Qatar confident of achieving its national goals: Emir

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani patronised theopening of the 46th ordinary session of the Advisory Council yesterdaymorning at the Council’s premises. His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the inaugural session.The inaugural session was also attended by His Highness the Deputy EmirSheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the SpecialRepresentative of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamadal-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, HisHighness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE Sheikh Jassim binKhalifa al-Thani.It was also attended by HE the Prime Minister and Interior MinisterSheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and a number of Sheikhs,ministers, heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar and theState’s dignitaries. His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani delivered thefollowing speech on the opening of the Advisory Council’s 46th OrdinarySession. In the Name of Allah the Most Merciful, the Most CompassionateSisters and Brothers, Members of the Advisory Council, * express to you my best greetings at the opening of the 46th session ofthe Advisory Council, and at the outset I want to extend sincere thanksto the brothers, the former members of the Council for theirappreciated efforts during their term of office. I welcome also thebrothers and sisters the new members, wishing them every success inserving their country.Honourable Brothers and Sisters,Our annual meeting to which we look forward to comes to assessactivities in the preceding year, and to glimpse the future prospects ofour development march that, thanks to God, is striding confidentlytowards achieving our national goals.** The unjust blockadeAs you know, Qatar has come under an unjust blockade, during which allestablished values and norms – not only those prevalent among fraternaland friendly countries, but even among enemies – were breached. It wasevident from the nature of the steps that were taken, as well as theaccompanying behaviour and rhetoric, that their goal was not to reach asolution or settlement.* will not elaborate on the repercussions of those steps, as they havealready been discussed at every social gathering and household,especially since the blockading countries have left nothing withoutendangering it, i.e., the norms, values, consanguineous relations,private properties and interests. Accordingly, they provoked thecondemnation and repulsion of the Gulf, Arab and global public opinion.They have built their campaign on fabrications since the hacking ofQatar News Agency’s website. Their propaganda campaign drives them toget embroiled in more lies which hurt them alone.As you know, Qatar has pursued a policy of self-restraint, moderateresponse, and has risen above all wrangles and misbehaviour in respectfor our values and norms and out of our keenness to maintain thefraternal relations among the Gulf peoples. Qatar’s political approachand diplomacy have gained the respect of the whole world.** Captives of their own rhetoricIt seems that the countries which imposed the blockade on Qatar havebeen embroiled in it. They have become captives of their own mediarhetoric, as attempts made to give them a way out through mediations anddialogue as well as our declared readiness for settlements, etc., didnot succeed. It also seems that, this has become their approach, as theybecame hasty in taking steps in other countries as well, without havingany exit strategy from the situation they tend to implicate themselvesin.** Qatar has well-known counter-terrorism recordThe fabrications regarding supporting and financing terrorism levelledagainst the State of Qatar have failed to convince the internationalcommunity, especially the major powers and active countries in thisfield. Paradoxically, our originally good relations with these countriesare now better than they were before the crisis. The State of Qatar hasa well-known and documented counter-terrorism record. Qatar has accededto the international and regional treaties in this respect, foremost ofwhich is the United Nations Convention against the Financing ofTerrorism of 1999, and has contributed to every international andregional effort in this regard. Recently, it has signed a detailedMemorandum of Understanding with the US administration on combatingterrorism and its financing.Many foreign officials have asked the blockading countries to submitevidence for their claims; and you all know that they did not submitanything because they haven’t anything to submit. They know, andeveryone who visits them from the politicians knows, that their campaignagainst Qatar has nothing to do with terrorism. ** Siege has brought out the best in usBrothers and sisters,Here in Qatar, we are used to frankness between the leadership and thepeople, as is the case in a family. I am addressing you very clearlythat we mean what we say when we express our readiness for resolvingissues within the framework of dialogue based on mutual respect forsovereignty and joint commitments. On the other hand, we are aware thatthe indicators we receive reveal that the siege countries are unwillingto reach a solution. These countries began in their conduct a new phase in the relationsbetween the Gulf states. We have benefited from this experience, as itbrought out the best talents and spirit of challenge inherent us, andcontributed to crystallising our national identity, and enhancedcohesion between the people and the leadership.Our government knows that what we have said about the productivesociety, self-sufficiency in food and medicine and the nationalsecurity, and establishing balanced bilateral relations based on themutual interests between Qatar and other countries, are tasks forimplementation that cannot be delayed.The blockading countries want to distract us in battlefronts they openagainst Qatar everywhere, so that our internal and external policies aredisrupted. But this will not happen, as we continue to pursue ourpositive and effective foreign policy and meet our humanitarian andinternational obligations, which contribute also to defending our peopleand our country. Domestically, we have to continue to work and producemore vigorously under the new circumstances. I do not need to remind