Media Center

Doha- – Information Office – 17 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 "The Path of Excellence is Difficult."

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 Washington HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani hosted the reception celebrating at the U.S. Library of Congress. More than a thousand people attended the function. Attending were a number of ranking officials at the U.S. administration, members of the Arabic and foreign diplomatic corps in Washington, in addition to Qatari citizens who live in the United States and students studying there.

The beginning of the event saw Qatari student Ahmed Al Hajri welcome the guest and say that today is a commemoration of the state's founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani who founded the country in 1878. He added that they are also celebrating 47 years of partnership between the State of Qatar and the United States.

For his part, HE the ambassador praised members of U.S. administration and Congress, particularly HE Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin and HE Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar saying their attendance reflects the strength of bilateral ties. He also thanked members of the diplomatic corps who represent friends of Qatar from around the world.

HE the ambassador welcomed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, saying her attendance today reflect the clear commitment to enhancing the ties between the American and Qatari peoples.

HE Pelosi expressed her delight at participating in the national day celebrations, saying that she has just returned from Spain where she was attending a conference on climate change, and got to know the State of Qatar's commitment to protecting the planet.

She stressed on the importance of the partnership the two sides have, and added that she had the honor of meeting HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani several times, as well as Chairperson of Qatar Foundation HH Sheikha Moza bin Nasser to discuss initiatives related to children's education. Pelosi said that it was for these reasons and more that she appreciates and celebrates all the efforts made by the State of Qatar all over the world. She said that she had a chance to pay a short visit to the State of Qatar and went to Al Udeid airbase, and thanked the State of Qatar for hosting U.S. soldiers there. Pelosi concluded by saying it was an honor to celebrate the State of Qatar's national day and thanked everyone working on enhancing ties between the State of Qatar and the United States.

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 Director of Protocol and Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Neild Holland and Her Majesty's Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Alistair Harrison, along with a number of ranking officials from different ministries, the house of lords, and Arab, foreign and former UK ambassadors accredited by the UK and the State of Qatar.

HE the ambassador said that 2019 coincides with the 10th anniversary of opening the South Hook Gas Company that distributes gas across the UK. The ambassador stressed that the State of Qatar intends to become a partner to the UK in the field of energy security.

As for the World Cup 2022, HE the ambassador discuss the State of Qatar and the UK's joint interest in sports. The ambassador also discussed the success of the World Athletics Championships in Doha and the FIFA Club World Cup hosted by the State of Qatar from December 11 to December 22.

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

The reception was attended by HE Deputy Minister of State at the Cabinet Roland Juhasz, HE Advisor to the Hungarian President Gabriella Kereszty and senior officials and directors of departments of various ministries as well as several members of the Arab and foreign diplomatic corps accredited to Hungary.

In Kuwait, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The reception was attended by HH former Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, HE Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Suleiman Al Jarallah, HE representative of the Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Basel Hamoud Al Hamad Al Sabah, HE representative of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anas Khaled Nasser Al Saleh, HE Assistant Foreign Minister for Protocol Affairs Ambassador Dari Ajran Al Ajran, in addition to a large number of Sheikhs of the ruling family, deputies of the National Assembly and ambassadors accredited to Kuwait.

In Vienna, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The reception was attended by HE former Austrian President Heinz Fischer and a number of directors of departments and protocols at the Austrian Foreign Ministry, as well as ranking officials at the UN headquarters in Vienna, Arab and foreign ambassadors accredited to Austria and representatives of various official political, parliamentary, diplomatic and economic institutions.

In a speech during the ceremony, HE Ambassador Al Mansouri praised the relations between Qatar and Austria and their remarkable development in recent years.

HE the Ambassador stressed his determination to continue work to promote the bilateral relations to broader horizons and enhance the friendship bonds between the two people.

He expressed gratitude for the Austrian officials for their keenness on developing the bilateral relations with the State of Qatar in the political, economic and cultural fields.

