HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said celebrating National Day is a unique event, which reflects the keenness of the people of Qatar to commemorate the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, who made Qatar a unified, strong and independent entity.

He highlighted that on this glorious occasion, sense of pride is embodied in the generosity of the forefathers, and it paints bright images of identity, unity, cohesion and loyalty to the nation and its wise leadership.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the National Day, HE the Minister said this year's celebration will be different than any other year as it comes under the imposed siege that took place months ago, hence the celebration hold new and deep messages for the siege countries about the strength of Qatar.
HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said this year's slogan of 'Promise of Prosperity and Glory' is perfectly consistent with the feelings of the people of Qatar at this sensitive time, where they are filled with pride and are looking forward to prosperity despite the tough and illegal measures taken by the siege countries.
These feelings comes out of their belief in God's sayings and because they are aware that prosperity will come from their country's independent freedom that is not subject to extortion or intimidation, His Excellency added.
They also believe that good will come from their high morals, in their sublimation above conflicts and arrogance, in their unity against conspiracies and in their strong alignment behind their wise leadership, he said.
His Excellency confirmed that the State of Qatar, succeeded at managing the Gulf crisis with wisdom and respect.
The Qatari community took into consideration its relations with its brotherly GCC countries and the principles and customs of dispute, which earned it the world's respect, he added.
He said the nation has succeeded at thwarting all the scheming, breaking the siege and promoting leadership and the independence of the State of Qatar, to the extent that the residents do not feel the effects of the siege on their daily lives.
HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said the siege's human rights violations are what is worrisome. There are 26,000 registered violations, which is very dangerous.
He confirmed that if Qatar overlooks the crisis, it will not overlook the violations against the Qatari people and it is important that settling the crisis must guarantee there is never a return to this method of retaliation in dealing with citizens when there is a political dispute between governments.
He added that what is saddening is that the crisis has shaken the confidence in the GCC, however despite that Qatar sees the importance of maintaining its collective security system, and to work on finding a formula that ensures the preservation of the states' sovereignty.
It is also important to not interfere in internal issues, establish civilised mechanisms to settle conflicts and disputes between the GCC members and to work on regaining that confidence in compliance with clear and transparent standards, he said.
The Minister expressed his belief that all these matters are very important to maintain the system, which is the first shield of the GCC countries against all external risks, especially in light of continuous regional tensions.
HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister added that the State of Qatar has succeeded at delivering its integrated vision in solving the crisis to the world through different communication channels.
Qatar once again confirms its readiness for a transparent comprehensive dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty and common obligations, His Excellency added.
He added that Qatar will adhere to this approach, despite the siege countries' stubbornness as well as total disregard for dialogue and exerted efforts from all parties to find a solution that preserves the sovereignty and rights of all the countries.
HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said the unjust siege has been an opportunity to rediscover the potential of the Qatari community which is full of faith, determination, will, ideas and ambition.
The Minister added that it is a new start towards hard work and production to build wider economic and trade relations and to continue the implementation of developmental plans and Qatar's future projects.
He highlighted that the siege revealed the harmony, cohesion and solidarity between the people and leadership in facing the imposed challenges and the great efforts exerted to break the will and impose guardianship.
HE the Minister said these attempts have failed thanks to a solid stance that broke the siege in a short period and stressed that Qatar is not an easy target and will continue to stand tall.
Regarding the most important and prominent achievements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the past year, especially under the unjust siege, His Excellency said the Ministry is keen to reflect the directives of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani by providing updated services to the Qatari citizens, internally and externally.
HE the Minister said the government is also working on developing its relations with world countries and regional and international organisations, effectively contribute to promoting international peace and safety through mediation to settle disputes peacefully and support development and stability projects in different countries.
On this matter, HE the Minister highlighted that Qatar continues to deliver humanitarian aids to more than 100 countries, confirming that the highest aids go to the Middle East and Africa.
His Excellency said Qatar is especially aiding in development, education and infrastructure fields, and it has offered aid worth $4.5bn to more than 100 countries during five years.
Today, Qatar ranks third in the main donors list of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), His Excellency added.
HE the Minister referred to the words of HH the Emir at the 46th ordinary session of the Advisory Council which stated that the accusations against the State of Qatar on supporting and financing terrorism, did not deceive the international community.
His Excellency added that despite the unjust siege, the State of Qatar continues its effective international contributions in all fields and will continue to follow this covenant, in order to serve all humanity.

 

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