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Doha - Information Office - December 18

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 Mohammed bin Thani, under the slogan: "Ancestral Meadows: A Matter of Trust."

Their Excellencies, Heads of the diplomatic, consular, and representative missions of the State of Qatar abroad extended their congratulations 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 Qatari diplomatic celebrations in the capitals and cities of the world witnessed high-level official and popular participation, which reflected Qatar's distinguished relations with the countries of the world.

In Ankara, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Turkey held a party on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, HE Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Yasar Guler, HE Leader of the Great Unity Party Mustafa Destici, HE Leader of Happiness Party in Turkey Temel Karamollaoglu, HE Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Celal Adan of the Nationalist Movement Party, HE Chairman of the Turkish-Qatari Parliamentary Friendship Group MP Vahit Kiler of the Justice and Development Party, Mayor of Ankara Mansur Yavas, several advisors and heads of offices and departments in the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and several heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to the Republic of Turkey.

In a speech, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Turkey Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Thani said that the State of Qatar commemorates today the memory of the founder of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani and the precious legacy he left us, as the State of Qatar has become a political leader, a beacon of wisdom, peace, and development that illuminates the troubled world with its vision, balanced policies and mediations aimed at bringing peace, ending wars and conflicts, its humanitarian aid, and its great efforts in development, education, and renaissance for needy peoples.

He added, "Today, we celebrate the great trust that the founder left in our custody, represented by our ancestral meadows and our beloved land. We also evoke the founder's great interest in our environment, his emotional attachment to it, and its beauty," highlighting the importance of preserving this environment, which proves his vision, as all countries today call and appeal to their residents to preserve the environment, its resources, and strive to find solutions to limit the devastating effects of global warming.

HE the Ambassador pointed to the distinguished Qatari-Turkish relations, and its reflection on all sectors and fields between the two countries, which can be easily touched either in the State of Qatar or in the Republic of Turkey. The distinction of these relations was also reflected in politics, which led to harmony, joint cooperation, and consensus in the vision regarding many political, regional, and international files, he added.

For his part, Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar stressed that the strength of relations between the two countries has become more evident after the various events, pointing out that Qatar and Turkey have different activities within the framework of historical and cultural values and common values.

HE Minister of National Defense of Turkey Hulusi Akar stressed that the strength of relations between the two countries has become more evident after the various events, pointing out that Qatar and Turkey have different activities within the framework of historical, cultural, and common values.

His Excellency stressed that the strength of the relations between the two countries, adding that the two countries have faced these difficulties in various ways and have shared joys and sorrows together as one heart, and succeeded in overcoming these difficulties. He added that the two countries have sincere, friendly, and fraternal relations, especially in the military, defense, and security affairs.

He pointed out that the efforts of both parties are continuing constructively within the framework of the desire of both parties. He explained that bilateral cooperation includes all types of humanitarian aid to countries in the region and various regions of the world. The military and defense industries' cooperation between the two countries has increased since 2015, he added.

In Paris, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the French Republic held a party on the occasion of the National Day.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials in the Elysee Palace, the Prime Minister office, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Interior, and members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, in addition to several heads of foreign missions and international organizations accredited to France, heads of major French companies and a group of the most prominent French intellectuals and media figures, in addition to members of the Qatari community and students in France.

In a speech on this occasion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani praised the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and France.

His Excellency stressed the success of the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Qatar, as it charted a new horizon for expanding the partnership between the two friendly countries.

Despite the unstable health conditions, the two countries have continued the path of political and strategic dialogue through high-level visits between Doha and Paris, and intense and very promising bilateral exchanges, he added.

In Berlin, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Germany celebrated the National Day by preparing a short video due to the precautionary measures applied in Germany, which included a speech by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Germany Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani. In the speech, HE the Ambassador expressed pride in the bilateral relations of the State of Qatar and Germany.

