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December 18 is a special day in the history of the State of Qatar. It symbolises the sincerity and dedication of the men who drafted the beginnings of the first march in building the nation, the land and the man, and have been committed to uphold their country’s development and prosperity over the years. |
December 18 in 1878 was the beginning. The foundation day was a glorious and important day in Qatar’s history, it was the beginning of freedom and sovereignty. It was the day when the late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, the founder of the modern State of Qatar, took over the reins of power, laid the pillars of homeland, and launched the national dream for an independent state through his tireless efforts to obtain recognition from the two superpowers at the time, the Ottoman and the British.
In the auspicious era of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the State of Qatar was and is still keen to maintain its independence and sovereignty. The State is celebrating today a glorious occasion, observing its accomplishments, progress and prosperity at all levels.
On the National Day, the Qatari people recall the beginnings and are looking forward to the future with hope and optimism. Qatar made great strides on the road to development and progress, and achieved quantum leaps in various areas of the civilisation, political, economic and social advancement since its independence, to occupy today a prominent place among the best nations in the world.
At the local level, the leadership focused on developing solid foundations for the establishment of an integrated infrastructure of key services, along with a comprehensive upswing of facilities, services, modern roads, power and water desalination plants, growing air and sea transportation, and developed communications network according to the latest international specifications and factories.
Meanwhile, the leadership focused on developing the Qatari people as the main target and higher goal in the development process. Therefore, the State provided the Qatari people with whatever it takes to develop their capabilities in order to fulfil their responsibilities towards the homeland and participate in building the country.
Qatar provided its people with all means of advancement and progress, starting with a compulsory education for the various stages of the educational process, to internal and external scholarships to the finest universities in the world, in addition to training courses in the best colleges and specialised institutions. The State also provided model schools and prestigious universities that follow the latest scientific standards.
The Qatari people are also provided the highest levels of medical services and integrated health centres and hospitals that contain the finest modern scientific achievements of equipment and qualified cadres.
The youth, in particular, has the biggest share as they represent the present and the future of the State. The leadership provided continuous support for the various youth activities and sports, whether through the Olympic Committee or other specialised unions and sports clubs. The State also supported youth in the various local, regional, continental and international competitions.
Meanwhile, competent sports authorities have continued working on the programme and projects of Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup. Sports clubs have collaborated with interested cultural and scientific centres to provide youth with opportunities for creativity and opening up new prospects of achievements. Young Qataris have won great achievements in various fields of sports and had a prominent presence in several forums.
In the Meantime, the State of Qatar made great strides on the road of political and vocational reforms, giving young people the opportunity to join government and private institutions and departments, and upgrade them to advanced ranks to receive important responsibilities in government ministries and departments. The leadership was keen to engage young people effectively in the scientific planning and implementation of projects in a way that meets their ambitions and puts them in front of challenges.
In democracy, the leadership was keen to engage the Qatari people in the democratic process in the country and in making decisions and shoulder responsibilities through the Advisory Council and the Central Municipal Council, and set up a constitution in preparation for the legislative elections in the future. Qatari women had their main role in the democratic experiment as a key partner in the overall development process in the country.
Media and Culture were also paid great attention in the State which provided these sectors with the capabilities needed for their development. The State opened new horizons of freedoms for the different media means of radios, television channels, newspapers, magazines, museums, exhibitions and cultural clubs, which recorded notable successes in advancing the name of the State and its heritage, culture and traditions.
In order to enhance the status of Qatar and its role, the wise leadership was keen to contribute effectively to the various political activities and to strengthen its presence in many Gulf, Arab, Islamic and international forums as a key member in the regional and international organisations and provincial assemblies.
With its effective and active diplomacy, the State of Qatar accomplished remarkable successes in the field of Gulf politics, and promoted its brotherly relations, partnership and co-operation with the member states of the Gulf Co-operation Council.
In November 2013, HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani made successful tours of the GCC countries and held remarkable meetings with the GCC leaders. HH the Emir led Qatar’s delegation to the Arab-Africa Summit in Kuwait, and the trilateral summit in Riyadh with the leaderships of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, aimed to further strengthening the bonds of co-operation and co-ordination between the member states and overcome the obstacles and difficulties facing this co-operation.
In the Arab arena, the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, along with senior officials in the State, have also continued co-operation and communication with all Arab countries, out of its belief in the importance of the Arab solidarity. The State of Qatar supported the people of the Arab Spring countries who seek freedom and democracy, and contributed to support the economy in many Arab countries.
The State of Qatar spared no effort to resolve conflicts in the Arab arena, from Sudan to Lebanon, in addition to its continuous support for the Palestinian people and their cause.
Qatar has strong presence in the Arab peace committee, Al-Quds committee and all Arab League initiatives and meetings, aiming at enhancing and activating the Arab joint action.
The State also hosted and took part in the various international conferences and meetings and had a prominent presence in the regional and international forums. Doha hosted this year many of Arab, Islamic and foreign leaders, and actively participated in the meetings of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and made great efforts for activating the Islamic unified action in support of the nation’s issues.
This year, HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani led a high-ranking official delegation to take part in the opening of the current session of the UN General Assembly. HH the Emir held important meetings with most of the world leaders on the sidelines of the meetings.
The relations of the State of Qatar with all countries of the world and organisations are based on mutual respect to the sovereignty of the states and non-interference in their internal affairs, and the respect for human rights, freedoms, democracy and common interests.
While celebrating the National Day this year, the State of Qatar is looking with pride to its national accomplishments and outstanding foreign relations. The wise leadership and the people of Qatar are looking towards the future with hope and optimism, working to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.
