HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud has emphasised that National Day celebration is an embodiment of the connection and the cohesion between the leadership and the people and a glorification of the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Qatar.
HE al-Mahmoud added that the National Day is an opportunity to renew loyalties to those who sacrificed and led the process of renaissance, and reaffirm patriotism and sacrifice for the homeland.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the celebration of the National Day, HE al-Mahmoud said that this day is to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Qatar by the late Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani.
He said that the National Day of the State of Qatar reaffirms its identity and history and embodies the ideals and hopes the state was established for, adding that celebrating the National Day contributes to the consolidation of patriotism within the new generation and renews loyalty toward the first generation who made great sacrifices and efforts for the homeland.
The speaker of the Advisory Council said that expressions of joy on this occasion indicate that everyone has feelings of love for this precious homeland, where their offspring, who contributed and sacrificed for this country, are honoured.
Regarding the slogan of this year’s celebrations, “Promise of Prosperity and Glory,” the speaker of the Advisory Council said that His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s phrase is indeed the best representative of reality, adding that the Emir fulfilled his promise, preserved the dignity of Qatar and its people, and converted the siege into a positive outcome.
He added that the country was blessed with abundant wealth, which flowed from all over the world, and the trade was freed from the constraints and domination of the siege countries, pointing out that the national economy developed new and promising features.
HE al-Mahmoud added that the crisis has cemented Qatar’s relations with true friends within GCC countries and with sincere friends in all countries of the world, noting that the country has accomplished great achievements under the siege and the economy continues to record the highest growth rates in the region despite all attempts to disrupt and damage it.
“This is what His Highness the Emir meant when he promised glory and prosperity”, the Advisory Council speaker said.
Regarding his assessment of Qatar’s handling of the siege, HE al-Mahmoud said that thanks to the guidance of His Highness the Emir, the state has dealt with and managed the crisis and overcome it wisely.
He added that Qatar has adopted a policy of restraint and moderation in its reactions out of respect and commitment to values, faith, customs and traditions.
The state also showed restraint out of keenness to maintain brotherly relations among people of the region and commitment to the rule of law, charters and international covenants.
The Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud pointed out that all countries and people, who witnessed the crisis and Qatar’s position, have recognised that Qatar adopted all means of wisdom and succeeded in winning the sympathy of the free world and the sympathy of just people who do not want harm for the region.
He explained that the handling of the crisis was not limited to civilised approach, as the state and the people were united and took all measures to overcome the crisis and its effects thanks to the country’s modern economic structure that includes international companies, airports, and financial capabilities in addition to the country’s commitment to contracts and exports of gas even to countries of siege.
He pointed out that Qatar’s reputation, economic potential and international transactions in previous decades have facilitated the creation of alternative and direct air and sea routes with many countries, and brought it international respect and confidence, which enabled it to maintain the stability of its banking activities.
The Speaker noted that Qatar was able to establish the largest seaport in the region, Hamad Port, which replaced the land import routes across the border with Saudi Arabia.
He also noted that infrastructure projects, especially the projects for World Cup 2022, continue according to the preset schedule.
He praised the state’s approach which consisted of pursuing a prudent monetary and financial policy plan, securing food and essential goods and ensuring the stability of their prices.
He said that this has enabled the state to mange the crisis patiently and confidently while clarifying its position and desire to conduct a dialogue to resolve the crisis without preconditions and with respect for sovereignty.
Regarding the Council’s plans in the current session during the siege, the speaker of the Advisory Council said that His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has clarified the future plans for the country in his speech at the opening of 46th session of the Council.
To accomplish what was mentioned in the speech, the Council will study draft laws and decrees to develop legislation and laws that achieve justice and protect citizens and consumers, in addition to the development of the judiciary and the draft of the formation of an elected Advisory Council, which are aimed at ensuring the economic, social and political stability.
He expressed his hope that the Council would be able to perform these significant tasks efficiently and effectively, especially after it was re-formed and female members were included for the first time.
During the previous session, the Council witnessed the completion of many draft laws, decrees and proposals.
The legislative season was intensive as the Council finalised many drafts referred by the government, including the regulation of dealing in subsidised goods; economic zones; the regulation of the entry, exist and residency of expatriates; electricity and water supply; the regulation of real estate brokerage; human food control law; draft law on public schools; draft law amending certain laws related to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; draft law on public cleanliness; draft national service law; draft law on domestic workers; draft law regulating the work of expertise; regulation of National Human Rights Committee; labour law; draft law on the protection of society; draft law amending certain provisions of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry; draft law amending certain provisions of the real estate rent law; and a draft law on real estate registration.
The Council also discussed the state budget and the requests for general discussion on a number of other issues.


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