Counsellor Dr Hanafi Jabali, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Egypt, has congratulated Qatar on its impressive organisation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, affirming that the Arab countries have the potential to make such major tournaments a success.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said the World Cup is a source of pride for all Arab countries and peoples.
He described the defamation campaigns against Qatar as "systematic" and that they express the desire of some to downplay any Arab success, pointing out that such campaigns can only be answered by showing more will and determination to achieve success, which is what Qatar did during its organisation of this edition of the World Cup.
He pointed out that these campaigns contradict the essence of the world order, which is basically based on promoting the principles of pluralism, diversity and participation among all countries, including organising international events to support building bridges between peoples and promote civil and cultural exchange.
In this regard, he explained that the approach of criticising Arab countries and developing countries in general when they host global events contradicts the goals of international co-operation, and carries with it seeds of sowing discord among peoples, adding, "We, in Egypt always urge international partners to examine themselves and avoid such destructive behaviour."
On the importance of this edition of the World Cup, Dr Jabali noted that it has a unique symbolism for the Arab world, as it is the first one to be held on Arab soil, stressing that Qatar's organisation of the World Cup really carries with it a unique opportunity which is introducing all peoples to the ancient Arab culture, and removing any misconceptions about the Arabs.
This edition of the World Cup would be a turning point for true portrayal of the ancient Arab values and civilisation, he said, adding it comes in light of crises affecting the world order, thus contributing to the reduction of civilisation conflicts between East and West and between North and South.
By this, it strengthens endeavours to find a common space for the various regional and global powers on Arab soil, he said.
The Egyptian speaker termed the Egyptian-Qatari relations as "historic" and felt these are witnessing a positive momentum at all levels, adding, the Egyptian-Qatari relations are on the right path now and there is a sincere will from the leaderships in Egypt and Qatar to advance them to broader horizons.
He stressed the Egyptian-Qatari parliamentary relations are based on the principles of fraternity, Arabism and integration, noting that they are a true reflection of the fraternal relations between the Egyptian and Qatari peoples.
He said this is what they are seeking now by strengthening the frameworks of Egyptian-Qatari parliamentary co-operation and this was the focus of discussions with the Speaker of the Qatari Shura Council.
Dr Jabali highlighted topics and files he discussed with HE the Speaker of the Shura Council, saying that he and HE al-Ghanim discussed ways to strengthen Egyptian-Qatari relations at all levels, especially in the parliamentary level.
He said they signed a co-operation protocol between the Egyptian House of Representatives and the Qatari Shura Council on many frameworks and mechanisms to enhance Egyptian-Qatari parliamentary co-operation as well as co-ordination between the two councils in all international and regional forums regarding issues of common concern.
He expressed his utmost appreciation for the attention given to the Egyptian community in Qatar by the Qatari authorities, indicating that there is a mutual understanding between the two brotherly countries regarding all issues related to the status of the Egyptian community in Qatar in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship, respect and fraternity between the two peoples at all levels.
He also expressed his deep appreciation and pride in being here in Qatar, while also expressing pride in what Qatar has achieved in organising this edition of the World Cup.
He reaffirmed that his talks Wednesday with the Speaker of the Shura Council were fruitful in strengthening and advancing the Egyptian-Qatari bilateral relations in a way that achieves the interests of the two peoples.
At the end of the interview, he sent a message to the effect that the Arab region and the Islamic peoples are going through an unprecedented historical moment during the current stage that includes non-stereotypical challenges, which requires everyone to work collectively towards finding a common vision to face these challenges and get out of this historical juncture in a better way in line with the aspirations of the region.
He said that this matter is very necessary and vital for the sake of future generations who rely on us in creating a brilliant and prosperous future full of hope, achievements, science, construction and development.