*Like Belgium, Qatar remains a place for mediation and dialogue

Qatar has continued to open its doors to the world as a gracious host for a wide array of events – from key international conferences, and meetings to major sporting competitions such as the IAAF World Athletics Championships 2019, Belgian ambassador Bart De Groof has said.
“It is good to see that the upcoming Gulf Cup will see the participation once again of all GCC countries,” the envoy said in his speech at the Belgian King’s Day in Doha, held at Marsa Malaz Kempinski on Thursday.
The event was attended by HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi, HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs chief of protocol Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro and the Diplomatic Corps dean and Eritrean ambassador Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, along with several diplomats and other dignitaries, and guests.
De Groof also cited the statement of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the 48th session of the Shura Council saying that “Qatar remains ready for dialogue to resolve differences between the GCC countries on the basis of mutual respect.”
“It is good to see that like Belgium, Qatar remains a place for mediation and dialogue,” said the envoy, who welcomed a large number of attendees at the event.
About the King’s Day, the envoy noted that “it is a day we celebrate our country as a constitutional, parliamentary monarchy, and our King Filip as Head of State.”
“It is sometimes said that the role of the King as the Head of the State is merely symbolical but sometimes symbols are important,” he said. “The monarchy is a symbol of our unity and a country having three national languages, having one of the most international capitals in the world and also home for people from all over the world.”
He underscored the important role the King plays in Belgium’s political system as a neutral referee in the formation of a new government.
“Regarding the Belgian caretaker government, we are proud to be led for the first time by a female prime minister,” De Groof said.
“Belgium is also pleased this year to celebrate the 18th birthday of our crown princess, Elizabeth. When she will succeed her father, it will also be the first time in the history of our country that Belgium will have a female Head of State,” he added.
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