Finland's ambassador to Qatar Pekka Voutilainen considered Qatar National Day an important event from which successive generations draw inspiration through the meanings of belonging to the homeland and of contributing to serving and further advancing it, as the predecessors did.
In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ambassador said that National Day is an occasion for national pride for all Qataris to celebrate their heritage, history and sovereignty. He indicated that this celebration goes beyond just celebrating the Founding Day, but as a reflection of Qatar's progress, its achievements over the years, and its future ambitions.
He emphasized the celebration of National Day offers a unique chance to observe the nation's identity and unity, adding that it's a celebration that invites all those living in the country to share in Qatar's success and vision for the future.
He praised Qatar's foreign policy, describing it as "active and positive", which earned it a respected reputation on the global stage. "From a Finnish viewpoint, Qatar's approach to diplomacy is admirable for its emphasis on peaceful mediation and conflict resolution," he added.
"Finland, too, values diplomacy and multilateral dialogue, so there is shared recognition of Qatar's ability to serve as a neutral party and mediator in many regional and international disputes. Qatar's commitment to hosting international negotiations and fostering cooperation across different sectors reflects a progressive diplomatic model that promotes peace and stability. Finland, being a small country with a similar diplomatic ethos, recognizes the importance of Qatar's role in international relations, especially in addressing conflicts in the Middle East and broader global issues," Voutilainen said.
Regarding the achievements and renaissance witnessed by Qatar, the Ambassador said, "Observing Qatar's rapid development and modernization is fascinating, especially when compared to its historical context. As a Finnish resident in Qatar, one can clearly see the impressive transformation taking place in various fields such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sports." the Ambassador told QNA, "The cityscape of Doha, for instance, with its world-class architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, speaks volumes about the country's forward-thinking vision. The successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, as an example, is a testament to Qatar's growing influence and ambition on the world stage." Voutilainen also noted Finland's admiration for the gains made by Qatar at all levels and the State's aspirations for a prosperous and sustainable future.
"Finland and Qatar share a respectful and cooperative relationship. The diplomatic ties between the two countries have grown steadily, and there's a mutual understanding of each other's strengths and contributions," he said. "For Finland, Qatar's development offers opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the fields of technology, education, and innovation. There are also growing ties in trade and investment, with Finnish companies looking to tap into the Qatari market." Concluding his remarks to QNA, the Ambassador stressed that the future indicates a more prosperous relationship between Finland and Qatar, especially in the context of Qatar's ambitious plans for diversification and modernization. "Finland's strengths in areas such as sustainability, education, and technology could complement Qatar's vision, fostering even closer cooperation in the future. Additionally, shared values such as respect for diplomacy, peace, and development create a strong foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations," Voutilainen noted.
Finland's ambassador to Qatar Pekka Voutilainen
