As in the case of the Germans, the National Day is an opportunity for Qataris to reflect on their national identity not only in hindsight but foremost in terms of the prospects for the future development of Qatar also, German ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel has said.
"On the occasion of Qatar National Day celebrations, the people are commemorating the unification of the country under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani in 1878," the envoy pointed out in a statement issued to Gulf Times.
"Germany’s National Day, dedicated to the German reunification of 1990, refers to an even more recent event in national history. A National Day is therefore an important event to openly discuss achievements and challenges facing a nation," said Udo-Muzel.
While referring to the Gulf crisis and Qatar's co-operation with Germany, the ambassador said even while facing a challenging international environment, the country has set itself many ambitious goals for the future development in line with the goals and objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
While wishing Qatar a remarkable success in achieving these objectives, the envoy expressed confidence that the ongoing political challenges in the Gulf region will only contribute to an accelerated implementation of the QNV 2030. 
"Germany is ready to partner with Qatar in this endeavour, offering co-operation both in terms of economic diversification and in establishing a knowledge-based economy", he said. 
Speaking on Germany's co-operation in international politics and conflict management, Udo-Muzel said Germany and Qatar have shared the notion of peaceful conflict settlement. "We are grateful to have Qatar as a partner in promoting these values in multilateral fora such as the United Nations and look forward to strengthen this co-operation, in particular during Germany’s tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council as of 2019".
As an example of the fruitful co-operation of the two countries, the ambassador said earlier this month Germany and Qatar signed an agreement on holding formal peace talks and establishing a ceasefire between Darfur rebels and the Sudanese Government. "The parties to the conflict agreed that as early as January 2019 they would resume formal peace talks with mediation by Qatar."
The envoy reminded that Qatar and Germany are celebrating 45 years of their diplomatic relations this year and his country has taken pride in this long-standing and continuously intensifying relationship. "Today, Qatar is a trusted and reliable partner for Germany in the region, closely co-operating in manifold areas."
Last year, the Qatar - Germany Year of Culture brought to Doha two outstanding exhibitions on industrial design and contemporary German art, in addition to numerous other cultural events to foster personal and societal relations between the people of the two countries.
The ambassador recalled that earlier this year His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani led his second delegation to Germany in a year and the visit reflected special relations shared by the two countries. "Meetings with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas corroborated the already close co-operation in many fields and prepared the ground to further strengthen the political, cultural and economic ties between Qatar and Germany to our mutual benefit," he added.
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