Spain expresses support to Qatar’s post-World Cup strategy, says Spanish envoy

Spain is keen on supporting Qatar’s initiatives to continue its successful momentum following the country’s phenomenal hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Spanish ambassador Javier M Carbajosa has said."We would like to be part of Qatar’s new journey,” the ambassador told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the seventh edition of ‘Friends of Spain’ awards, which was organised by the Spanish embassy and the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar to honour individuals who have helped strengthen ties of both countries.This year’s awardees include Alfardan Group president and CEO Omar Hussain Alfardan, who received the ‘Individual Businessman Award’; Umm Al Houl Power CEO Jamal al-Khalaf, recipient of the ‘Corporate Award’; and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser al-Khater, receiving a ‘Special Award’ from the organisers.Speaking about the award, Alfardan said: "It’s been a pleasure and honour to accept such an award from the Spanish ambassador and officials of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. It reflects our close ties and how we had fully developed our relationship with Spain during the World Cup, and by hosting under the umbrella of the Alfardan Group three Spanish restaurants led by Michelin star chefs. We are proud to bring ‘the taste of Spain’ to Doha.”In a statement, organisers noted that ‘Friends of Spain’ emphasises the strong bond between Spain and Qatar."It provides an opportunity for people to come together and recognise the efforts of those who have worked to strengthen the ties between these two nations. Representatives from various companies and organisations present at the event shared their experiences and the efforts they have made to support Spanish businesses in Qatar and to promote Spanish culture in the country,” the statement explained.In his speech, Carbajosa highlighted the importance of the relationship between Spain and Qatar. "I thank the attendees for their efforts in promoting Spanish culture and business opportunities in Qatar. The embassy recognises the contribution of different individuals and companies who have played a significant role in fostering this relationship,” he said.David Quintanilla, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar, announced that members of the chamber had now reached 65, representing a wide range of sectors, including energy, roads, railways, water treatment and maintenance, urban maintenance and operations, facility services, oil and gas, IT, Big Data management, and R&D on artificial intelligence, among others.The statement also noted that in 2022, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was received by King Felipe VI during his visit to Spain where various business and commercial collaboration agreements were signed, thus reinforcing the relationship between the two nations.Post-World Cup, Carbajosa emphasised that Spain will be supporting Qatar’s thrust to bolster its food security strategy. Aside from this sector, the ambassador also emphasised Spain’s support for Qatar’s infrastructure, energy, and tourism."Qatar’s investments in Spain are very important,” Carbajosa also noted, citing the memorandum of understanding between the Qatar Investment Authority and Compania Espanola de Financiacion del Desarrollo (COFIDES) to elevate the value of Qatari investments in Spain by "$5bn.”The ambassador emphasised that Qatar and Spain have agreed to hold a strategic dialogue once a year, the first of which "will take place in Qatar.”