HE the Ambassador stressed the importance of culture in bringing peoples together, noting the significance of Austria's cultural heritage, especially in the field of arts, museums and opera, and the interest of the State of Qatar and its people in the arts.

He noted the joint artistic activities between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Austria, including the Qatari exhibition "The Majlis" at Weltmuseum in the capital Vienna, which witnessed a large turnout by the Austrian people.

The ceremony included several cultural and heritage activities reflected the history of the State of Qatar and its comprehensible renaissance in all areas.

In Rome, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Italian Republic Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

In a speech during the reception, HE the Ambassador said that the pillars and foundations inherited generation after generation, and the respect for the sovereignty and civilizations of peoples, have brought the State of Qatar to become a role model in the welfare and development in various fields, most notably the remarkable achievements made in its policies, external relations and strategic alliances, and the reliance on the national capacity and competence.

HE the Ambassador noted that the close high-level friendship relations between the State of Qatar and the Italian Republic developed to strategic levels, and benefited form the mutual trust between the two countries to reflect positively on all aspects of the joint cooperation.

He indicated that the volume of trade exchange between Qatar and Italy increased to record levels during the past three years.

Meanwhile, HE the Ambassador noted a growing Italian presence in the sectors of industry, engineering, finance and investment, infrastructure especially the 2022 World Cup projects, the metro projects and others.

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 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Openness Kostas Fragogiannis, HE Greek Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Lefteris Avgenakis, HE Deputy Minister of Development and Investments Ioannis Tsakiris, HE Secretary General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gregory Dimitriadis a large number of directors of departments of the Greek Foreign Ministry, personalities from the business and civil society community and the diplomatic corps accredited to Greece.

In his speech, HE the Ambassador welcomed the attendees and said that this year's celebration of the national day comes under the theme of "The Path of Excellence is Difficult." He stressed that the only way to succeed will be through morals and science. His Excellency added that the State of Qatar will be the first Arab country ever to host the World Cup, saying that the event is a platform for peoples of the world to get to know one another.

The embassy organized three cultural events on the sidelines of the celebration that reflect the Qatari culture.

In Khartoum, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Kubaisi held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Hashim and representative of the Sudanese government Tahir Sheikh Taha and a number of ministers, ambassadors, military attaches and political and intellectual leaders.

HE the representative of the Sudanese government conveyed the greetings of Chairman of the Sovereignty Council Lieutenant-General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan and those of HE the Prime Minister of Sudan Abdalla Hamdok to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the occasion of the national day. He also praised the wise leadership of HH the Amir which made the State of Qatar a country that enjoys peace and stability.

HE the ambassador said that the State of Qatar has adopted a policy of opening up and strengthening ties with countries in the region and all over the world. He stressed the support of the State of Qatar to Sudan at this crucial point of its history. He reiterated Qatar's support to the unity of Sudan and expressed hope that peace is established in all of Sudan.

In Kuala Lumpur, HE Ambassador of Qatar to Malaysia, Fahad bin Mohammed Kafoud held a reception in the Kingdom of Malaysia on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Economic Affairs Mohamed Azmin Ali, HE Minister of Defense of Malaysia is Mohamad Sabu, HE Speaker of the Malaysian Parliament Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, HE Deputy President of the Senate Abdul Halim bin Abdul Samad, HE Advisor of the Malaysian Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Dr. Mohammed Abdulkhalid, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia Janida bint Qamar Al Deen.

The celebration included a visual presentation of the biggest achievements of the state, in addition to the country's latest preparations for the World Cup 2022.

In Zagreb, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

   The event was attended by HE Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Ivana Zivkovic, a number of political officials, military leaders and representatives of civil society organizations.

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

The reception was attended by HE Prime Minister Denis Zvizdic, HE Minister of Human Rights and Refugees Semiha Borovac, Grand Mufti Dr. Husein Kavazovic and a large number of ranking officials.

The event included several cultural activities provided an overview on the Qatari heritage.

