DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani took part in National Day celebrations in Bani Tamim’s Ardha at Al Wajbah Fort yesterday.
They also visited many Qatari tribes that held their celebrations in different places across the country.
Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani also took part in the Ardha along with H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Personal Representative of the Emir;
H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani, sons of the Father Emir, sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries and citizens.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the National Day, Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani said December 18 will remain an important milestone and a shining symbol in the march of Qatar’s history.
“It’s also a motive and inspiration for us to bring further growth and development for our beloved country and its loyal people. It is an occasion to hoist the nation’s flag and deepen the spirit of citizenship, noble values and morality which were instilled by the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani in this good land,” said the Premier.
“This precious occasion comes at a time when our country is blessed with safety and security, high rates of economic and social development, best services particularly in health and education areas, and is enjoying strong ties with Gulf, Arab, Islamic and international countries and has a prominent and respected status throughout the world,” he added.
The Premier said this year’s National Day comes at a time when the country begins a new phase of constructive development with its objectives set and founded by the Emir in his comprehensive speech at the opening of the 44th session of the Advisory Council. “I am delighted at this glorious occasion to emphasise that all ministries and government agencies have already begun to implement in a studied way plans and the directives of H H the Emir,” he added.
In a statement to QNA, Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah also asserted that the National Day represented an occasion to celebrate continued achievements of Qatar under the wise leadership of the Emir and what was achieved during the reign of Father Emir.
Al Attiyah said Qatar will continue its foreign policy based on firm stances and established principles as laid out by the Emir in his speech at the Advisory Council session. He said Qatar will continue efforts to spread peace and security throughout the world, follow a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, support the rights of peoples to self-determination and cooperate with peace-loving nations through its good relations with foreign countries and organisations.
He said the Emir’s directives stress the importance of humanitarian role in the Qatari diplomacy and foreign policy, which is highly appreciated by countries of the world as Qatar made important humanitarian contributions to alleviate the suffering of people affected by natural disasters, wars and crises regardless of their religion, race, colour or doctrine.
Assistant Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi described Qatar’s role at the international arena as “distinguished and active”, a matter which makes it gain the respect of the international community.
He said the great evolution witnessed by the state in a short period enables it to make wide strides and overcome many hurdles on the path of comprehensive and sustainable development.
Qatar’s embassies and diplomatic missions across the world held events to mark the National Day. The celebrations in world capitals drew high-level official and popular attendance that reflected Qatar’s excellent ties with countries across the world. The Peninsula