Ambassador of UK to Qatar Ajay Sharma has stressed that the two countries enjoy strong and historic relations.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency on the occasion on Qatar National Day, the British ambassador said that over the past few years, those relationships have got even stronger, with increased co-operation on business and investment; security and defence; and health and education in addition to the people to people contacts, which have also increased.

He pointed to some notable successes in the two countries' ties, including the agreement on Typhoon fighter aircraft, between the Royal Air Force and Qatar's Air Force to have a Joint Typhoon Squadron, and the opening of Aberdeen University, University of Sussex and Northumbria University branches in Qatar.

"The twin focus of UK efforts over the next few years will be supporting Qatar on its 2022 World Cup. I am sure it will be amazing; and on working with Qatar on its ambitious 2030 National Vision," he said.

The ambassador added: "I have been struck in my 4 years here by the pace of change from infrastructure to policies in Qatar, and in particular by the way that Qatar has responded so successfully to the challenges it has faced. I have been impressed by the way that people have come together - both expats and Qataris - and worked together to make progress; and by the way in which Qatar has changed its engagement with the region and the rest of the world, from new trade routes to new political relationships".

Ambassador Ajay Sharma concluded his statement extending congratulations to everyone in Qatar on a very successful 2019, and presenting his best wishes to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad al-Thani.