Media Center

Doha – Information Office – 18 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 reflecting 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 hosted a reception marking the National Day at the Lincoln Cultural Center. The reception was attended by Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute, and Founder of Reach Out to Asia HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani. It was also attended by HE High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Nasr, HE Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed, HE President of the United Nations General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa, and U.S Representative from New York Carolyn Maloney.

HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani welcomed the guests, and said in a speech that the national day is a very special day for the Qatari people, as the founder of Qatar Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani united the country on the same day in 1878, before ultimately gaining independence in 1971.

Her Excellency reviewed the achievements of the State of Qatar in education, sustainable energy, sports, and arts. She noted that the State of Qatar invested mainly in its people, as mentioned in Qatar National Vision which aims to transform the economy into a knowledge-based one.

For her part, HE Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani congratulated HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with the national day. Her Excellency said that keeping this memory alive is a tribute to founding moment of the modern Qatari state. Her Excellency reviewed the achievements made by the State of Qatar in the areas of economic development, education and enhancing the role and status of women. Her Excellency highlighted the rights enjoyed by women in the fields of employment, wages, equal opportunities and the high-ranking positions as well as their role in the national economy.

Her Excellency discussed Qatar's interest in arts and heritage, and focused on the national museum that will be opened in the Spring of 2019. Her Excellency described the museum as an embodiment of Qataris pride in their national identity, and a bridge linking the past and history to the present in all its diversity and openness to the world. Her Excellency also said that the museum was a testament to the country's continued investment in arts.

Her Excellency also highlighted the blockade imposed by some neighboring states on unfounded allegations, and said that the blockade helped unite the people and residents of the State of Qatar around the leadership and government of the country.

For his part, HE Al Nasr said that celebrating the National Day acts as a reminded us of the achievements of the State of Qatar. He added that they realize that the State of Qatar is a small country in terms of geography, but one that has made great achievements in the last 30 years in many fields such as education and developments. He also focused on Qatar's hosting of the World Cup 2022 for the first time in the Arab region.

Qatari music composer Dana Al Fardan introduced Qatari artist Aisha Sayed Al Zayani and Juilliard Orchestra who played a number of national songs.

A large number of permanent representatives of U.N. member states attended the ceremony along with representatives of consular missions in New York, a large number of diplomatic corps members and staff of UN. 

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kyrgyz Republic Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day in Bishkek.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurlan Abdrakhmanov, HE Minister of Labor and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic Ulukbek Kochkorov, a number of government officials and heads of diplomatic missions and consulates accredited to Kyrgyzstan.

In his speech, HE the ambassador spoke about the unjust siege imposed by the siege countries since June 2017.

His Excellency touched on the reasons behind the crisis and the State of Qatar's contributions to combatting terrorism.

For his part, HE the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister congratulated the State of Qatar on its national day, pointing to the development of the relations between both countries and his country's interest in activating trade, economic and investment cooperation with Qatar.

In Nicosia, HE Ambassador of Qatar to Republic of Cyprus Sultan bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud hosted a reception ceremony on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Acting President of Cyprus Demetris Syllouris, who is also President of the House of Representatives and to represent the Cypriot government, HE Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Giorgos Lakkotrypis attended. A number of officials from Cyprus, ambassadors of Arab and foreign countries accredited to Cyprus and a number of businessmen attended the ceremony.

In Bucharest, the Qatari Embassy hosted a ceremony on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Deputy Prime Minister of Romania Viorel Stefan, the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, health and agricultures, a number of parliament members, senior officials, heads of diplomatic missions, media personnel and businessmen.

In Dhaka, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the People's Republic of Bangladesh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Dhaimi, held a reception on the occasion of the Qatar National Day

A number of government officials, politicians, businessmen and a number of members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Bangladesh, attended the ceremony.

Qatar Airways and Qatar Charity participated in the ceremony with films and photographs on the history of the State of Qatar.

In Budapest, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Hungary Mohamed bin Hamad Al Khalifa hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The reception was attended by HE Deputy State Secretary for Economic Foreign Affairs Dr. Petra Pana, a number of parliament members and military officials.

