Head of Department for Africa and Middle East at Slovenian Foreign Ministry Natalia al-Mansour expressed her country's pride in the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Slovenia, stressing that the relations between the two countries have grown cordial and friendly, especially in the recent period.
In an interview, al-Mansour told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that there is a great similarity between Qatar and Slovenia in many aspects in terms of great ambition and desire to influence for the better in the world, adding that both countries have good intentions towards all and a distinct history of extending a helping hand to those in need.
She pointed out the two country's recognizable attempts in playing a peaceful role in the international community, which brings the countries closer and motivates them to establish further friendly and effective relations between them. She added that Slovenia has a great motive in developing relations with Qatar in many fields, and the visit of the Amir, as well as the former visit of Slovenian President Borut Pahor to Doha prove the two countries' desire to develop relations, she added.
She pointed out the anticipation in Slovenia for the visit of His Highness, as it comes 10 years after the visit of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to Slovenia. She added that it also coincided with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Qatari-Slovenian relations, as Slovenia has become independent for 31 years, which indicates that since its inception, the state has been striving for good relations with Qatar.
She said that political consultations between the two countries do not stop, considering mutual visits, whether at the leadership level or at the ministerial level, she said, adding that there are always delegations from the two countries exchanging visits in order to coordinate on many different political and economic files.
On the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, she said that the value must increase. She noted that trade volume between Qatar and Slovenia was 14mn euros in 2020 and rose by more than 100% within one year, saying the growth was satisfactory. Regarding Qatar's efforts to conclude an agreement between the United States and the Taliban, and its efforts to evacuate foreign nationals in Afghanistan, she commended Qatar's role in the Afghan issue, noting that this role is highly appreciated and respected not only by Slovenia, but by the entire international community.
She extended her country's thanks to Qatar for its role in all international meetings and forums, adding that, through this role, Qatar has demonstrated its diplomatic and humanitarian ability to solve global issues and deal with their humanitarian effects as well.
She also highlighted the significant role Qatar plays at the regional and global levels, adding that Slovenia is also trying to have a positive impact at the internationally, something it proved during its recent presidency of the European Union. She also pointed out Qatar's efforts in supporting refugees around the world, including its recent contribution to support the Ukrainian displaced, noting Slovenia's similar view in this area, as it tries to be an effective country in providing humanitarian aid and building co-operation between the two countries in this field.
With regards to the Islamic Cultural Center, which Qatar contributed to building in the Slovenian capital, she said that Qatar had made a great contribution to the establishment of this Islamic edifice in the Slovenian capital, emphasising her country's pride in the Islamic Center, due to its great importance to the members of the Islamic community in Slovenia. She also said that she expects Qatar to organise an impressive edition of the FIFA World Cup 2022, thanks to the country's good preparations since winning the hosting rights 12 years ago. She highlighted the fact that Qatar has completed preparations a year before launch as evidence that the country is ready to host the competition.
In an interview, al-Mansour told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that there is a great similarity between Qatar and Slovenia in many aspects in terms of great ambition and desire to influence for the better in the world, adding that both countries have good intentions towards all and a distinct history of extending a helping hand to those in need.
She pointed out the two country's recognizable attempts in playing a peaceful role in the international community, which brings the countries closer and motivates them to establish further friendly and effective relations between them. She added that Slovenia has a great motive in developing relations with Qatar in many fields, and the visit of the Amir, as well as the former visit of Slovenian President Borut Pahor to Doha prove the two countries' desire to develop relations, she added.
She pointed out the anticipation in Slovenia for the visit of His Highness, as it comes 10 years after the visit of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to Slovenia. She added that it also coincided with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Qatari-Slovenian relations, as Slovenia has become independent for 31 years, which indicates that since its inception, the state has been striving for good relations with Qatar.
She said that political consultations between the two countries do not stop, considering mutual visits, whether at the leadership level or at the ministerial level, she said, adding that there are always delegations from the two countries exchanging visits in order to coordinate on many different political and economic files.
On the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, she said that the value must increase. She noted that trade volume between Qatar and Slovenia was 14mn euros in 2020 and rose by more than 100% within one year, saying the growth was satisfactory. Regarding Qatar's efforts to conclude an agreement between the United States and the Taliban, and its efforts to evacuate foreign nationals in Afghanistan, she commended Qatar's role in the Afghan issue, noting that this role is highly appreciated and respected not only by Slovenia, but by the entire international community.
She extended her country's thanks to Qatar for its role in all international meetings and forums, adding that, through this role, Qatar has demonstrated its diplomatic and humanitarian ability to solve global issues and deal with their humanitarian effects as well.
She also highlighted the significant role Qatar plays at the regional and global levels, adding that Slovenia is also trying to have a positive impact at the internationally, something it proved during its recent presidency of the European Union. She also pointed out Qatar's efforts in supporting refugees around the world, including its recent contribution to support the Ukrainian displaced, noting Slovenia's similar view in this area, as it tries to be an effective country in providing humanitarian aid and building co-operation between the two countries in this field.
With regards to the Islamic Cultural Center, which Qatar contributed to building in the Slovenian capital, she said that Qatar had made a great contribution to the establishment of this Islamic edifice in the Slovenian capital, emphasising her country's pride in the Islamic Center, due to its great importance to the members of the Islamic community in Slovenia. She also said that she expects Qatar to organise an impressive edition of the FIFA World Cup 2022, thanks to the country's good preparations since winning the hosting rights 12 years ago. She highlighted the fact that Qatar has completed preparations a year before launch as evidence that the country is ready to host the competition.