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Former ambassadors from the Philippines, Sweden, Republic of Korea and Indonesia have paid tribute to His Highness the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, describing him as a visionary statesman whose leadership transformed Qatar into a modern nation and strengthened its standing on the global stage while fostering closer ties with countries around the world.Crescente Relacion, who served as Philippine ambassador to Qatar from 2009 to 2015, said that HH Sheikh Hamad’s reign marked Qatar’s unprecedented rise to global prominence not only in the energy sector but also in international politics.“He was a steady hand steering the development of the country, a father figure who is dearly loved by his people and admired by everyone who has been touched by his dynamic leadership,” Relacion told Gulf Times, extending his deepest condolences to the Qatari leadership and people.The envoy recalled significant milestones in Philippine-Qatar relations achieved during HH Sheikh Hamad’s reign.He noted that bilateral ties reached greater heights following HH the late Father Amir’s state visit to Manila in April 2012, when the leaders of both countries held talks on trade, investment and cultural co-operation.Among HH Sheikh Hamad’s enduring legacies for the Filipino community in Qatar, Relacion highlighted the allocation of 1.4 hectares of land for the Philippine School Doha and another one hectare for the Evangelical Churches Alliance Qatar as a place of worship for Filipino evangelicals and other nationalities.The grants fulfilled commitments made during then-Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s visit to Qatar in 2008, with Relacion saying that he worked to expedite their implementation during his tenure.Former Swedish ambassador Ewa Polano, who headed Sweden’s mission in Doha from 2014 to 2019, described HH Sheikh Hamad as the leader who laid the foundations for Qatar’s remarkable transformation through his vision and determination to modernise the country.She said that HH the late Father Amir’s leadership created the platform upon which Qatar has continued to flourish under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, becoming an internationally respected hub for diplomacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare and sports.Polano, Sweden’s first ambassador to Qatar, said it had been an honour to witness the country’s dynamic development both domestically and internationally, adding that she would always cherish her memories of serving in what she described as an extraordinary nation.Former ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Qatar Chung Keejong, who served in Doha from 2012 to 2015, also expressed deep condolences, recalling his audience with HH Sheikh Hamad when he presented his credentials in April 2012.He said that relations between Qatar and Korea grew deeper and stronger during HH Sheikh Hamad’s reign, attributing this to HH the late Father Amir’s leadership, which drove Qatar’s rapid domestic development while contributing to peace and stability in the Middle East.“He set a valuable example of peace-making for the world that is becoming increasingly inhumane and dangerous,” Chung said, adding that HH Sheikh Hamad projected Qatar’s true spirit to the international community.Former Indonesian ambassador Deddy Saiful Hadi, who served in Qatar from 2012 to 2016, said he would always remember HH Sheikh Hamad’s warmth, wisdom and sincere commitment to strengthening the friendship between Indonesia and Qatar.“Qatar has lost a visionary leader and the architect of its modern state. I have lost a respected figure whom I deeply admired,” Hadi said as he extended condolences to His Highness the Amir, the al-Thani family and the people of Qatar.

