Doha – Information Office – 19 December

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 reflects Qatar's distinguished relations with the countries of the world.

In the Serbian capital of Belgrade, HE Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahd Al-Thani, Qatar's ambassador to Serbia, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Communications of the Republic of Serbia Rasim Ljajic, HE Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Silakovic , President of the Paris Saint-Germain Club Nasser Al-Khulaifi,and a number of representatives of Ministries and Government of the Republic of Serbia, Members of accredited diplomatic missions, public figures and community figures.

In a speech, HE the Ambassador welcomed the guests who participated in the ceremony to express the depth of the distinguished relations between the two countries.

HE the Ambassador noted that more than a year has passed since the siege imposed on the State of Qatar by the countries of the blockade, with the aim of weakening its economy and prestige in the world and imposing guardianship on it.

The State of Qatar had been able to overcome the effects of the siege, strengthen its economy from external shocks and increase its self-reliance, thanks to the unity and cohesion of its people and the wisdom of its leadership, which had adopted a policy of restraint and moderation in responding to the measures taken against it, , calling on the blockading countries to dialogue away from dictates and preconditions.

"Security and international stability will not be achieved by seeking to undermine the sovereignty of states or interfering in their internal affairs, but by respecting the rules governing relations between them and working to resolve disputes through dialogue that is in the interests of all concerned parties," HE the Ambassador added.

The State of Qatar has established ties with its allies and developed its relations with most countries of the world. In this regard, the State of Qatar attaches particular importance to the promotion of bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Serbia through the activation of agreements between the two parties and the intensification of exchanges of visits between senior officials of both countries.

HE the ambassador praised the Serbian government's efforts to achieve economic progress and prosperity and provide a stable life for its people, as well as enhancing its credibility and reputation in the international community through a balanced policy in the face of all regional and international challenges.

In the Tajik capital Dushanbe, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Tajikistan Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Abdullah, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan Hekmatullah Zadeh Nemtallah,, as guest of honour, HE First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Dr. Nizamuddin Zahedi and a number of government officials, as well as heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to the Republic of Tajikistan.

In a speech, the Ambassador praised the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Tajikistan and noted the most important achievements of the State of Qatar in its modern history.

He stressed that the State of Qatar benefited from the siege crisis positively and relied on itself, and added: "The siege taught us self-reliance and with sincere friends.

For his part, HE the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan hailed the relations between the two countries and stressed the importance of these relations and distinguished them, which has witnessed a rapid development during the past period thanks to the leadership of the two friendly countries and witnessed several visits at the highest levels, during which they discussed ways to strengthen them in various fields.

During the ceremony, a video was presented in English featuring the most important developments and achievements of the State of Qatar. 

In the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nepal Yousuf bin Mohammed Al-Hail held a reception on the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE the Speaker of the Nepali Parliament Krishna Bahadur Mahara, a number of government officials and members of parliament, as well as a number of heads of diplomatic missions, international organizations accredited to Kathmandu and community figures.

In Jakarta, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Indonesia Ahmed bin Jassim Al-Hamr, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasios Junan, HE Governor of the Jakarta Region Anis Baswaidan, and a number of officials from the Foreign Ministry, Parliament, the judiciary, heads of Arab and foreign missions, representatives of international organizations accredited to Jakarta and figures of Indonesian society.

In a speech, HE the Ambassador praised the Qatari-Indonesian relations and the strength of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which included several areas and culminated in the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding and the exchange of many visits, the latest of which was the successful visit HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani to Indonesia in October last year.

"We are celebrating the National Day of Qatar under our wise leadership, led by HH the Amir, and we are proud of Qatar's growth and prosperity in various fields," he added.

HE the Ambassador praised the great success achieved by the Qatari economy based on the principle of diversification of the economy and sources of income, focusing on the services, trade and export sector, the opening of Hamad Port and the vital role of Hamad International Airport. He pointed out that all these efforts come within the framework of Qatar Vision 2030, which aims to transform Qatar into an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development.

His Excellency referred to the unjust siege imposed by some neighboring countries, an attempt to threaten the security and sovereignty of the State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international treaties and conventions.

He stressed that the position of the State of Qatar will not change unless the unjust siege is lifted and resolving differences through dialogue based on mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of States.

For his part, HE the Indonesian Minister of Energy, in a speech, congratulated HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani and the Qatari people on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia and praised the Indonesian-Qatari relations.

He referred to the economic partnership between the two countries and the Qatari investments in the Republic of Indonesia, the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries, the contributions of the State of Qatar in the field of humanitarian work, the efforts of the Qatar Charity Society and the Qatari Red Crescent in providing assistance to those affected by the disasters in Indonesia.