In Nur-Sultan, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan Abdulaziz bin Sultan Al Rumaihi hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE Deputy Minister of National Economy Madiyev Zhaslan, representing the Kazakh government, and a number of dignitaries, government officials and heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Kazakhstan.

In Nicosia, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The reception was attended by HE Acting President of the Republic of Cyprus and President of the Cypriot Parliament Demetris Syllouris, HE Minister of Health Constantinos Ioannou, representing the government of Cyprus and HE Minister of Interior Nicos Nouris, in addition to a number of officials and ambassadors of a number of Arab and foreign countries accredited to Cyprus.

In Lima, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Peru Ali bin Hamad Al Sulaiti hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The event was attended by HE Foreign Minister Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, HE the Mayor of Lima Jorge Munoz, HE the Mayor of Miraflores Luis Molina and a number of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Peru, businessmen and dignitaries.

HE the Foreign Minister of Peru extended congratulations and greetings to HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and to the Qatari people, stressing the depth of the bilateral relations which completed 30 years of cooperation.

He said that Qatar and Peru are linked by friendship and cooperation ties, expressing the keenness of the Government of Peru on strengthening and enhancing the bilateral relations with the State of Qatar.

For his part, HE the Qatari Ambassador welcomed the guests and praised the strong and developing relations between Qatar and Peru, which are based on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect.

He said that the National Day of the State of Qatar is a dear national occasion, noting Qatar's prominent position on the regional and international scene.

In Bandar Seri Begawan, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Sultanate of Brunei Jassim bin Ali Al Obaidli hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar's National Day.

  The ceremony was attended by representative of HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, HE Minister of Health Dato Paduka Dr. Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, as the guest of honor, along with a number of senior officials, dignitaries, heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to Brunei, businessmen, press and media in Brunei.

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

The event was attended by HE Secretary of Tourism Carlos Mackinlay, deputies and foreign diplomats accredited to Mexico.

In a speech during the ceremony, HE the Qatari Ambassador noted the distinguished relations between Qatar and Mexico, and said that Qatar welcomes everyone and its doors are open to Mexican tourists and investors.

HE the Ambassador noted that Qatar Vision 2030 contributed to promoting human development in education, culture and in many other fields, including investments, economics and sports, adding that Qatar is looking to be a pioneer in education, in the region and the world.

The reception included an exhibition of traditional tools and models for the 2022 World Cup stadiums, in addition to pictures representing the most prominent cultural, sports and historical landmarks of the State of Qatar.

In Quito, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador Mohammed Ali Al Malki hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar's National Day.

The reception was attended by HE Minister of Defense Oswaldo Jarrin, HE Minister of Tourism Rosi Prado de Holguin, HE Assistant Foreign Minister Cristial Espinosa, representing the Department of Foreign Affairs, HE Speaker of the National Assembly Cesar Litardo and a large number of the Arab and Islamic community in Quito.

In Manila, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines Ali bin Ibrahim Al Malki hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The reception was attended by HE Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs Department for Middle East and African Affairs Leslie Baja as the guest of honor, HE Undersecretary of Presidential Communications Marvin Gatpayat representing the Secretary of Presidential Communications, in addition to a large number of ranking officials, members of the Senate of the Philippines, a number of Philippine diplomats, ambassadors, and heads and members of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to the Philippines.

The event included a documentary video on the history of the State of Qatar and the comprehensive development achieved in all fields.

An exhibition was held on the sidelines of the ceremony included models and photographs of the milestones taking place in Qatar and the ongoing preparations to host the 2022 World Cup.

In Beijing, HE Qatar's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The reception was attended by HE Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong as the guest of honor, and a number of representatives of the Chinese government and representatives of the Arab, Islamic and foreign diplomatic missions, as well as ranking officials and figures from the political, diplomatic, economic, commercial, cultural, media, educational and social circles.

In a speech during the ceremony, HE the Qatari Ambassador underlined the keenness of the State of Qatar on its relations with the friends in China, and on promoting the strategic partnership between the two countries.

