The
Qatar Embassy in Banjul Wednesday celebrated the National Day of the State of
Qatar, which is celebrated every year on December 18 in commemoration of the
historic day in 1878.
The
celebration was held at a dinner reception at the Ambassador’s residence in
Bijilo.
Speaking
at the celebration, the Ambassador of Qatar in The Gambia, Mohammed Nasser
Al-Kaabi, said Qatar is among the richest countries in the world.
He
said to utilise the resources effectively and in a more efficient manner, the
State of Qatar has a vision to managing growth and ensuring the needs of the
future generations.
Ambassador
Nasser added that this vision preserves the plans for the environment and human
beings and constitutes the Supreme Islamic values and strong family ties.
“Our
means to achieve these aspirations is to mobilise and direct our collective
energy because the State of Qatar focuses on the wellbeing of its children and
the generations to come by using the available resources thoughtfully and
rationally.”
He
said they would always ensure that Qatari citizens actively participate in the
economy, social and political life of the country, and increase investment in
world-class infrastructure, in order to build a dynamic and diversified economy
in which the private sector would have a permanent role.
This
requires continuity to develop government agencies to increase their
efficiencies and achieve greater transparency and accountability, Ambassador
Nasser went on.
Ambassador
Nasser further stated that the National Day of the State of Qatar is a day set
aside to commemorate how their national unity was achieved, and how they have
become a distinct nation.
In
her remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Neneh Macdouall Gaye, said the
Republic of The Gambia considers the State of Qatar as strategic development
partner.
She
said the excision of power on 18 December 1878 is an important milestone in the
State of Qatar.
The
Government and people of the State of Qatar would continue to give a helping
hand to the development of The Gambia, he said, adding that the two countries
have successfully cooperated in such areas as transport, trade, economy and
education sectors.