Kylian Mbappe extended his red-hot scoring streak to fire France past Sweden and into the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday. France's flamboyant attack might have ‌reached double figures were ⁠it not for the ‌woodwork and a series of near-misses measured ‌in millimetres.Paraguay lie in wait, and the exhilarating football France produced here will do little to help ⁠the South Americans sleep before their last-16 meeting.At the heart of it all was French captain and talisman Kylian Mbappe. From the start it had been clear he was a man on a mission.Mbappe's two goals lifted his World Cup finals tally to 18, one behind Lionel Messi on the all-time list. Remarkably, those goals have come in just 18 matches, with his double here taking him to six for the tournament.By the final whistle Sweden looked less like ​beaten men, more like beaten-up men, after 90 minutes hauling themselves round the New York-New Jersey pitch trying to keep up with the precise French passing.The temperature on the pitch felt even hotter than the 32 degrees ‌Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) officially recorded in ⁠East Rutherford, but for ​Sweden it might as well have been the surface of the sun as ​they visibly wilted under a relentless French onslaught.Mbappe was at the centre of everything. He had a long range shot saved in the 16th minute and had the ball in the net four minutes later. The effort was ruled out for offside, but Sweden had been warned. HYDRATION BREAK BOOSThe match was scoreless by the time the packed stadium roundly booed the hydration break, as has become customary among soccer fans angered by the effective introduction of four quarters to a game traditionally separated by two halves. For once, though, nobody could doubt the justification as the haggard Swedes looked out on their feet.The jeering fans were swiftly distracted by ‌a deafening rendition of Jon Bon Jovi's "Livin' ‌on a Prayer" before the match ⁠resumed but there was to be no divine intervention for the Scandinavians.Mbappe rattled the post just after ⁠the half-hour as he inched ever closer ⁠and finally broke the deadlock on 45 minutes when, from a pass by Ousmane Dembele, he jinked and skipped and slammed a right-foot shot past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.The pair have now combined for six goals at World Cup finals, more than any duo in tournament history, moving clear of Germany's Michael Ballack and Miroslav Klose, and Poland's Grzegorz Lato and Andrzej Szarmach.The French among the more than 86,000 ​in the stadium erupted and Mbappe, followed by the entire French team, ran to Didier Deschamps on the touchline to embrace the coach just back in the U.S. after attending his mother's funeral.France came out for the second half in the same fashion. Sharp, precise and dangerous.After squandering a handful of gilt-edged chances by the finest of margins France finally recalibrated their slide-rule precision in the 53rd minute, when Bradley Barcola lofted the ball past the Swedish goalkeeper to double their lead.Twenty minutes later Mbappe had his second, clipping the ball past the keeper from a deft through-ball from Michael ‌Olise.In the 84th minute, ​Deschamps brought Mbappe off and the captain left to rousing cheers from the crowd after a masterclass that hammered out France's intentions. 

France coach Didier Deschamps has warned his team to be wary of a Sweden side with "nothing to lose" when the nations meet in the last 32 of the World Cup on Tuesday."Sweden not are playing for their survival. Obviously they will do everything to win the game, but they have nothing to lose," Deschamps told reporters at the MetLife Stadium outside New York City, where the tie will be played."We need to stay humble, maintain our determination and concentration. In the group stage winning the first game gave us some margin for error, but now we have no second chances."Deschamps returned to the France team's base in Boston on Saturday after missing the 4-1 win against Norway to fly home to attend his mother's funeral. France came into the World Cup as one of the leading contenders to win the trophy, following their triumph in 2018 and defeat on penalties to Argentina in the 2022 final.They were impressive in the group stage, at least after a shaky first half in their opening game against Senegal. After winning that match 3-1 in New Jersey, they eased to a 3-0 victory over Iraq in a storm-interrupted contest in Philadelphia, and then hammered a second-string Norway in Boston.Les Bleus were one of only three teams to take the maximum nine points in the group stage, along with reigning champions Argentina and co-hosts Mexico. Their tally of 10 goals scored was also the joint-highest in the first round along with Germany and the Netherlands."We just need to stay confident, but now we wipe the slate clean," said Deschamps about the start of the knockout phase. "We are confident but we know that the quality of the opposition will go up as well."Sweden made it to the World Cup via the backdoor, finishing bottom of their qualifying group but parachuting into the play-offs thanks to their performances in the UEFA Nations League. A comprehensive 5-1 win over Tunisia and a draw with Japan, either side of a 5-1 loss to the Dutch, took them through to this stage as one of the best third-placed teams in the group phase."They are a good team, very athletic, but also with (Viktor) Gyokeres, (Alexander) Isak and (Anthony) Elanga, they have lots of quality in attack," said Deschamps.The only previous meeting of the teams at a major tournament came at Euro 2012, just before Deschamps took charge of France. Sweden won that group-stage encounter 2-0 in Ukraine with Zlatan Ibrahimovic among the scorers. He is now working as a World Cup pundit.Deschamps revealed that Marcus Thuram is unlikely to be an option in attack for the game due to a minor muscle injury, while veteran midfielder N'Golo Kante is a doubt.William Saliba is expected to return in central defence after resting against Norway due to back pain. Meanwhile, France midfielder Adrien Rabiot said the squad were relieved to have Deschamps back again after his quick return trip home."It was quite difficult when he announced to us the death of his Mum and said he had to leave. It was a shock," admitted Rabiot. "We are pleased to have him back. It is not easy to be mourning someone in these circumstances, but I think he has come back with a real desire to do well and go as far as possible in the competition."The winners will advance to a last-16 showdown in Philadelphia on Saturday against the winners of match between Germany and Paraguay. 