In Amman, Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Sada, Acting Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Chairman of the Senate Faisal Akef Al Fayez, HE Eng. Atef Al Tarawneh, Speaker of the Council of Representatives Eng. Atef Al Tarawneh, and a number of ministers, senior officials and members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Jordan.

In Vienna, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Austria Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Fehaid Al-Hajri, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The event was attended by John B., Head of the Convention Services Section of the United Nations Office on Crime and Drugs in Vienna, Neil Walsh, Head of the Cyber Crime and Money Laundering Branch of the United Nations Office at Vienna Neil Walsh, and senior officials of the Austrian Government and United Nations organizations in Vienna, a number of heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Austria, and a number of public figures.

The Charge d'Affaires said in a speech that this day is an important occasion to confirm the people's standing with its leadership and glorification of the founder who devoted his efforts and ideas to the establishment of modern Qatar.

He also praised the excellent relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Austria and looked forward to promoting these relations to better levels in the future, especially in the economic and cultural fields, and gave a glimpse into the continuous and wise growth and development of the State of Qatar since Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani consolidated the tribes and the foundations of the modern State of Qatar.

In Sofia, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria, Rashid bin Ali Al Khater, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Deputy Foreign Minister of Bulgaria Tudor S. Director of the Office of the President of the Republic Ivo Khristov, Nikolai Melikov, President of the Republic for Foreign Policy Affairs Nikolai Melikov, a number of Bulgarian government officials and members of Parliament, a number of heads and members of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Bulgaria, and community figures.

In a speech, HE the Ambassador highlighted the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Bulgaria and the remarkable developments in bilateral relations during the current year, led by the visit of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Republic of Bulgaria, and the agreements reached by the two countries.

He also noted the upcoming visit of HE the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev to the State of Qatar.

In Kiev, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Ukraine Hadi bin Nasser Al Hajri held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv, a number of government officials and representatives of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Ukraine. 

In Ankara, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Turkey Salim bin Mubarak Al Shafi held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Speaker of the Turkish National Assembly Ben Ali Yildirim HE Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez, HE Minister of Youth and Sports Kasapoglu , as well as a number of senior officials, former ministers and politicians, heads of municipalities and heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to the Republic of Turkey.

HE the Ambassador said in a speech that thanks to the wise and pioneering leadership of the founder of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Thani, "Qatar has earned its reputation, prestige and weight among the countries of the world.

He stressed that the relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey during the past few years have become an international model to be followed at various levels. He also noted that the relations between the two countries are based on a solid foundation of noble values and principles and the eternal triumph of humanity, Vis-a-vis regional and international political issues.

HE the Ambassador pointed out that the relations between the two countries faced three serious challenges. The first relates to the failed coup attempt that took place in Turkey in July 2016. Qatar was one of the first countries to stand firmly with Turkey, and supported its legitimate authority, and the second after less than one year only, represented by the Gulf crisis fabricated with Qatar, and the brutal unjust blockade imposed on us by some neighboring countries, Turkey did not hesitate at that moment to support Qatar courageously, while the third is the turbulent economic crisis that has plagued Turkey. However, the two countries have emerged stronger and more sophisticated than these crises, and together we have managed to overcome difficulties and challenges and successfully pursue their common course.

HE the Ambassador expressed his happiness with the relations between the two countries, under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani and HE President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of the Republic of Turkey, stressing that "the State of Qatar will stand Always with Turkey in the challenges it faces, and we consider that what touches Turkey, also touches the State of Qatar, and we are confident that the opposite is true. "

For his part, HE the Speaker Ben Ali Yildirim congratulated the State of Qatar on celebrating the National Day, pointing out that his country's strong relations with the State of Qatar are well established and stable in times of crisis, and succeeded in overcoming them through cooperation. "

He referred to the meeting of the fourth Turkish-Qatari Strategic Committee held recently in Istanbul under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, and HE President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a noting that "the results of this meeting were very fruitful in raising the level of relations between the two countries and push them forward. "

In Beirut, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Lebanon Mohamed Hassan Jaber Al Jaber, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Cesar A. Khalil, Minister of Energy and Water in the Lebanese Caretaker Government representing the Lebanese President Michel Aoun, HE MP Ali Bazzi representing the State of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, HE Jamal Al-Jarrah, Minister of Communications of the Lebanese Caretaker Government, representing the Prime Minister-designate Saad Al Hariri, as well as a number of current and former ministers and deputies, ambassadors of Arab and foreign countries accredited to Lebanon, in addition to a host of political, cultural, artistic, media, press and Lebanese party, religious and military personalities.

In his speech, HE the Ambassador reiterated the adherence to the pillars of the State, which Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, established on this day in 1878, and preserved its sovereignty. HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al -Thani Laid the foundations of the modern State of Qatar and the march was completed by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who has distanced our country from the dangers, which were and still are close to it, and led the ship to safety.

