By Manal El Warraky
The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Cairo celebrated the National Day of the State in a grand ceremony that brought together a group of Egyptian ministers and officials, including the Ministers of Transport, Electricity, Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, in addition to diplomats, artists, media professionals and prominent figures from various fields.
It is worth noting that the State of Qatar celebrates National Day on December 18 of each year, which is a national occasion that commemorates the founding of the state by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, who led the country towards unity and independence in 1878.
This day reflects the values of national identity and belonging, as the manifestations of celebration are evident in various parts of the country through military parades, cultural events, and popular celebrations that bring together members of the Qatari community and residents, while emphasizing the unity of the people and pride in Qatari heritage and traditions.
The National Day is an opportunity to enhance the spirit of loyalty and belonging to the homeland, as it witnesses the launch of many cultural and social initiatives that highlight the state’s achievements in various fields.
Heritage shows are also organized that highlight the ancient history of Qatar and its development under the wise leadership that has made the country a distinguished model in development and sustainability, which enhances national pride and confirms Qatar’s position on the international stage.
The celebration began with the playing of the national anthems of Egypt and Qatar, amidst a distinctive atmosphere and a remarkable presence that reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between Egypt and Qatar, as Ambassador Tariq Al Ansari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Cairo, confirmed during the celebration of Qatar National Day held in Cairo, that this national occasion represents a symbol of the basic values that Qatar adheres to, such as national loyalty, solidarity and pride, stressing the importance of drawing lessons from the ancient past and celebrating the present and looking forward to a bright future.
The ambassador expressed his pride in the participation of ministers, ambassadors, public figures and media professionals in this event, which comes under the wise leadership of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
In his speech, Ambassador Al Ansari referred to the common values that unite the State of Qatar and the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt, as they are active members of the international community.
He praised the development efforts achieved by both countries, whether through Qatar National Vision 2030, which focuses on development in various sectors, or through the major development projects witnessed by Egypt.
The ambassador also praised the Egyptian community residing in Qatar, which contributes effectively to achieving national development goals.
With regard to economic relations between the two countries, the ambassador pointed to the increasing cooperation in the economic and investment fields, citing figures that confirm the depth of relations, as 261 Qatari companies operate in Egypt, in addition to 110 purely Egyptian companies operating in the Qatari market.
He also stressed that these figures, despite their importance, are still less than aspirations, calling for intensified efforts to stimulate trade exchange and invest in the great opportunities between the two countries.
The ambassador expressed his thanks to Qatar Airways, Qatar National Bank, Al Diar Company and beIN Media Group for their great role in strengthening economic ties between Qatar and Egypt, pointing to their effective contributions to the Egyptian market.
In his speech, the Ambassador addressed the Palestinian issue, stressing that it is the central issue of the Arab nation.
He praised the role played by Qatar and Egypt in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He stressed the need for responsible international action to avoid further escalation and violence in the region, referring to the warnings of the leadership in both Qatar and Egypt about the repercussions of neglecting the Palestinian issue on regional and international security.
At the end of his speech, Ambassador Al Ansari called on the international community to work together to achieve security, development and global peace, stressing that the challenges facing the world today require responsible decisions from leaders who believe in peace and human rights.
He also stressed that the State of Qatar will continue its policy of supporting international development and providing humanitarian and economic assistance, reflecting its commitment to humanitarian values and global cooperation.
For his part, Lieutenant General Kamel Al Wazir, Minister of Transport and Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, extended his congratulations to the Qatari people and the Qatari attaché on the occasion of the celebration of Qatar National Day, praising the historical relations and close ties of cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister pointed out during his speech that Egypt and Qatar share fraternal relations that extend across various fields, explaining that this year has witnessed a remarkable enhancement of trade and economic exchange between the two countries, in addition to opening new horizons for joint investments.
He stressed that this fruitful cooperation reflects the will of the two political leaderships, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to coordinate positions and unify efforts to confront regional and international challenges, in a way that serves the interests of the two brotherly peoples.
The Minister added that the efforts made by both sides aim to achieve a breakthrough in bilateral relations, especially in the economic fields, pointing out that there are plans to enhance cooperation in vital projects such as transportation and renewable energy, which opens up broader horizons for partnership and benefits from promising opportunities in both countries.
Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir concluded his statement by praising the great role played by the State of Qatar in providing care and support to the Egyptian community residing there, considering that this care embodies the deep human ties between the peoples of the two countries, and goes beyond official relations to confirm the spirit of solidarity and joint cooperation.