HE the Ambassador expressed his confidence that a promising and prosperous future awaits the Qatari-Chinese relations and the Arab-Chinese relations, and that 2019 was a special year in the path of relations between the two countries.

He noted that the State of Qatar was among the first countries to support and sign the "Belt and Road" initiative, and that a special committee was formed in the State of Qatar to implement this initiative.

For his part, HE the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister underlined that the relations between Qatar and China have made great strides since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 31 years ago, noting that the political mutual trust has steadily strengthened, and that the mutual beneficial cooperation has advanced with balanced steps in the fields of energy, economy, trade, finance and people-to-people contact. 

In Bishkek, 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 Azizbek Madmarov, HE Minister of Health Kosmosbek Cholponbayev, and a number of government officials and heads of diplomatic missions and consulates accredited to Kyrgyzstan.

In his speech, HE the ambassador welcomed the attendees and reviewed the achievements of the State of Qatar and the events the two sides held together.

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 Munich, HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Munich Rashid bin Saeed Al Khayarin held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The event was attended by German political, economic, cultural, intellectual and scientific figures, in addition to the members of the Arab and foreign diplomatic corps accredited to the city of Munich and a large number of Qatari citizens and members of the Arab and Islamic communities. HE the Consul praised the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and Germany and the mutual visits relations that aimed at consolidating cooperation in all fields.

The event included a special part for the promotion of the 2022 World Cup and the showcased "Qatar the Future" film, which attracted great interest from the audience.

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, and more than 500 people who are representatives of the Chinese government, consular missions accredited to Guangzhou and managers of Chinese and foreign companies.

HE deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong provincial government reiterated the State of Qatar and China's desire to develop the political, economic, and cultural relations, and to 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 the Consul 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 Hong Kong, HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Hong Kong Mohammed bin Sultan Al Kuwari held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the State.

The ceremony was attended by HE Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung, and a number of officials from the government of Hong Kong, in addition to heads of diplomatic missions accredited by Hong Kong and heads of commerce chambers.

Cheung stressed that bilateral ties were developing at a rapid pace, given the State of Qatar was an important part of the belt and road initiative. He said that the government is looking to enhance trade cooperation, and to increase tourism.

For his part, Al Kuwari stressed on the strength of ties between the State of Qatar and Hong Kong and China. He also discussed the State of Qatar's achievements in various fields.

In Bern, Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein Khaled Ali Al Maliki Al Juhani, held a reception on the occasion of Qatar's National Day.

The event was attended by a number of officials and members of the diplomatic missions accredited to the Swiss Confederation.

In Asuncion, Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Paraguay Saeed bin Hamad Al Marri hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar National Day.

The ceremony was attended by HE President of the Supreme Court of Justice Eugenio Jimenez Rolon, HE Minister of National Defense Bernardino Soto Estigarribia, HE Minister for Women Nilda Romero Sanacruz, HE Deputy Foreign Minister Didier Cesar Olmedo, and a number of members of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, heads and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Paraguay, directors of international organizations, representatives of ministries and government bodies and businessmen.

In Montevideo, Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay Taleb bin Mohammed Al Menkhas hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar's National Day.

The reception was attended by HE intendant of Durazno Department Carmelo Vidalin, HE intendant of Maldonado Department, HE Chief of Protocol at the Foreign Ministry Ambassador Eduardo Pozo, as well as a number of officials and representatives of government institutions, senior military leaders and Uruguayan officials and heads of Arab and foreign missions accredited to Uruguay, in addition to a number of prominent social and religious personalities, civil society leaders, businessmen and media.

The ceremony included an exhibition for traditional products and popular Qatari cuisine.

In Ottawa, Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Canada Hamoud Saleh Al Saadi hosted a reception on the occasion of Qatar's National Day.

The ceremony was attended by a number of ranking officials, members of the Senate, members of the House of Commons, military leaders, heads and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Canada, and a number of academics, journalists, embassy friends and members of the Arab community in Canada.

In his speech, Al Saadi welcomed the attendees and stressed the strong relations between Qatar and Canada.