This was said by Ambassador Mohamed Nasser Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Ambassador to The Gambia, while delivering his speech on the occasion of celebration of Qatar’s National Day, held at the ambassadors’ residence in Kololi at the weekend.
He said: “Qatar national day is an occasion that is very clear to our heart. and I wish to convey our deepest affection and gratitude to His Royal Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani on this memorable day.”
“We can visibly read the expression of patriotism, joy and pride on the faces of the Qatari men, women and children as the beneficiaries of the tangible achievements that our country has registered, thanks to their able governments,” he said.
According to him, the State of Qatar had attained great strides that are unprecedented by any standards and in any country in all sectors and within a short period of time.
In the economic field, the state of Qatar had restructured its industry by the establishment of plants for petroleum production and natural gas and their derivatives, and had further developed these areas, he stated.
“We are commemorating the day in the midst of our wise leaders a memorable day, and also celebrating the legacy of the founder of our young nation, Sheikh Jasim bin Mohamed Thani: may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
This year under the able leadership of His Higness Sheikh Tamim bin Al-Thani, may Allah protect him, who succeeded his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the pioneer of Qatar’s national development, he said.
He noted that this auspicious occasion which is marked on 18th December every year, is in commemoration of that historic day in 1878 when Sheikh Jasim, the founder of the State of Qatar, succeeded his father, Sheikh Muhammed bin Thani, as the ruler of the State of Qatar who led the country to unity.
“Qatar national day is an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the gigantic efforts made by Qatar’s forefathers, who endured severe hardships and paid dearly for the unity of their nation.
“This national occasion epitomizes our identity and history and also embodies the ideals and visionary aspirations that this country was founded on,” said Ambassador Mohamed Nasser Al-Kaabi.
“We must not fail to pay homage to the great men and women who endured severe hardships and paid dearly for the unity of their nation and participated in building what is Qatar today.”
According to Ambassador Mohamed Nasser Al-Kaabi, the Qatar National Vision 2030 is aimed at moving the country towards striking a balance between the imperatives of development and protection of natural resources, land, sea and air.
From this standpoint, he added, the national vision focuses on the development of environmental institutions and implementation of an effective legal framework for safeguarding the environmental heritage of Qatar.
“The State of Qatar these days embarks on enormous FIFA World Cup projects, including building of stadiums and hotels as part of its preparation for hosting the 2022 World Cup tournament. The State is expecting to receive millions of guests who will attend this global event as the final initiative for the World Cup will be as today 18th December, 2022,” he said.
He said in line with its foreign policy, the State of Qatar is committed to respect for the rights and sovereignty of other nations and non-interference in their internal affairs; and Sharia is the source of legislation for the State of Qatar and its administration consist of three arms of governance namely, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
He said: “The Gambian parliament ratified in June this year the agreement on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes signed between the two countries in November last year during the state visit of the Gambian President to Doha.”
According to him, the people of Qatar donated through Munazzamat al-Da’wa al-Islamiia QR1.7 million for the implementation of 3 new humanitarian projects in The Gambia during the past months, and these projects include water projects, construction of mosques and clinics and provision of ambulances.
In her speech, Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said since the attainment to full sovereignty in 1971, the state of Qatar had transformed itself into a model nation.
Through visionary leadership and the commitment of its people to peace and prosperity, the State of Qatar has used its economic endowment to convert the country into a powerhouse of development, she added.
“The Gambia and the State of Qatar have signed a number of agreements covering development, the avoidance of double taxation, the preservation of fiscal evasion on income and air services. These are concrete indications of a healthy and vibrant relationship.”
