QND 'a pivotal milestone combining founding's authenticity with modern state's vision'
Palestine’s ambassador to Qatar Fayez Majed Abu al-Rab has said that Qatar National Day (QND) represents a pivotal historical milestone that combines the authenticity of the country's founding and the vision of the modern state, recalling the journey of founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and the firm values of sovereignty, unity and independence that he had established.In a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the envoy said that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani carried on the founder's journey with wisdom and sound leadership, continuing the Qatari renaissance strategically, in way that made Qatar an active and influential model at the regional and international levels, while maintaining its stability and progress in various economic, social and educational sectors.On behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as the Palestinian government and people, al-Rab extended his congratulations to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, in addition to the government and people of Qatar, on the occasion of the National Day, and expressed his country's gratitude for Qatar's stances with Palestine.The envoy stressed his country's commitment to strengthening the Palestine-Qatar partnership, and its confidence that Qatar will remain a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian cause until the Palestinian people obtain their full legitimate rights, foremost among them freedom, independence, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (Al Quds) as its capital.The QND holds special significance for the Palestinian people, al-Rab said, as it embodies the shared values of dignity, freedom, and adherence to national identity between the two peoples.He added that it also reflects the spirit of solidarity and close co-operation between them.The envoy said that Qatar's firm positions in defending the rights of the Palestinian people in international forums, and its translation of these positions into tangible practical programmes, reflect the depth of the fraternal partnership and the strength of the historical ties between the two peoples.Al-Rab affirmed that Palestine-Qatar relations are based on solid foundations of fraternity and strategic partnership.He said that Palestine looks forward to strengthening political and diplomatic co-operation, co-ordinating positions in international forums, increasing Qatari investments in Palestine, in addition to expanding scholarship and academic exchange programmes, and health, cultural, media and sports co-operation, in a way that enhances the growing partnership between the two countries and contributes to serving the two peoples and supporting stability and development in the region.Qatar's foreign policy today embodies an advanced model of responsible diplomacy based on dialogue, mediation and respect for international law, which al-Rab said has enabled it to play a pivotal role in promoting regional stability and supporting peace efforts.The envoy said that Qatar's role is clearly evident in supporting the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip, through efforts that contributed to mitigating the effects of Israeli aggression, reaching agreements to end the genocide, facilitating prisoner and detainee exchanges, and ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid.He noted that Qatar has been present during the past two years in light of the massive destruction that has affected various vital sectors, and the murder, injury and loss of more than 250,000 Palestinians, through direct humanitarian initiatives, most notably the Amiri grant, and the directives of His Highness the Amir to host and care for the wounded, in addition to the support provided to Palestinian families residing in Doha.Al-Rab highlighted the continued efforts of Qatari partner institutions, most notably the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), and Education Above All Foundation (EAA), in implementing relief and development programmes that have strengthened the resilience of the Palestinian people.The envoy said that the EAA Foundation played a prominent role in protecting students' right to education during the genocide, as it succeeded – in co-operation with international bodies and the Palestinian ministry of education, in holding high school exams for more than 56,000 students despite the difficult circumstances.He noted that Qatar has achieved a comprehensive renaissance that has turned it into a leading model in sustainable development, thanks to a diversified knowledge-based economy, an advanced education and research system, and world-class infrastructure whose strength was demonstrated during the hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as well as its distinguished role in international mediation and hosting major conferences.