In Canberra, HE Ambassador of Qatar to Australia Saad bin Abdullah Al Mohamoud held a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The event was attended by a number Australian officials representing different governmental sectors, parliament members, ambassadors of friendly countries accredited to Australia.

In Rabat, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Morocco, Abdulla bin Falah Al Dosari, held a reception on the occasion of the State of Qatar's National Day.

HE Prime Minister of Morocco Saadeddine Othmani attended the ceremony along with HE Minister of Labor and Professional Integration Mohamed Yatim, HE Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of General Affairs and Governance Lahcen Daoudi, Secretary of State to the Minister of National Planning, Town Planning, Housing and Urban Policy, responsible for housing Fatna Lkhiyel, Secretary of State to the Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research Responsible for higher education and scientific research Khalid Samadi, in addition to a number of dignitaries in the Kingdom of Morocco; heads and representatives of diplomatic missions

In London, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom Youssef bin Ali Al Khater held a reception on the occasion of the State of Qatar's National Day.

The function was attended by HE Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defense People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood, and Member of Parliament Alistair Carmichael. In addition to a number of Arab and foreign ambassadors, media personalities, businessmen, and academics who also attended.

In Brussels, HE the State of Qatar's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of its missions to the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi held a reception on the occasion of the National Day.

The function was attended by a number of ranking officials, and heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions.

In a speech, His Excellency reviewed the development of bilateral relations between the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Belgium, the European Union and NATO, and the momentum created by the official visit of HH the Amir to Belgium last March, which was an opportunity to sign a number of agreements.

His Excellency also stressed that the year witnessed the continuation of the State of Qatar's path towards prosperity, development, economic diversification and self-reliance under the wise leadership of His Highness.

The Ambassador praised the State of Qatar for making a number of reforms and legislation that were the first of their kind in the region, saying the country set an example for respect for and protection of fundamental rights. 

In Quito, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Ecuador Mohammed bin Ali Al Malki held a reception ceremony to mark national day celebrations.

Attending the function were HE Minister of Tourism Rosi Prado de Holguin, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Andreas Tiran, Director of Protocoal Juan Holguin, along with members of the Arab and Muslim community in Quito.

In Asuncion, Charge D'Affaires of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Paraguay Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Suwaidi held a reception ceremony to celebrate the national day.

The ceremony was attended by Bernardino Caballero, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in addition to a number of prominent political figures, senate and parliament members, heads of diplomatic missions accredited by Paraguay.

In a speech, Al Suwaidi gave a brief overview on Qatar's Foreign Policy Principles. He also discussed the unfair blockade imposed on the State of Qatar, and the country's clear position that any dialogue to end the crisis must be unconditional. He also discussed the strength of the Qatari economy, and bilateral ties with Paraguay.

In Chisinau, Charge D'Affaires of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Moldova Hamad bin Rashid Al Athba held a reception ceremony to mark national day celebrations. A representative of the Moldovan presidency attended the ceremony, along with undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice President of the parliament Valeriu Ghiletchi, members of parliaments, government officials, and heads of diplomatic missions accredited by the state.

In Naypyidaw, Charge D'Affaires of the State of Qatar Mansour bin Mubarak Al Khayarain at the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held a reception ceremony to mark national day celebrations. HE Minister for Planning and Finance of Myanmar Soe Win attended as the guest of honor of the ceremony, along with a number of ranking government officials and heads of diplomatic missions accredited by the state.

In San Jose, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Costa Rica Mohammed bin Kurdi Al Marri held a reception ceremony to celebrate the national day. First Vice President of Costa Rica and Minister of Foreign Affairs Epsy Campbell Barr attended the function, along with HE Minister of Communications Juan Carlos Mendoza, HE Minister of Justice and Peace Marcia Gonzalez Aguiluz, HE Minister of Sport Hernan Solano Venegas, HE Science, Technology and Communications Minister Luis Adrian Salazar, HE Minister of Housing Irene Campos Gomez, a number of high-ranking government officials, and representatives from diplomatic missions accredited by Costa Rica.

