breaking the siege and promoting leadership and the independence of the State of Qatar, to the extent that the residents do not feel the effects of the siege on their daily lives.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said the siege's human rights violations are what is worrisome, where there are 26,000 registered violations, which is very dangerous. His Excellency confirmed that if Qatar overlooks the crisis, it will not overlook the violations against the Qatari people and it is important that settling the crisis must guarantee to never return to this method of retaliation in dealing with citizens when there is a political dispute between governments.

His Excellency added that what is saddening is that the crisis has resulted in shaking the confidence in the GCC, however despite that Qatar sees the importance of maintaining its collective security system, and to work on finding a formula that ensures the preservation of the states' sovereignty. It is also important to not interfere in internal issues, establish civilized mechanisms to settle conflicts and disputes between the GCC members and to work on regaining the confidence in compliance with clear and transparent standards, committed by all, he said.

His Excellency expressed his belief that all these matters are very important to maintain the system, which is the first shield of the GCC countries against all external risks, especially in light of the continuous regional tensions.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister added that the State of Qatar has succeeded at delivering its integrated vision in solving the crisis to the world through different communication channels. Qatar once again confirms its readiness for a transparent comprehensive dialogue based on mutual respect for the sovereignty and common obligations, His Excellency added.

His Excellence added that Qatar will adhere to this approach, despite the siege countries' stubbornness as well as total disregard for dialogue and exerted efforts from all parties to find a solution that preserves the sovereignty and rights of all the countries.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said the unjust siege carried much good and has been an opportunity to rediscover the potential of the Qatari community which is full of faith, determination, will, ideas and ambition. HE the Minister added that it is a new start towards hard work and productions to ensure needs, build wider economic and trade relations and to continue the implementation of the developmental plans and Qatar's future projects.

His Excellency highlighted that the siege revealed the harmony, cohesion and solidarity between the people and leadership in facing the imposed challenges and the great efforts exerted to break the will and impose guardianship. HE the Minister said these attempts have failed thanks to the solid stance that broke the siege in a short period and stressed that Qatar is not an easy target and will remain to stand tall.

Regarding the most important and prominent achievements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the past year, especially under the unjust siege, His Excellency said the Ministry is keen to reflect the directives of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani by providing updated services to the Qatari citizens, internally and externally. HE the Minister said the minister is also working on developing its relations with world countries and regional and international organization, effectively contribute to promoting international peace and safety through mediation to settle disputes peacefully and support development and stability projects in different countries.

On this matter, HE the Minister highlighted that Qatar continues to deliver humanitarian aids to more than 100 countries, confirming that the highest aids go to the Middle East and Africa. His Excellency said Qatar is especially aiding in development, education and infrastructure fields, and it has offered aids worth USD 4.5 billion to more than 100 countries during five years. Today, Qatar ranks third in the main donors list of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), His Excellency added.

HE the Minister referred to the words of HH the Emir at the 46th ordinary session of the Advisory Council which stated that the accusations against the State of Qatar on supporting and financing terrorism, did not deceive the international community, especially that the large and effective countries in this field have become on good terms with Qatar, compared to its relations with them before the siege.

His Excellency added that despite the unjust siege, the State of Qatar continues its effective international contributions in all fields and will continue to follow this covenant, in order to serve all humanity.