In Stockholm, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Sweden held a party on the occasion of the State's National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Sweden's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Robert Rydberg, as a guest of honor, several senior civil and military officials, heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Stockholm, as well as representatives of political, economic, social and academic bodies.

In her speech, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Sweden Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Thani indicated that Dec. 18 represents one of the most important occasions to express our collective values and principles of diversity.

Her Excellency explained that the period after 2019 is distinguished in the course of relations between Qatar and Sweden, as it witnessed several major events, the most important of which was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to conduct political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden in November 2019, which confirms the constants of relations of the two countries and enhanced the strategic partnership between the two foreign ministries.

The celebration included several shows.

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

In a speech on the occasion, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Italian Republic Khalid bin Youssef Al Sada explained that the pillars and ingredients inherited from generation to generation and respect for the sovereignty of peoples and their civilizations, and the belief of the State of Qatar in the necessity of dialogue between civilizations and cultures, have led the State of Qatar to become an example of well-being, growth, and development in various fields, especially its policies, foreign relations, strategic alliances, and reliance on its national capabilities and competencies.

He said that the State of Qatar is proud of the bilateral relations with Italy, as they are strategic relations, based on a history of friendship and mutual interests, and the joint commitment to work on developing them in various fields. He added that Qatar has a consulate in Milan, a military attache in Rome, and many investments in Sardinia, Rome, Florence, and Venice, especially in hospitality and tourism and the Porta Nuova project in Milan.

In Amsterdam, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Kingdom of the Netherlands held a ceremony via videoconferencing on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by several senior officials of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, several ambassadors of brotherly and friendly countries, in addition to the embassy staff, including diplomats and employees.

In Tripoli, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the State of Libya held a party on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by several officials in Libya, political parties, a number of Their Excellencies Arab and foreign ambassadors accredited to Libya, representatives of international organizations, several media professionals, businessmen, and members of the Qatari embassy in Libya.

In a speech, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the State of Libya Khalid Mohammed Zabin Al Dosari highlighted the achievements made by the State under the wise leadership in various fields and its prominent role at the international level.

In Seoul, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Korea held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE MP Lee Chae-ik, chairman of the Qatari-Korean parliamentary friendship committee, and chairman of the friendship and sports committee of the Korean parliament, in addition to several officials in the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a number of heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions, heads of international organizations and agencies operating in Korea, a group of businessmen, representatives of Korean companies, and public figures in various fields and specializations.

On this occasion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Korea Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Hamar delivered a speech in which he reviewed the great development witnessed by the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Korea in various fields. His Excellency also touched on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will be hosted by the State of Qatar next year, noting that the State of Qatar has made great achievements in recent years, as it was able to complete all eight stadiums that will host the tournament.

For his part, HE MP Lee Chae-ik delivered a speech in which he offered congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of the National Day.

His Excellency spoke about the role of sports and culture in bringing people together, noting that cultural and sports exchanges between the two countries have reached an advanced stage with the presence of many Korean sports stars in the State of Qatar.

The ceremony included a special exhibition for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which showcased pictures of the eight stadiums that will host the tournament, and an exhibition to highlight the characteristics of Qatari culture, which included audio-visual materials and photos of the most important cultural monuments in the country.

In Manila, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of the Philippines held a party on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, HE Foreign Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and African Affairs Alfonso Ver, HE Special Envoy of the President to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Amable Aguiluz V, and several ministers and government officials in the Philippines.

In a speech, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of the Philippines Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al Malki said that this year's celebrations reflect the close connection of the people of the country to their environment in which they were raised and affected by its characteristics, and coexisted with its nature, the colors of its soil, sea, and sky, and the change of its seasons, as the Qatari environment formed an influential part of the personality and identity of the Qataris. He pointed out that Qatar National Vision promotes loyalty, solidarity, unity, and pride in the state's national identity.

In line with the interest in protecting the environment, Qatar will host the first-ever carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup in 2022, which demonstrates the country's commitment to protecting future generations in Qatar and the region, and its interest in environmental issues.