HE the ambassador discussed in a speech the resilience of the State of Qatar after more than a year and a half of the blockade, which proved the extent of cohesion of the people of Qatar and their loyalty to the leader HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

For her part, the Costa Rican vice president congratulated the Qatari government and people on the occasion, wishing further progress and prosperity for them. She also thanked the Qatari government for the assistance they provided to the Costa Rican government. She spoke about the development of relations between the two countries and wished further progress in closer relations in many fields and achieve more joint cooperation.

In Ottawa, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada Saoud bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud held a reception ceremony to mark national day celebrations. The function was attended by a number of military leaders, parliament members, diplomatic representatives accredited by Canada, academics, journalists, members of the Arab communities in Canada, and Qatari students who are pursuing their education in the country.

In a speech, the Ambassador reviewed the reality of the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and Canada and the efforts exerted by officials at the level of the two countries to enhance them and develop prospects for cooperation in various fields. He said that there are a number of Canadian citizens engaging currently in projects in Qatar in many sectors such as education, health, and industry.

The ambassador also discussed the strong economic indicators of Qatar, despite facing the blockade for more than a year. 

In Kuwait, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Kuwait Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah held a reception for the Qatar National Day.

The reception was attended by HE Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, HH Kuwait's Former Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al Ahmad Al Sabah, a great number of ministers, members of the national assembly, senior officials, members of diplomatic and consular corps and international organizations.

In Tokyo, HE Ambassador of Qatar to Japan Hassan bin Mohamed Al Emadi held a reception for the Qatar National Day.

The reception was attended by HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Taro Kono, HE Special Advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Sonoura Kentaro, Secretary General of the Japan Parliamentary Association for Friendship with the State of Qatar Tadahiko Ito, HE Chairman of the Japanese-Qatari Friendship Association Toshio Meta, a number of senior officials in the state, members of parliaments, head of missions of accredited to Japan and public figures.

HE the ambassador expressed his pride in the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and Japan. His Excellency added that it is based on strong friendly relations, joint cooperation, mutual benefits, fostered by respect and trust between the leadership of both countries.

HE Al Emadi said the siege countries took unilateral measures and coercive measures which violate regional and international treaties and conventions. He confirmed that these measures have had no effect on Qatar's economy due to its robustness and development.

His Excellency added that Qatar's economy is the fastest growing in the region as it is diverse where its different sectors are rapidly developing, in areas production, industry and agriculture.

HE Al Emadi said the State of Qatar's stance on resolving the issue and its repercussions is through unconditional dialogue, this comes from its foreign policy which is based on peace, security, stability, cooperation and friendship among the various peoples of the world and its constant emphasis on the peaceful resolving of conflicts using dialogue among the various parties.

For his part, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Taro Kono said Japan and Qatar have maintained a mutually beneficial relationship for a long time.

His Excellency said that the State of Qatar is the most reliable supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan, which is important to be linked to energy security in Japan. His Excellency said he will do all he can to promote bilateral relations based on comprehensive partnership.

The reception included a section that highlighted the Arab culture and Qatari heritage.

In Guangzhou, HE General Consul of the State of Qatar to Guangzhou of the People's Republic of China Ali bin Ghanem Al Hajri held a ceremony on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The event was attended by HE deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong provincial government, HE deputy secretary-general of Guangzhou city government, representatives of the Chinese government, consular missions accredited to Guangzhou and managers of Chinese and foreign companies.

HE the Consul reiterated the State of Qatar's desire to develop the political, economic, and cultural relations, facilitate trade exchange and provide investment opportunities to major companies of both countries.

His Excellency praised the Belt and Road Initiative, as a project that provides a comprehensive solution for advancement in various fields, developing and promoting the growth of the global economy.

HE deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong provincial government said since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, bilateral relations have developed significantly in all fields. in the future, the two sides can increase cooperation and exchange in various economic, trade, energy, infrastructure, culture, education, and other fields, His Excellency said. 

In Saigon, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Vietnam, Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Vietnamese government, a number of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Vietnam, members of the Arab and Islamic community and Vietnamese citizens.