Japan will give "everything we've got" and declared they have what it takes to beat Brazil in the last 32 of the World Cup in Houston on Monday.Hajime Moriyasu's side reached the knockout rounds with a 1-1 draw against Sweden at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. They finished runners-up behind Group F winners the Netherlands after one win and two draws.Now the real competition begins when they face a Brazil team boasting Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior and coached by the acclaimed Italian Carlo Ancelotti. "There is no bigger stage," defender Yukinari Sugawara said following Thursday's nervy stalemate with Sweden."We need to give 120 percent against Brazil, and to do that we need to be together as one as a team and a country, and prepare with everything we've got."Brazil, who have won the World Cup a record five times, will be favourites to reach the last 16 in North America. But Japan are considered dark horses to go far at the tournament, and beat Brazil 3-2 at home in a friendly in October.Moriyasu warned his men that a sense of revenge will be on the minds of the Brazilians. "Perhaps because of that match, they will be motivated even more," said Moriyasu.Veteran defender Shogo Taniguchi said it was all or nothing now. "From here on, if we lose it's all over. We need to move into a higher gear for the next game," he said.Japan took a second-half lead through Daizen Maeda only for Anthony Elanga to quickly level for Sweden with a shot that goalkeeper Zion Suzuki might have done better with. Japan were hanging on by the end, but Suzuki said they can beat anyone on their day, having also defeated England at Wembley in the lead-up to the World Cup."We know that they're a strong team but if we do things right, we can definitely win," he said of the Brazilians. "I want to approach this game as if it's the final." Australia eye 'something special' after reaching last 32Coach Tony Popovic said Australia want to do "something special" after reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for only the third time in their history. The Socceroos played out a 0-0 draw on Thursday with Paraguay in Santa Clara in a stalemate that suited both teams. Australia, who stunned Turkey in their opening match before losing to co-hosts the United States, qualified for the last 32 as runners-up in Group D. Next they play at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys on July 3 against the side that finishes second in Group G. That group, which is yet to be finalised, comprises Egypt, Iran, Belgium and regional rivals New Zealand. "It's a special day, we've seen already how many big nations have not gone through," Popovic told reporters. "I'd like to think that we dominated the game in a crucial World Cup qualifier with a very young squad in the third match when everything's on the line. The players showed composure, patience, quality, and resilience. We'll now go to Dallas and try and do something special." Popovic named a young side and they delivered a gritty display in northern California to get the Socceroos over the line in an uneventful match. Popovic, a former Crystal Palace defender, reserved particular praise for 18-year-old Lucas Herrington. The central defender, Australia's youngest starter at a men's World Cup, has been linked with a move to Barcelona. "He is a special talent," Popovic said of the teenager, who plays in Major League Soccer. "It's why he was selected in the squad, not to just make up the numbers, and again entrusted this talented young man in the most important game of the three," Popovic added. "He was ready to play. He's probably frustrated he didn't get minutes against the US, which I love to see. Today he was outstanding." Australia now have a week to prepare for the last 32, and Popovic said the break could be crucial if they want to extend their stay in North America. "We're delighted to have this break," he said. "We have a good plan in place to have all players that are fit, ready and able to produce a big performance that might give us a chance to progress even further."