HE the ambassador explained that this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of the Philippines, pointing out that the State of Qatar attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with the Philippines, and seeks to deepen its strategic partnership with the Philippines in the political and economic fields.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Malaysia held a party on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of the Prime Minister's Office for Economic Affairs Dato' Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, representing the Malaysian government, in addition to several ministers, senior managers and employees of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office, the Malaysian Parliament, and several ambassadors and members of diplomatic missions accredited in Kuala Lumpur.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Malaysia Fahad bin Mohammed Kafood delivered a speech wishing His Majesty the King of Malaysia good health and happiness, and the Malaysian government and people continued progress.

During the ceremony, the Malaysian "Entertainment Ezrey" group presented folkloric performances about Qatari and Malaysian folklore. The program of the ceremony included a visual presentation through giant screens highlighting the most important achievements in the country and its high civil status and the country's preparations to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 by displaying models of the 2022 World Cup stadiums, as well as illustrations that talk about the landmarks of the country's modern renaissance, highlighting the Qatari heritage and culture.

In Dushanbe, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Tajikistan celebrated the State's National Day.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Qatari Embassy in Tajikistan.

In Singapore, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Singapore held a ceremony via videoconferencing on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Singapore Saoud Jassim Al Jufairi, HE Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Health and Ministry of Manpower of Singapore Dr. Koh Poh Koon, and several officials.

During the ceremony, an introductory video about the State of Qatar was played.

In Brasilia, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Federative Republic of Brazil held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil Eduardo Bolsonaro, HE Director of the Middle East Department of Brazilian Foreign Ministry Sidney Romero, officials in the Presidency of the Republic and the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, heads of Arab missions, several heads of foreign missions accredited to Brazil, and several businessmen.

In Buenos Aires, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Argentine Republic held a virtual celebration on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

In Abuja, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Nigeria held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria Ali bin Ghanem Al Hajri, HE Nigeria's Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Pauline Talen, HE Nigeria's Minister of State for Science and Technology Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi, HE Governor of Nasarawa State Abdullahi Sule, HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, several Nigerian government officials, political and military leaders, and heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In Barcelona, the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Barcelona held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by the representative of the Ministry of Defense in Catalonia, the Head of the Civil Guard Command and the Commander of the Catalan Air Force, in addition to the Head of the National Police Command in Catalonia and the General Commander of the Land Forces of Catalonia, as well as a number of Their Excellencies the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Barcelona.

In his speech, HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Barcelona Issa bin Jaber Al Kuwari pointed to the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain in all fields.

The ceremony included activities and the publication of videos in Arabic and Spanish, reflecting the authenticity of the Qatari heritage and the economic and tourism growth that the country is witnessing.

In Munich, the consulate of the State of Qatar in Munich held a virtual party on the occasion of the country's National Day.

HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Munich Radi bin Sowayed Al Ajmai explained that the State of Qatar seeks to establish a culture of mutual respect and dialogue, spread peace among the world, and continue to strengthen relations with friendly countries, as the State of Qatar enjoys a fruitful strategic partnership with Germany.

His Excellency said that the State of Qatar is living historical moments and is moving forward to hosting an unparalleled version of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and this is the essence of sport in bringing cultures and peoples together, and everyone will realize the heritage and values of the region when it receives fans from all over the world a year from now.

In N'Djamena, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Chad held a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Secretary of State at the Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Omar bin Daoud, representing the government, several members of the Transitional Military Council, advisors from the presidencies of the Republic and the Council of Ministers, several ambassadors accredited to Chad and representatives of international and regional organizations.

In his speech, Acting Charge d'Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Chad Abdul Sattar Saleh Al Ansari pointed out the great progress that the State of Qatar is witnessing at all levels.

The Acting Charge d'Affairs praised the relationship between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Chad and the bilateral cooperation, which is based on the principle of respect and understanding.