youof the number of countries that are thriving with sea and air routes,without having land crossings. ** We do not fear the boycottThe Qatari society knows how to lead a normal life, flourish and develop, whether the blockade is prolonged or not.We do not fear the boycott of these countries against us, we are athousand times better off without them. But vigilance is required. Theirclaims that they will only adopt boycott are not true, as they continueto interfere in the internal affairs of our country and take collectivepunitive measures against the Qatari people, and practise incitementeverywhere against the State of Qatar, thus wasting the energies andresources of their peoples although these efforts hurt them. Thisdispute is a no-win situation. Its continuation will dent the reputationand interests of all the GCC countries.On this occasion, I extend my sincere thanks to my brother His HighnessSheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of the brotherly State ofKuwait, for all his commendable efforts in mediating between our GulfStates and my special appreciation for his strong will, wisdom andkeenness on the future of the GCC, which he expressed in his latestcautionary appeal on 24 October to heal the rift and halt thedeterioration; a call which was promptly and positively responded to bythe State of Qatar. I also extend thanks to all the countries whosupported us in our stance during this crisis.** Steps to counter challengesBrothers and sisters,We have, of course, taken the necessary measures to counter the newchallenges in areas of air and maritime transport and to findalternative sources of goods and services that had adversely beenaffected. These matters have, thank God, been restored to almost normallevels, and on stronger bases than before.As you know, before the present crisis we were preoccupied with curbingthe impacts of falling oil prices on our development plans, as oil andgas prices fell by 49% in 2015, and a further fall of 18% in 2016.As expected, this cumulative decline, has led to low growth rates in allGCC countries, including Qatar, where GDP growth in fixed prices fellfrom 3.6% in 2015 to 2.2% in 2016.Despite this decline, per capita income in Qatar, according topurchasing power is still among the highest in the world, according tointernational institutions’ reports such as the World Bank, and theInternational Monetary Fund. However, this shouldn’t lead us toself-conceit, as this achievement was not easily achieved, andmaintaining it requires redoubling the effort. It is not to be taken forgranted.It is reassuring that although the hydrocarbon share in GDP has fallenby about 1%, Qatar’s growth rate has improved, as the share in GDP fromother sources has risen by about 5.6%.Our achievement of this rate does not mean that we are satisfied withit, as it is less than our ambitions, and we will strive to achievehigher growth rates in the future. Our commitment to implement preparedplans in the fields of industry, agriculture, trade, tourism andservices, will contribute to that end.** Will of Qatari people underestimatedBrothers and sisters, members of the Advisory Council,The measures taken by the blockading countries were aimed at creating apolitical shock, affecting Qatar’s stability and forcing us to accepttutelage and cede our independence. Then they have moved on to a secondplan that is still being applied. It could be summed up as an attempt toharm our economy. But they have erred in their evaluation of the willof the Qatari people and the State, as well as in their estimates of oureconomy.The negative impacts of the blockade were temporary and our economy hasmanaged to contain most of them very quickly, while adapting anddeveloping itself in the course of the crisis management.These campaigns have not affected our major exports of oil and gas. Onthe contrary, our respect for our gas export contracts – even tocountries that have played a leading role in the campaign against ourcountry – has boosted the confidence of the international community inour credibility to honour our commitments, in addition to our keennessnot to harm a brotherly people.Efforts exerted in previous years to achieve Qatar’s national visionhave steadily proceeded. In continuation of efforts to support small andmedium industries, an industrial zone has been developed with state-ofthe-art basic services and facilities, in addition to the constructionof industrial facilities which are ready for the private sector.** Projects to fortify our economyWork is underway to implement economic development projects that wouldhelp in fortifying our economy, these include establishing areas forstorage, developing logistics areas and introducing a number of foodsecurity projects. The State has given special attention to water security and hasconstructed new desalination plants and mega storage reservoirs forpotable water, the largest of its kind in the world. Its first stagewill be commissioned in the first half of next year.As a result of Qatar’s strong economy and its ability to withstand thecrises rapidly and efficiently, the monetary authorities, incollaboration with the fiscal authorities, the banking and financialsystems, were able to counter and foil attempts to harm the QatariRiyal, thus maintaining the financial and exchange rate stability andfree remittances.As you know, Hamad Port, one of the largest and most modern ports in theMiddle East, was opened and commissioned recently. Several agreementshave been signed with important shipping lines to connect the port tointernational ports in Turkey, China, Taiwan, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore,Kuwait and Australia.These achievements were realised despite that the blockading countries’relentless efforts to disrupt and obstruct them by various means, whichstarted with the blockade itself, and included pressure on othercountries in addition to even spreading rumours and fabrications, andacting against hosting of the World Cup in 2022 by Qatar.** Seven-point strategy to fortify economyBrothers and sisters,Based on our awareness of the new situation that must be addressed, ourstrategy to fortifying the national economy must be based on thefollowing:* First, completion of the necessary legislation and decrees tofacilitate investment, reduce bureaucracy, and reform the banking systemto be compatible with the major tasks that we face in the new stage ofbuilding the economy and the state.