HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday took part in celebrations held in Conference Palace to mark the Tunisian Revolution’s first anniversary.
In a speech during the celebrations, HH the Emir expressed Qatar’s readiness to contribute to a support fund for the martyrs and the injured of the Tunisian Revolution, expressing his “sincere greetings to everyone who contributed to the peaceful transitional path that followed the revolution”.
HH the Emir said that “destiny responded to the will of people who turned poets’ dreams into reality, subjected politics to the aspirations of people and set an example for peaceful change that has... dispelled despair to serve as a human model that impressed the world”.
The Emir pointed to the role of the Tunisian army and its chief General Rachid Ammar “who served as a model for a patriotic army that defends its people and protects its institutions, which helped in the gradual peaceful power transition”.
He stressed that walking on the path of development for the greater good of the whole society was the best guarantee to confront problems and find solutions for them.
“I am pleased and honoured to be here among you today to commemorate the first anniversary of the Tunisian revolution. I can only but express my deep appreciation to the government of the Republic of Tunisia and its people for their kind invitation to share the Tunisian people’s joy for the march of their revolution which heralds freedom, development and stability.”
The Emir praised the Tunisian people as a support to the nation and a pioneer of the change that achieves dignity and justice for the oppressed people in the Arab nation, which looks forward to progress and pride, and which its people aspire to be masters of their own decisions.
The Emir contented that everyone in the East and West must realise that what was happening today in the Arab world was not military coups but rather revolutions of people seeking justice and freedom and should be dealt with accordingly.
He said that the State of Qatar and Tunisia have a common culture and history.
The Emir said that it was the duty of Qatar to stand by Tunisia to get past the transitional period successfully, adding that the time had come to present an integrated economy of Arab nations.
He said he was confident that richer Arab countries would commit to their duties in standing by Tunisia during its transitional period.
The Emir said that “in the name of the people of Qatar, he would like to contribute to a fund that supports Tunisian martyrs and victims of the revolution”, adding that “Tunisia’s martyrs are Qatar’s as well”.
He thanked the Tunisian president, prime minister, members of the constituent assembly as well as all those who contributed to the revolution’s transitional period.
Members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir attended the celebrations.
The Emir attended a dinner banquet hosted by Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki in honour of heads of state and delegations attending the celebrations.
The function, held at the Presidential Palace in Carthage, was attended by Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi al-Jebali, Assembly president Mustapha Ben Jaafar and a number of Tunisian ministers and officials.
Earlier yesterday, the Emir met with Ben Jaafar at the assembly’s headquarters. They discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir attended the meeting.
He later left Tunis, wrapping up a two-day official visit to Tunisia.
The Emir and his accompanying delegation were seen off at Carthage International Airport by Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi al-Jebali, a number of Tunisian officials and Qatari Ambassador to Tunisia Saad bin Nasser al-Hemaidi.
