Doha – Information Office – 20 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 Paris, HE Qatar's ambassador to the French Republic Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by a number of political and economic figures, heads of major companies, a number of parliamentarians and senior officials of the Presidency of the Republic (Elysee), the Presidency of the Government, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Economy, Finance and Defense, a number of ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the French Republic and UNESCO, in addition to the senior officers of the French army, police and gendarmerie.

A number of intellectuals, academics, university professors, researchers, journalists, athletes, French, Arab and foreign artists, as well as Qatari students and military personnel who attend military studies and studies at French universities, institutes and schools, also attended the event.

The ceremony included screening of a documentary film about the stages of the Renaissance in Qatar and the achievements made in all fields, besides a number of cultural and heritage events that reflected the history and heritage of the State of Qatar.

In Caracas, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Rashid bin Mohsen Fetais, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, HE Deputy Foreign Minister for Middle East Affairs , a number of Venezuelan Foreign Ministry officials and a number of ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Venezuela.

In Athens, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Greece Abdulaziz Ali Al-Naama held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights of Greece Michailis Kalogirou , HE Deputy Minister of Economy and Development, HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and a large number of directors of departments of the Greek Foreign Ministry as well as representatives of the Greek Air Force, military attaches and the three escorts of the northern Greek Muslim minority, a representative of the Archbishop of Athens and Greece, personalities from the business and civil society community and the diplomatic corps accredited to Greece.

In his speech, HE the Ambassador stressed that the State of Qatar is based in its foreign and regional policies on the principles of peace, stability and cooperation among peoples and always stands for the peaceful resolution of disputes.

HE Ambassador Al-Naama said that the State of Qatar has been subjected to a conspiracy that has tried to threaten its national independence and sovereignty through an unjust siege. He reiterated that the State of Qatar continues to believe in dialogue to resolve the current Gulf crisis which has not affected Qatar's economy or policy.

He said that things went contrary to what was planned by the countries of the blockade, as the State of Qatar exceeded the blockade imposed on it and is witnessing a significant increase in foreign and domestic investments in various sectors.

HE the Ambassador stressed the strength of the Greek-Qatari relations and the obvious efforts exerted by the two sides to further consolidate and develop these relations.

Several cultural events were held by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the National Human Rights Committee, Aspire Zone, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). the Ministry of the Interior, Souq Waqif Management, Katara, Qatar Airways, and Ooredoo.

The three-day event featured the Operetta "Story of a Country" under the supervision of Qatar's Ministry of Culture and Sports .

The Ministry of Culture and Sports also participated in various activities, such as handicrafts such as Qlaf, Sadou, Saqar, and Bashoot, as well as popular coffee.

A tent with the features and traditions of the State of Qatar was erected in the square of Sindagma, opposite the Greek Parliament, to host the public.

Souq Waqif management also contributed by sending craftsmen of traditional arts , such as tawash, kallaf, gypsum maker, and painters who have exhibited their production to the public.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) showcased models of stadiums that will host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as presenting gifts to visitors.

The National Human Rights Committee also held arts exhibition on human rights in Islam, in which it presented examples of the Arabic calligraphy, which published articles adapted from the Islamic heritage, about human rights and respect for his dignity.

In Havana, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Cuba Rashid Mirza Al Mulla held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Public Health Jose A. M. HE the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, senior government officials and community figures.

HE the Ambassador said in a speech that the celebration reflects the cohesion of the people and the wise political leadership, and recalls the epic tournaments led by the founder of the late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani and the Qatari people.

He reviewed the role of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, and HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al -Thani, in developing the State of Qatar in all aspects of urban, economic, scientific, social and sports.

The State of Qatar is committed to the principles of its foreign policy, which is based on the principles of peace, cooperation and friendship with the peoples of the world, he said, calling for the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also referred to the efforts exerted by the State of Qatar to settle disputes and to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the regional and international levels.

He said that the State of Qatar had been subjected to a conspiracy, with the unjust siege imposed by the blockading countries to pressure it to renounce its sovereignty and national decision.

He added: "The crisis caused by these unilateral policies against the State of Qatar constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights, although this policy was contrary to what was expected by the blockading countries.

He stressed the strength of the Qatari economy, increased self-reliance, strengthened ties with regional and international allies. He also stressed the strong bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Cuba in various fields, including health, culture, education and economic, political and social spheres.

The ceremony included a video screening featuring the development and prosperity witnessed by the State of Qatar. 

In Panama, the Embassy of the State of Qatar held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of government officials, senior state officials, members of the Arab community, and community figures.

In Brasilia, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federative Republic of Brazil Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Abdullah, held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The event was attended by HE Minister of Justice of Brazil Torquato Jardim, HE Chairman of the Senate Committee of Foreign Affairs and National Defense and former Brazil president Senator Fernando Collor, HE Senator Helio Jose, Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and HE Director of the Middle East Department of Brazilian Foreign Ministry Ligia Scherer, in addition to heads and a number of members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Brazil.

In his speech, HE the Ambassador outlined the achievements of the State of Qatar at various levels, especially economic and sports, and highlighted the unjust siege imposed on Qatar by neighboring countries and their unilateral and coercive measures that flagrantly violate international treaties and conventions.

He stressed that the position of the State of Qatar vis-a-vis this crisis is the unconditional dialogue in order to end it and its resulting procedures.

His Excellency reviewed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, saying that Qatar looks forward to celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and Brazil next year and what happened during these years of high-level visits and the signing of several agreements covering all areas of bilateral cooperation. It looks forward to seeing more high-level visits to take these relations to a strategic level, he added.

For her part, HE Director of the Middle East Department of Brazilian Foreign Ministry praised the bilateral relations between the two countries and the achievements of the Qatari people and the progress achieved by them in prosperity, dynamism and openness to the world.

She pointed to the strength of the Qatari economy, which has shown remarkable resilience in the face of challenges arising from international and regional contexts, stressing Qatar's ability to defend its national interests in international forums and its effective role in these forums.

Scherer expressed the Brazilian side's desire to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries in view of the positive results achieved in recent years.

In Houston, HE Consul General of the State of Qatar Dr Khamis bin Rashid Al Kaabi held a reception on the occasion of the National Day.

The reception was attended by senior officials, a number of diplomatic corps accredited to Houston, Qatari nationals in Houston, a number of members of the Arab community, and community figures.

In his speech, the Consul affirmed that Qataris regards the National Day as a symbol of sovereignty, dignity and national independence.

In Tunis, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Tunisia Saad bin Nasser Al Humaidi held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Vocational Training and Employment Saida Lounisi, and the Hatem Ferjani, Secretary of State for Economic Diplomacy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia, in addition to a number of community figures.

In Buenos Aires, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Argentine Republic Fahad bin Ibrahim Al Hamad Al Mana held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The event was attended by senior government officials, senators and deputies, heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Argentina, and community figures.

In his speech, HE the Ambassador appreciated the efforts of the wise leadership of the State of Qatar in consolidating relations between the State of Qatar and the Argentine Republic.

In Colombo, HE Qatar's ambassador to the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka Dr Rashid bin Shafea Al Marri, held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Rauff Hakeem, representative of the Government of Sri Lanka, HE Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, a number of ministers and government officials, members of parliament, heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Sri Lanka and community figures.

The reception saw a presentation on the most important achievements and the development progress witnessed by the State of Qatar and highlighted the State's economic, political and social status.