Qatar's Permanent Representative in Geneva Praises Qatari-Swiss Relations
Geneva - Information Office - November 28
HE the State of Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva Ambassador Ali bin Khalfan Al Mansouri praised Qatari-Swiss relations describing them as "outstanding, historic and well-established" relations between the governments and peoples of the two countries.
In an interview with 'Swissinfo' network, HE the Ambassador reiterated Qatar's continued support for the United Nations system.
He also said that Doha's preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 are underway and that all stadiums and associated preparations will be ready a year before the tournament begins.
His Excellency said that Qatar- Switzerland bilateral relations were culminated in the opening of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Federal Capital of Bern in 2012, and the opening of the Embassy of Switzerland in Doha months later.
Qatar and Switzerland share the same approach in the field of foreign policy, which is based on non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, strong belief in the importance of multilateral diplomacy, and the use of mediation to resolve disputes and disputes peacefully, he added.
"Today there are more than 23 large Swiss companies operating in the Qatari market in various fields. The Swiss community in Qatar has 275 individuals working in the engineering, hospitality and the cultural sectors," HE Ambassador Al Mansouri said.
His Excellency went on saying that Qatar's Katara Hospitality Company plays an important role in the development of a number hotels and resorts in Switzerland, including the Buergenstock resort on Lake Lucerne, which opened in 2018, with a total cost of USD 1 billion, and contributed to the creation of 1,100 new jobs.
Al Mansouri pointed out that Qatar's permanent delegation to the United Nations Office in Geneva co-sponsored several resolutions, and contributed to the holding events and activities that reflect Qatar's interest in promoting and protecting human rights.
In this context, he pointed to the visits of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, to Geneva during this year, when Her Highness has participated, as the Chairperson of Education Above All foundation, in the opening of the Social Forum of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations Palace, which discussed the right to education. HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Silatech, has also participated in the High Level Forum organized by the Foundation in Geneva under the title / Empowering Youth, Advancing Communities.
Al Mansouri affirmed Qatar's continued support to the United Nations system, such as its multi-year financial assistance to support and finance a number of UN agencies, and the pledged USD 40 million over a four-year period from 2017 to 2020 to support the humanitarian and relief efforts of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This contribution made Qatar one of OCHA's largest donors.
His Excellency also pointed out that Geneva witnessed the opening of 'Hall 19' at the United Nations Palace in Geneva after being renovated and modernized with a 22 million Swiss Francs donation by the State of Qatar. Hall 19 is one of the largest and most technically advanced meeting rooms, in the UN Palace, with a capacity for more than 850 people.
On the State of Qatar's preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, His Excellency said that preparations are underway with the opening of the second of the eight stadiums of the World Cup, the opening of the first line of the Doha Metro lines, which will be used to transport fans to the stadiums, and the foreseen opening of the third stadiums, due in December, where Qatar will host the FIFA Club World Cup.
"I can confirm that all the stadiums and associated facilities will be ready a year before the start of the World Cup," he said.
Regarding calls for withdrawing or sharing the World Cup organization, Al Mansouri pointed out that FIFA decided this issue by announcing that Qatar will host the tournament alone.
HE the State of Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva Ambassador Ali bin Khalfan Al Mansouri concluded saying "We promise you that the 2022 World Cup will be the best in history in terms of organization, and that our doors are open to everyone".