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

The ceremony was attended by Malaysian Minister of Health, Dr Zulkafl bin Ahmed, representing the Malaysian government, as well as a number of government officials and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Malaysia.

In Mexico City, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Mexican States Mohammed bin Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by a number of Mexican ministers and officials, as well as a number of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Mexico, dignitaries and community figures.

The Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Mexico in a speech during the ceremony stressed the importance of relations between the State of Qatar and Mexico, noting the development of these relations in recent years in several areas, notably energy field.

He said that the unjust siege imposed on the State of Qatar was intended to affect the sovereignty and independence of the country, adding : But all attempts have failed to stand in the face of the State of Qatar, its sovereignty and the development of its economy under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani."

HE the Ambassador stressed the importance of Qatar's role in the region as one of the most important Arab countries in the economic renaissance in various fields. He underlined the importance of sport as an essential drive for Qatari society and the importance of Qatar hosting the World Cup 2022 to bring the world closer to Qatari culture and to better understand the State, its progress and its ability to organize world-class sporting events.

The event included a video presentation of the stadium models prepared for the 2022 World Cup, as well as books and publications about the State of Qatar and its place in the Arab region, and heritage pieces representing the customs and traditions of Qatari society.

In Mumbai, HE Saif bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Consul General of the State of Qatar in Mumbai, India, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE N. Kumar, Director of the Protocol Department of the Maharashtra State Government, HE Raj K. B., Minister of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Maharashtra, a number of government officials and members of Parliament, as well as a number of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Mumbai and community figures.

In Geneva, the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office and other international organizations held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Michael Moller , Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Directors of the United Nations specialized agencies in Geneva, a number of Ambassadors and delegates of Permanent Delegations to the United Nations and officials of the Government of Geneva.

HE Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva welcomed all those present.

He pointed out that the activities of this year's national day are an occasion to reaffirm the Qatari people's spirit of steadfastness, solidarity and standing around HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani.

HE the Ambassador stressed that the State of Qatar will remain a free country with loyalty of the leadership and the people, and no one will stop the progress, thanks to the solidarity of the people of the nation behind its wise leadership.

In Rome, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Italy Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE advisor to the President of Italy Emmanuela D'Alessandro , HE Chief of Staff of the Defense Enzo Vecciarelli, HE Chief of the Italian Naval Staff Valter Girardelli, Armando Seri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications and Infrastructure Armando S. as well as a number of members of the Italian Government, MPs and heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Italy.

In a speech, HE the Ambassador said that the State of Qatar celebrates its national day every year, in which its independence was achieved by the efforts of its men and its founding sons, led by the founder Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani on 18 December 1878.

Since that date, which has become a historic turning point in our country, the State of Qatar has continued its pace of progress, prosperity, construction and interaction in the international community and in its Arab surroundings. HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al -Thani had developed a bright development in the country in various sectors, and an internationally recognized presence in all issues concerning the international community and the region, HE the Ambassador noted.

He added that the State of Qatar has continued the march of progress, modernity, development and construction under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The State of Qatar has laid its foundations as a modern State on the concepts of peace, cooperation, security, stability and construction, and continues to work purposefully and constructively in the international community in the hope of achieving security, prosperity, and peace, he said.

The State of Qatar had spared no effort to continue to provide assistance, and advice in resolving many conflicts in the region or elsewhere in the world through dialogue and peaceful and humanitarian initiatives.

He said that "despite the role of the State of Qatar in humanitarian forums and international circles and its special mediation that have helped to find many solutions to the complex problems of the region. However, this role played in its surroundings and its international community seems to have angered some who do not want our country to do good, stability, prosperity and decision-making. Our country has been subjected to a previously planned plot aimed at destabilizing the country and its national sovereignty and decisions. ", HE the Ambassador said.

This crisis, which has been imposed on us for more than a year and a half, has shown us that the State of Qatar is today stronger and more capable in such circumstances," he added.

He referred to the distinguished relations of friendship with the Italian Republic which culminated in the State visit by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani to Italy last November at the invitation of HE the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella.

HE the Ambassador also highlighted Italy's positive stance calling for lifting the siege imposed on the State of Qatar and resolving this crisis through dialogue, negotiations and without conditions or prior dictations.

In Ashgabat, HE Qatar's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Suwaidi, held a reception on the occasion of the State's National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Advisor to the President of Turkmenistan for Oil and Gas Affairs representing the Turkmen government, a number of government and economic officials, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Turkmenistan and community figures.

In his speech, HE the Ambassador said that the theme of celebrating the national day of the year carries many meanings to the basis on which the State was founded since the time of the founder Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani, and to the present day under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani.

He added: "These foundations were the cornerstone of the renaissance of the State of Qatar, based on dedicated work in all fields to strengthen its capabilities and preserve the dignity of the nation at all times and that the State of Qatar will remain free in the face of the challenges of unity and unity of its people and pride in national identity.

He added: "These foundations were the cornerstone of the renaissance of the State of Qatar, based on dedicated work in all fields to strengthen its capabilities and preserve the dignity of the nation at all times and that the State of Qatar will remain free in the face of the challenges of unity of its people and pride in the Qatari national identity.

He pointed out that the State of Qatar, despite the unjust siege, still pursues a policy of restraint and moderation in the interests of brotherly relations among the peoples of the Gulf region. It also expressed its readiness to settlement through dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty and common commitments, and that the State of Qatar has benefited from the circumstances which has contributed to the greater cohesion between the leadership and the people and continues to pursue its positive foreign policy and effective implementation of international and humanitarian commitments.

He stressed that the economy of the State of Qatar has overcome the repercussions of the siege and continued to grow and develop steadily and proudly praised.

He noted that the Embassy is celebrating this year also the 22 years of relations between the State of Qatar and Turkmenistan, which is witnessing tangible development in all fields as a result of meetings and visits between officials of both countries.

In Tehran, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammed bin Hamad Al Hajri held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Business Reza Rahmani, HE member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly Saffari Natanzi, HE Head of Mostazafan Foundation, former Minister of Transportation and former Minister of Housing Mohammad Saeedikia, HE Advisor to the Minister of Industry, Minerals and Trade of Iran for International Affairs Mohammad Reza Fayyad, and HE assistant director general of the Gulf department at the Iranian Foreign Ministry Seyed Kharazi.

It was also attended by a number of government officials and representatives of the Presidency of Iran and Their Excellencies heads of diplomatic missions, as well as members of the foreign diplomatic corps accredited in Tehran, and a number of business, media, tourism and trade figures.

In Baku, the Embassy of the State of Qatar held a reception in Azerbaijan on the occasion of the National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov representing the Azerbaijani government, a number of government officials, members of parliament and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Baku.

In Lisbon, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Portuguese Republic Saad bin Ali Al Mohannadi held a reception on the occasion of the National Day.

The meeting was attended by HE Adviser to the President of the Portuguese Republic for Foreign Affairs and Presidential Coordinator Ana Martinho, HE Adviser of the Portuguese Prime Minister for Diplomatic Affairs, and HE Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Chair of the Twelve Plus geopolitical group and political and Portuguese MP Duarte Pacheco, in addition to political, military, economic, cultural and social figures, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Portugal and representatives of European, regional and international organizations in Lisbon.

In his speech, HE the Ambassador noted the economic and political developments witnessed by the State of Qatar under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that have made Qatar an important contributor to regional and international growth and development.

He also praised the development of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, stressing the keenness of the State of Qatar to strengthen these relations.

In Barcelona, HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Barcelona Issa bin Jaber Al Kuwari held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by the Spanish government representative in Barcelona, the representative of the Ministry of Defense, the director general of the national guard and the commander of the naval force in the province of Catalonia, as well as the heads of diplomatic missions and business leaders.

HE the Consul General hailed the distinguished relations between Spain and Qatar politically and economically, pointing to the unjust siege imposed on the state, and how Qatar was able to overcome the crisis and emphasize the wisdom of leadership and the unity of its people.

The event included activities and documentary films in Arabic and Spanish, reflecting the originality of the Qatari heritage and the economic growth witnessed by the state.