Spanish envoy highlights strong ties with Qatar

Spanish ambassador to Qatar Javier Carbajosa Sanchez has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in the region, particularly the situation in Gaza, as he highlighted Spain’s shared position with Qatar."This celebration of our National Day is tainted with a bittersweet taste,” the envoy said at the Spanish National Day reception on Sunday, which also highlighted the strong relationship between Qatar and Spain.The event was attended by HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh al-Marri, HE the Minister of State and Qatar National Library president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Protocol director HE Ibrahim Fakhro and other dignitaries.Citing the worsening situation in the Middle East, Sanchez underlined Spain’s shared concerns with Qatar and stressed their unified stance on the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza."Our countries hold a similar position. We demand the complete opening of cross points to allow the arrival of the massive humanitarian aid needed. We are also calling for the immediate release of hostages and prisoners."We are in favour of any measure leading to the de-escalation of this conflict, preventing a generalised war in the Middle East. In this light, Spain appreciates very much the efforts that Qatar has been deploying, both at national level, and on his capacity of rotating presidency of the GCC countries,” he said.Sanchez underscored Spain’s unwavering commitment to a two-state solution, saying: "We believe that only the establishment of an independent Palestinian State will guarantee stability and security in the region. The solution to the Palestinian issue is fundamental for a lasting peace in the area."That is the reason why Spain took the historical decision on May 28 this year to fully recognise the Palestinian State.”Sanchez also announced that Spain had joined the chorus of nations supporting the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on Israel’s responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, and that Spain had stopped all arms exports to Israel."We are at a critical juncture, and perhaps darker days are ahead. Therefore, there is a need to intensify our calls for peace, for wisdom, and for restraint,” he said.Sanchez also highlighted the flourishing bilateral relationship between Qatar and Spain. He cited several high-level visits between the two countries, including the Spanish Prime Minister’s visit to Doha in April and the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s visit to Spain in May.The inaugural session of the Spain-Qatar Strategic Dialogue in June, he said, "opened a large number of avenues to work together in the future, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”"A parallel meeting, shared by both ministers of industry and commerce also took place at very same day, reuniting representatives of both private sectors, laying the foundations of our future work and co-operation, Sanchez said. "Before the end of the year, we are expecting a number of delegations including those dealing with trade and commerce, and defence”.The envoy noted the strong co-operation between the two countries’ ministries of interior, with frequent exchanges of police officers for knowledge sharing. Looking ahead, he hoped the upcoming GCC-EU summit tomorrow (October 16) will lay the foundation for a strengthened strategic partnership.