He praised the Qatari diplomacy, guided by the directives of HH the Amir, playing an active role in international forums to defend our right and view, clarify Qatar's position on the siege, and reaffirm our steadfast stance on combating terrorism and its financing and rejecting to comply with any conditions, highlighting our policy of dialogue, and honoring undertakings under any circumstances, focusing on our consistent position on the central issue, the Palestine question.a And became a dialogue and peace, peace and revival, and the address of convergence and civilization and dialogue of religions..

He also praised Qatar's presence in the region during the reign of His Highness , where Doha has become a city of dialogue peace and revival, and the address of convergence and civilization and dialogue of religions.

He pointed out that this siege did not win us, because we were aware of the art of turning the crisis into an opportunity, and the ability of self-sufficiency, and succeeded in overcoming the siege.

HE the Ambassador stressed that the policy of the State of Qatar is based on clear principles based on peace, stability, security and security, cooperation and friendship, peaceful resolution of disputes and dialogue, praising Qatar's diplomacy and its effective and successful role in settling disputes regionally and internationally.

"The land, air and sea blockade imposed on us unjustly and without reason constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and a violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the Gulf Cooperation Council system and the Charter of the League of Arab States," he said, pointing out that the blockade did not prevent us from upgrading the economy. Based on solid foundations, and achieving successive success locally and globally, thanks to its strength, and diversity, HE the Ambassador noted.

HE the Ambassador highlighted the development and opening up of cultural, educational, intellectual, and sports in spite of the siege, praising bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Lebanese Republic in all economic, social, educational, cultural, scientific, sports and health fields. 

In In N'Djamena, the Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Chad, Hamad bin Masoud Al Otaibi, held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Nazir Androji, official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing the Chadian government, HE Gedi Saleh, security advisor to the President of the Republic and HE Dr. Hussein Masar, Education Advisor to the President of the Republic in addition to members of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, a number of deputies, representatives of national and international organizations and heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations.

In Zagreb, HE Ambassador of Qatar to Croatia Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The function was attended by HE Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Zeljko Reiner, HE Croatian President's Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dario Mihelin, HE Assistant Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Vice Skracic, HE Former president of Croatia Stjepan Mesic and lineup of senior officials in addition to parliament members, and political, cultural, intellectual and scientific figures, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Republic of Croatia, representatives of the Governor of Zagreb and some city and provincial governors.

In a speech, HE the Ambassador praised the well-established and distinguished level of relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Croatia and the potential opportunities for its development and promotion.

In Pretoria, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to South Africa, Abdullah bin Hussein Al Jaber, held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE South Africa's Minister of Basic Education Angelina Motshekga and a number of foreign ministry officials in addition to a number of Ambassadors accredited to South Africa.

In Dar es Salaam, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania Abdullah bin Jassim Al Maadadi, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Tanzania's Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe and a lineup of government officials and accredited ambassadors.

In Addis Ababa, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Democratic Federal Republic of Ethiopia held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The reception was attended by HE Suleiman Dedefo, representative of the Ethiopian Foreign Minister as the guest of honor, in addition to a number of ambassadors accredited to Ethiopia.

In Djibouti, Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Djibouti Rashid bin Salem Al Buainain held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The function was attended by HE Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, HE Djibouti's National Assembly Speaker Mohamed Ali Houmed, HE Minister of Health Djama Elmi Okieh, HE Minister of Habitat, Urban Planning and Environment Moussa Mohamed Ahmed and a number of Senior officials in addition to a lineup of ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of regional and international organizations accredited to Djibouti.

In Sarajevo, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Bosnia and Herzegovina Sultan bin Ali Al Khater, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Speaker House of Peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina Safet Softic, HE Minister of Defense Marina Pendes, Vice President of Bosnian Serb Republic (Republika Srpska) Ramiz Salkic and a number of parliament members, ambassadors and diplomats.

In a speech, HE the ambassador stressed that Qatar's foreign policy is based on the foundations of peace, security, stability, cooperation and friendship among peoples. He pointed out that as a result of the active and influential role of Qatar, it was unfortunately subjected to a conspiracy by the siege countries who tried to undermine its security, stability and national sovereignty. He added that from the beginning of the crisis, Qatar's response was very clear, suggesting unconditional dialogue to end the crisis.

HE the Ambassador lauded the relations between the State of Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina, describing them as strong relations.

In Bandar Sri Bakawan, Acting Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam Abdullah Majed Al Jassim held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Brunei's Minister of Religious affairs Badaruddin bin Othman, representing the government of Brunei, and a number of government officials ambassadors, and diplomats accredited to the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam.