In less than 15 months since Australia opened its embassy in Qatar there
has been significant levels of improvement in bilateral co-operation,
Australian ambassador Axel Wabenhorst said yesterday.
Addressing a reception held in Doha yesterday as part of the Australia
Day, he has hailed the growing bilateral relations between Qatar and
Australia.
HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah
al-Rumaihi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Protocol Chief Ibrahim Yousuf
Fakhroo, Diplomatic Corps dean and Eritrean ambassador Ali Ibrahim
Ahmed, and other dignitaries were present. “Qatar has welcomed us
warmly. When I first arrived, I was told that Qatar was a family
country, and I have certainly felt that during the time I’ve been here.”
Australia, he said, is a diverse country, and the most successful
multicultural society in the world. “Through this diversity, Australians
are united by our values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. We
recognise the complexities and challenges of our history. But above all,
on Australia Day we celebrate our achievements as Australians.”
While thanking Qatar Airways for the excellent connectivity that it is
providing to Australia, the ambassador said the airline is now flying to
four Australian cities and from next week it will also fly to Canberra.
Qatar Airways was one of the sponsors of yesterday’s event.
“With this expansion, I hope more of the country’s residents will
discover Australia as a holiday destination. Australia is safe, stable
and welcoming. You will find unique indigenous culture, landscapes and
wildlife, and outstanding shopping and restaurants in my country”.
The envoy also said there is potential for more Qatari students to study
in his country. “Australia has a high quality education system, and is
the third most popular destination for foreign students in the world,”
he said. He said Qatar is hosting about 3,300 Australians, working in
diverse sectors, including engineering, construction, oil and gas,
finance, aviation, education, health care, sports science and
journalism.
Wabenhorst informed nearly 30 Australian companies are operating in
Qatar. The biggest of these are in the engineering and construction
field, participating in the construction of Hamad Port and the Qatar
State Mosque, the hydrocarbon sector, the expansion of Khalifa Stadium
and shopping centres, he said.
“Australia and Qatar are working together to counter-terrorism, through
the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL and Qatar’s hosting of the Al-Udeid
Air Base.”
The envoy observed that the GCC dispute has separated families. Qatari
employees, students and hospital patients abroad have had to return to
Qatar. Despite the challenges, Qatar has maintained its welcoming
attitude towards all residents. Australia supports the mediation by
Kuwait with the aim of resolving the dispute, he said.
While describing Australia as the world’s driest continent the envoy
said this has made Australians experts in dryland farming. “As food
security becomes a higher priority for Qatar because of the regional
dispute, Australia is well-placed to support Qatar to grow more of its
own food,” he said. The investment of Hassad Food in Australian farms,
worth approximately $450mn has benefited both countries by improving the
productive capacity of the farms, and contributing to Qatar’s food
security.
The total trade between Qatar and Australia is Australian dollars 1.77bn
per year, evenly balanced between imports and exports. The new
shipping line between the two countries can further facilitate trade.
Australia has hosted many major sporting events, including the Olympic
Games and Asian Football Championships, and has expertise in events
management relevant for Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he pointed out.
Australian ambassador Axel Wabenhorst is joined by Qatar’s Minister for Municipality and Environment HE Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi in cutting a cake at the Australia Day celebrations yesterday in Doha as Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Protocol Chief Ibrahim Yousuf Fakhroo and other dignitaries look on. PICTURE: Jayaram