Sweden welcomes the announced agreement between the US and Iran as an important opportunity to reduce tensions, prevent further escalation, and create space for diplomacy, ambassador Gautam Bhattacharyya said yesterday. The envoy said that the accord comes at a time of heightened regional uncertainty, stressing that restraint, clarity, and implementation will be essential for its success.He described Qatar’s role in advancing the deal as a “sterling moment for Qatari diplomacy”. Bhattacharyya noted that despite facing attacks on its sovereignty, Doha had proven the importance of trusted channels of communication when direct engagement is difficult.“In moments of tension, credible facilitation can help keep diplomacy alive and contribute to broader regional stability,” he emphasised. Bhattacharyya underscored Qatar’s respected role as a facilitator of dialogue in complex situations. “This reputation has been built over time through patience, discretion, resilience and a consistent commitment to keeping all channels of communication open,” he said, adding that Sweden has great respect for such diplomatic engagement, noting that dialogue and bridge-building can reduce tensions and create room for political solutions. He said that Sweden strongly supports continued dialogue, restraint, and de-escalatory efforts. The envoy emphasised that a long-term solution must address security concerns linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. Bhattacharyya said Doha’s continued engagement will play a decisive role in reducing tensions and supporting a more stable regional environment. 

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to King Carl XVI Gustaf of the Kingdom of Sweden on the occasion of his country's National Day. 

The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) has hosted a dinner in honour of Swedish Minister for International Development Co-operation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa and his accompanying delegation.On the sidelines of the luncheon, both parties held a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral co-operation, particularly in trade and economic sectors, as well as exploring the investment climate and opportunities available in both countries. The discussions also addressed the role of the private sector in promoting mutual and joint investments and enhancing trade exchange.The minister was accompanied by CEOs and representatives of various Swedish companies operating across multiple economic sectors, including Swedish ambassador Gautam Bhattacharyya.QBA board members Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani and Sherida al-Kaabi welcomed the minister and his delegation in the presence of QBA members Khalid al-Mannai, Ibrahim Jaidah, Ashraf Abu Issa, Yousef al-Mahmoud, Dr Mohamed Althaf, and QBA deputy general manager Sarah Abdallah.During the meeting, Sheikh Nawaf affirmed the QBA’s commitment to developing and expanding co-operation, partnerships, and knowledge exchange between the two countries, and exploring available investment opportunities.He noted that Qatari-Swedish relations have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, particularly in the fields of technology, innovation, renewable energy, and healthcare. He also highlighted the Qatari private sector’s interest in strengthening partnerships with its Swedish counterpart, whether through joint ventures or the exchange of expertise and modern technologies, contributing to sustainable economic development in both countries.Sheikh Nawaf emphasised that Qatar and Sweden enjoy strong and rapidly growing relations, especially in commercial and economic fields. At the private sector level, there are numerous opportunities for partnership and collaboration between Qatari and Swedish companies, particularly in technology and innovation-driven sectors.The minister lauded the significant progress Qatar has achieved across various sectors. He noted that holding a business forum between entrepreneurs from both countries reflects a shared commitment to expanding co-operation to broader horizons. He also invited Qatari companies to invest in Sweden’s technology sector, pointing out that the country ranks among the top countries globally in innovation.

