Ambassador of Iraq to Qatar Omar al-Barzanji expressed his appreciation for the deep relations between his country and Qatar, stressing that these relations are based on historical foundations, social roots and common aspirations for the well-being and progress of the two people. 
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), al-Barzanji extended his congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and the government and people of Qatar on this national occasion, wishing more progress and prosperity for the nation. 
He pointed out that the National Day is an occasion in which Iraq reaffirms the strong relationship between the government and the people in both countries, adding that it is also an occasion to celebrate the achievements Qatar made in all fields. 
He stressed that national celebrations are among the best occasions to express pride, solidarity and awareness, noting that Iraq values the excellent level of relations that bind the two country, and is always looking forward to elevating this relationship to higher levels in the future. 
He said that the Iraqi-Qatari relations are historically solid, close and deep, stemming from the customs and traditions that unite the two brotherly people, adding that the relations are moving towards broader horizons and cooperation based on the common interest that benefits the two brotherly countries.
The Iraqi ambassador also praised the way Qatar dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that Qatar succeeded to a great extent and helped alleviate this pandemic and its repercussions. He pointed out that this was clear in the speech of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, during the opening of the 49th session of the Shura Council, which included a vision, that closely resembled the vision of the Iraqi government, that focuses on working to achieve economic diversity in the country while preserving the development of oil sectors and encouraging investment, in addition to taking large and rapid measures to limit this pandemic and emphasising precautionary measures, and not sacrificing the health of people or the country’s economy. 
He also stated that concerted international efforts have become an urgent necessity to ensure that a vaccine and treatment for coronavirus is reached, as well as to find treatments for everyone with the exceptional circumstances that the world is facing as a result of this pandemic.
At the conclusion of his statement, the Iraqi Ambassador stressed that National Day celebration reflects the desire to revive history for the youth and future generation and benefit from that by linking the past with the present and gaining experience in shaping the future.