Canada ambassador to Qatar Stefanie McCollum has described the Qatari-Canadian relations as strong and constantly developing at various levels, stressing her country's keenness to strengthen these relations to serve the common goals and aspirations of the two countries. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the National Day, she said that the people-to-people connections continue to underpin the two countries' steadfast relationship based on mutual respect for each other and co-operation towards shared goals.
This year, the bilateral relations witnessed the signing of a number of agreements, bilateral consultations, visits, and in-person and virtual meetings, she pointed out, expressing hope for more mutual visits during the next year. "During the next phase of our bilateral relations, we would like to continue to build stronger linkages in the fields of agriculture, education and life sciences, and other initiatives of national importance," she said.
She praised the dynamic Canadian expatriate community that is active in Qatar in strengthening the trade and investment ties.
On a global level, the ambassador stressed that Qatar and Canada continue to work side by side to make a positive impact in the world, including on Covid-19 recovery. She expressed Canada's sincere gratitude to Qatar for its significant evacuation efforts from Kabul and for allowing Canada to open a temporary diplomatic office for Afghanistan in Doha.
In another context, McCollum expressed her admiration for the policies and measures taken by the Qatari government to confront the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic to achieve a rapid recovery by introducing an economic stimulus package to support the private sector while also spending on health, education, and major infrastructure projects.
Regarding Qatar's preparations, the ambassador confirmed that she had sensed a high level of readiness for the FIFA World Cup 2022. "The promotion and use of the various stadiums during the Arab Cup indicates that the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup are on schedule, which is impressive considering we are a year removed from the start of the competition. Canada will welcome Qatar's expertise as Canada prepares to co-host World Cup in 2026."
McCollum extended her warmest congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the citizens, and the residents of Qatar on the State's National Day.
She praised the dynamic Canadian expatriate community that is active in Qatar in strengthening the trade and investment ties.
On a global level, the ambassador stressed that Qatar and Canada continue to work side by side to make a positive impact in the world, including on Covid-19 recovery. She expressed Canada's sincere gratitude to Qatar for its significant evacuation efforts from Kabul and for allowing Canada to open a temporary diplomatic office for Afghanistan in Doha.
In another context, McCollum expressed her admiration for the policies and measures taken by the Qatari government to confront the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic to achieve a rapid recovery by introducing an economic stimulus package to support the private sector while also spending on health, education, and major infrastructure projects.
Regarding Qatar's preparations, the ambassador confirmed that she had sensed a high level of readiness for the FIFA World Cup 2022. "The promotion and use of the various stadiums during the Arab Cup indicates that the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup are on schedule, which is impressive considering we are a year removed from the start of the competition. Canada will welcome Qatar's expertise as Canada prepares to co-host World Cup in 2026."
McCollum extended her warmest congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the citizens, and the residents of Qatar on the State's National Day.