Brazil’s ambassador to Qatar, Roberto Abdalla, said that Qatar has faced the challenges posed to it with courage and strength.
He praised the measures aimed at seeking self-sufficiency in food and manufacturing, making the country’s economy more dynamic.
In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on Qatar National Day, the ambassador said that it is easy to notice that the country is taking fast steps towards a more diversified and innovative economy.
He explained that Qatar has a soft-power approach in dealing with regional and international issues and has adopted a strategy of national modernisation and global integration. “Since the beginning of my tenure as Brazil’s ambassador to Qatar, I have been witnessing a robust development in environmental, social, economic and human fields. It is clear that the country is doing its best to become a better place for the future generations to come,” he added.
Ambassador Abdalla pointed out that Qatar has accomplished great achievements that it will be the first Middle Eastern country to host the football World Cup “which means a lot to us, Brazilians,” he said adding that it has established one of the most important airlines in the world, has extensively expanded its urban infrastructure and through Qatar Foundation and other institutions it has contributed to human development nationally, regionally and internationally, among other successful attainments.
He stressed that over the last few years, the country and its people have been resilient, steadfast and determined.
The ambassador said that the celebration of the National Day represents an occasion when people express pride not only on their nationality but also on the conquests of the forefathers of the nation.
Ambassador Abdalla extended sincere congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the accomplishments of Qatar, offering best wishes of continuous peace and prosperity for its citizens and residents.
He added that Qatar’s positions in the international arena show a lot of similarities to the foreign policies implemented by Brazil, explaining that both countries’ international relations have been based on the principles of multilateralism, peaceful dispute settlement, and non-intervention in the affairs of other countries.”As much as Brazil, Qatar engages in multilateral diplomacy through the United Nations and regional organisations, and over the last decades have increased ties with other countries geographically distant,” he added.
He added: “These diplomatic approaches hold in favour of Qatar. Nowadays, the country is well-known as a rising power in the Middle East as well as in the international realm. The maturity that Qatar has displayed when handling foreign dilemmas is really worth emulating: despite the ongoing diplomatic crisis, Qatar has, from day one, called for dialogue to resolve any differences while defending its sovereignty. In this regard, I would like to once again congratulate His Highness the Amir for his wise leadership in the face of the crisis and the people of Qatar on the way they have handled the blockade”.
He stressed that the relationship between his country and Qatar is excellent, pointing that Brazil opened its resident embassy in Doha in 2005 and the establishment of diplomatic bilateral relations date back to 41 years.
It is also important to note that today there are over 1,500 Brazilians living and working in Qatar, he added.
In addition, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani also paid an official visit to Brazil in 2010.
During all these years, both governments have been working for a closer approach in the areas of energy, sports, education, trade and investments, among other things.Pages 32, 33, 34
Ambassador Roberto Abdalla