In an interview with Gulf Times in Doha, Benjamin Arif Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden underlined the “clear prospects for even closer collaboration” between the two countries, particularly in implementing the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed during the visit of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Sweden last year.“We already have several MoUs in place—now the focus is on operationalising them,” Dousa said.“I would urge Qatari companies to invest in Sweden, as my country is among the world’s top-ranked in technology and innovation. We have a much diversified industrial profile and base compared to our neighbouring countries in the Nordic region. In Sweden, we have global leaders in fields such as artificial intelligence, financial technology, life sciences, quantum computing and manufacturing of course.”Dousa noted that the bilateral trade between Sweden and Qatar stood at $800mn in 2024. While, the bilateral trade has been increasing, the minister noted, “there are prospects to enhance it further”.“We see lots of opportunities on both sides,” Dousa said.Sweden mostly imports oil and oil-related products from Qatar. Swedish exports to Qatar include iron ore, telecommunications equipment and machinery.“It may be interesting to note that nearly 25% of the steel used in Qatar’s construction industry originates from Sweden’s northern iron ore deposits. We have been part of Qatar’s industrial journey for a long time,” Dousa observed.He said many Swedish companies are active in Qatar and have been in the country for many decades. They look to serve Qatar for many more decades to come.Qatar and Sweden have recently entered into an agreement to establish a joint business council (JBC), which aims to strengthen collaboration between the private sectors, open new channels for investment and partnership, and contribute to building a more sustainable future.Highlighting Sweden’s strength and expertise in green technology and sustainable practices, Dousa said, “We want to be very much part of Qatar’s transition to a greener future. From logistics to production and manufacturing, we are producing everything from electric buses to large gas turbines in Sweden.”He also highlighted the alignment between Sweden’s vision and Qatar National Vision 2030, which provides diverse opportunities for cooperation, trade development, and addressing shared challenges.Dousa also pointed to “untapped potential” in linking small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries.“While large companies in Sweden and Qatar know each other well, the SME sector remains relatively unfamiliar in both directions,” he said.On Sweden’s capital markets, Dousa stressed that the country offers one of the most dynamic ecosystems in the European Union. Sweden probably has the European Union’s “most well-functioning capital structure and capital markets.”“After Silicon Valley, Stockholm, our capital, produces the highest number of ‘unicorns per capita’ than any other global city. If you look at IPOs for the last 10 years, we have had more initial public offerings in Sweden than in Germany, France, Spain and The Netherlands combined.“Although we are not the largest country in Europe, we have the most listed companies in all of Europe. Prospects for collaboration exist even more in this area,”Dousa, who led a large delegation of Swedish companies to Qatar, said firms in his country explored new avenues of trade and investment cooperation with their counterparts in Qatar.He noted Sweden “is a vibrant country” when it comes to entrepreneurship and growth.“We have quite a few Fintech companies – including the large ones like Klarna, who just had a high-profile IPO on NYSE, to smaller ones and in very specific technologies.”Dousa stressed the need for enhanced collaboration and cooperation between Sweden and Qatar, which are trade-dependent countries.“At a time when some countries are pivoting away from the WTO system, I think it is absolutely super important that we collaborate even more. We have to support the WTO. We have to trade more with each other. Actually, one of the reasons for my trip to Doha is to seek a free trade agreement with Qatar together with the EU.”Asked whether an FTA between Qatar and the EU would become a reality soon, he said, “I hope so. We have been in talks for many years now. When the United States is raising tariffs, we have to find new partners. We have to trade more with each other. An FTA will give a boost to overall trade. Especially, the SME sector in our countries will stand to benefit from a free trade agreement.”The Swedish Minister also supported more direct flights and enhanced connectivity between Sweden and Qatar.“Of course, it is people-to-people exchanges than can also lead to more business. Yes, we will love to see that.”Dousa said he will be leaving Doha “very satisfied”.“My visit to Qatar has been very successful. This is a country, which is open and frank...open to the world...trade dependent just like Sweden. Between Qatar and Sweden, we share many similarities, and I am confident our already excellent bilateral relationship will continue to grow,” Dousa added.

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi met in Doha today Benjamin Arif Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden. Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and cooperation between Qatar and Sweden and means to enhance them.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Maria Malmer Stenergard said that the Israeli strikes targeting residential premises of several Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Tuesday constitute a violation of Qatar's territorial integrity and international law.In a post on the X, she said: "Any escalation of violence in the region must now be avoided. Sweden will continue to support all efforts to ensure the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian access and a ceasefire in Gaza."