* Second, completion of food and water security projects over a specifiedtime frame, and development of new industries and services necessary torespond to any contingencies, and implementing constructions andfacilities that are essential for oil and gas industry.* Third, expanding existing economic and trade relations and developing new bilateral relations.* Fourth, completion of the current infrastructure projects underconstruction now, as well as the 2022 World Cup projects in line withthe National Development Plan and Qatar Vision.* Fifth, development of sea ports and the expansion in concludingagreements with international shipping companies to connect the ports ofQatar directly with international ports, and enhancing Qatar Airways’cargo and passenger capacity.* Sixth, accelerating the implementation of tourism strategy over a specified time frame.* Seventh, encouraging the private sector to engage in these areas andfacilitating them for it. Yet, the private sector has to acknowledge itsresponsibilities towards its country.** Advisory Council electionsBrothers and Sisters,The government is currently preparing for the Advisory Councilelections, including drafting legislative measures necessary to ensurethat these elections are conducted perfectly well, so as to avoid theneed for further amendment in each stage. There are legal shortcomingsand legal issues that must be addressed beforehand, in order to havefair Advisory Council elections. These measures will be submitted toyour esteemed Council during the next year.** Upgrading justice systemDue to of the importance of achieving justice and keenness on developingthe judicial system and enhancing its abilities to cope with the rapiddevelopments our society has seen in all fields, I have directed that itis necessary to upgrade our justice system to ensure the consolidationof the independence of the judiciary, avoiding prolonged litigation (asit is said: slow justice is tantamount to injustice), and taking thenecessary measures to provide all human, administrative andorganisational capabilities and necessary equipment for the courts oflaw, the prosecution and the assisting agencies, in addition to openingnew branches for them in various locations in the State. The governmentwill present to your esteemed Council soon the draft laws prepared forthis purpose.** Balanced foreign policyBrothers and Sisters, Members of the Advisory Council,With regard to our foreign policy, we continue to draw our policiesguided by our values and based on a balance between our firm principlesand the interests of our people, and the peoples of the region, and ourpolitical reality.** Resolve disputes through dialogueWe follow with deep concern the deterioration of the political situationat the regional level, and call for de-escalation to spare the peoplesof the region the perils of tension and emergence of axes. It is notplausible that the countries and societies be regarded as mere spheresof influence or spaces to settle old scores between regional countries.There is a geopolitical reality that forces us to resolve ourdifferences through dialogue. Qatar has been calling for that in linewith its approach of resolving disputes by peaceful means. In the caseof the Gulf and the region this is not only an option, but an urgentnecessity. Relevant mechanisms must be found to address this.We congratulate our Palestinian brethren on the unity which has beenrealised. We hope that ending the Palestinian rift will lead to liftingthe siege on Gaza and unifying efforts to find a just and durablesolution for the Palestinian issue based on the resolutions ofinternational legitimacy and the two-state solution, and theestablishment of a Palestinian State on the borders of 5 June 1967, withEast Jerusalem as its capital.Qatar, as you know, has exerted extensive and long-term efforts toachieve unity as part of its multifaceted support for the brotherlyPalestinian people. Qatar’s diligent efforts were characterised by noconsiderations other than the national interest of the Palestinians.With regard to the brotherly Iraq, as terrorism receded from most of theareas it had controlled as a result of recent victories by the IraqiGovernment, we hope that this plague will be eliminated from the rest ofthe regions in the near future. We also support the territorialintegrity of Iraq, and call on the central government and the Kurdistanregion to solve the lingering problems between them by constructivedialogue based on the Iraqi constitution, to preserve the fraternalrelations between all components of the Iraqi people and Iraq’sterritorial safety.On the Syrian issue, we hope that the international efforts will beactive in finding a just solution to this tragedy that fulfils theaspirations of the Syrian people after a lengthy inaction, andalleviates the suffering of the brotherly Syrian people, and ends thebreach of their inviolabilities and dignity. We reaffirm the unity ofthe Syrian territory and people and reject any action leading to itspartition.Regarding Libya, the State of Qatar supports the Government of NationalAccord in its efforts to bring about reconciliation between theconflicting Libyan factions and to counter terrorism. We will continueto support the international mediation efforts in this brotherlycountry.Concerning Yemen, Qatar supports the efforts of the United Nations envoyto end the crisis in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution2216. We call upon all parties to a genuine national reconciliation toend this conflict, preserve the stability, safety and territorialintegrity of Yemen, and put an end to the suffering of the Yemenipeople, who are the major party to bear the whole brunt of thecontinuation of the war.On this occasion, I also reiterate the call to the Government of Myanmarto put an end to the suffering of the Rohingya, and to resolve thecrisis in a constructive dialogue that preserves the rights of allparties. Qatar will spare no effort in collaboration with friendlystates and the international community in this regard.In conclusion, I reiterate my appreciation to our pedigreed Qataripeople and residents of the State for standing up with dignity and prideagainst the blockade.God bless you with success, and may God’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.