Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, may Allah protect and preserve him, presented an exceptional address during the inauguration of the 53rd annual session of the Shura Council.
In his speech, His Highness tackled a range of local and international matters, placing particular emphasis on economic issues within the local context. The Amir expressed his unwavering confidence in the ability of Qatar's economy to withstand challenges and adversities.
His Highness emphasised several key figures and statistics that illustrate the consistent growth of our national economy and the notable achievements acknowledged by international economic organisations. He pointed out that the economy experienced a growth rate of 2.1% in 2023, with projections indicating an increase of 2% by the year's end, as per the estimates from the International Monetary Fund. Furthermore, inflation has decreased from 5% to 1.4%, and public debt has been reduced from 73% to below 44% by the conclusion of 2023. His Highness credited these accomplishments to the effective policies enacted by the state in response to economic challenges.
His Highness also discussed initiatives aimed at bolstering local production and the opportunities available for the private sector, underscoring that the annual growth rate of in-country value should not fall below 10%. Additionally, he directly referenced the constitution, proposing the potential amendment of certain articles while highlighting that the primary emphasis remains on national unity and cohesion.
The Amir then spoke about the fundamental principles of our Gulf and Islamic foreign policy, which are based on political realism, political solutions, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue. He also reiterated Qatar’s steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause, a recurring theme in his addresses.
When the Amir called for Shura Council elections, despite the reservations of many loyal citizens, he viewed it as an experiment that must be undertaken, evaluated, and learned from, in line with our national unity and cohesion of our society.
The speech covered a lot and answered many questions. It was an open and transparent speech, resonating closely with the aspirations of his citizens. His Highness prioritised affirming national unity and cohesion above all other considerations, emphasising that the relationship between the people and leadership in Qatar is a direct, familial one. All proposed amendments are aimed at building the nation and ensuring equality in rights and duties for all citizens. In Qatar, we are one fabric, one tribe and one community united by the legacy of the past, the vision of the present, and the promise of the future.
Our wise leadership has driven efforts toward furthering national cohesion and unity, guiding us toward diligent work that showcases our country to the world as a beacon of progress, development, and success. With this momentum, our nation will soar toward new horizons and a future filled with achievements.
