Qatar’s massive infrastructure programme, including Doha Metro, is not only impressive but also a smart move, according to Argentina's ambassador Carlos Hernandez. “When you build such infrastructure, you are investing in your future – the so called legacy, the development goals set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030 – not only because it will survive us all – and the blockade – but also because it’s environment-friendly,” the envoy told Gulf Times.
Doha Metro will be an essential element to the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he observed. Qatar Rail had earlier announced that all the three lines (Red, Green, and Gold) of the Doha Metro will fully operate by 2020. The Red Line South opened 13 of its 18 stations on May 8, which was nearly a year ahead of its scheduled launch.
“The fact that for the first time in history people would be able to go from one stadium to the other and watch more than one match on a day -- using the public transport system, which has one of the fastest driverless trains in the world offering a safe, reliable and fast service -- is just another proof of Qatar’s vision,” Hernandez said.
The envoy added that he was honoured to witness the inauguration of Al Janoub Stadium at Al Wakrah, which he feels was a preview of what people will see during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hernandez said he was impressed to see many people giving up their cars and using the new metro (preview service), helping to build a greener future. “Also, all these buildings and infrastructure works translate into jobs, keeping the economy active,” he added. About the best solution to end the regional rift, Hernandez cited the Qatari approach as the right one.
“Despite the ongoing illegal blockade and the continuous violations of human rights, legal and religious values and principles by the siege countries, Qatar is still open to dialogue without preconditions,” he said. “Such openness shows it with every action, its approach, and positive mindset towards the citizens of the siege countries here in Qatar.”
“I honestly think this strategy is paying off since you can see initial approaches with Bahraini PM greeting His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the onset of Ramadan last month, and more recently, Saudi King Salman’s invitation to His Highness the Amir to attend the two summits to discuss tensions between Iran and regional players,” Hernandez said.
“This blockade has been a traumatic experience for families mostly separated because of it, but feeling part of the Qatari people here, I can also see how it brought all of us together: doesn’t matter where you are from, if you are in Qatar, you feel proud of its leaders, their vision and how Qatar is becoming self-sustainable and opening to the world,” the envoy stressed.
