A unique sculpture titled, Friendship, which depicts a fusion of the Cuban national bird, the Tocororo, and the Qatari falcon as symbol of the historical friendship of both countries, was formally inaugurated at Katara – The Cultural Village yesterday.
The creation of Cuban sculptor and artist Julio Reinaldo Zamora Daniel is installed in the open area near Building 48. The art piece is a dedication to Katara from the embassy of Cuba in Qatar.
Cuban ambassador Eumelio Caballero Rodriguez and Katara general manager Dr Khalid Ibrahim al-Sulaiti were present at the inaugural ceremony, held in line with Covid-19 protocols and also attended by other diplomats and art lovers.
In his opening speech, the Cuban ambassador recalled that before being made in Havana by the Cuban artist, the bronze sculpture was already named ‘Friendship.’
“Through this artwork, which is replete with sentiments and national values, we wanted to perpetuate in the beautiful Katara, a special symbol that could remind the peoples of Qatar and Cuba and future generations of close and fraternal friendship that late Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro and His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani forged between the two countries many years ago.”
“The timing of this inaugural ceremony could not have been more opportune. With this ceremony, we wish to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The relations were formally established on December 13, 1989. The ties have been developing and strengthening insistently to the higher level that we have achieved today in many fields, mainly in the health sector. The Cuban Hospital in Dukhan with more than 500 professionals is the most humanistic and visible expression of this co-operation.”
The ambassador further highlighted the symbolic value of the timing by saying: “The ceremony also give us the opportunity to invoke two important events for our respective people – the National Day of Qatar on December 18 and the National Day of Cuba on January 1. Therefore, I would like to convey our warmest congratulations to Qatar for continuous economic and social development. We wish Qatar a great success in FIFA World Cup 2022.”
The Cuban ambassador, who would soon leave Qatar, further said: “Both Qatar and Cuba will continue co-operation in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic and other common challenges while striving for peace, security and for a just and better world.” He also thanked Dr Khalid and his team for their support to arrange the inaugural ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Khalid said: “I would like to thank my closest friend, the ambassador of Cuba, for this sound piece of work. He is going to leave us soon but the piece of work will stay at Katara forever and we will keep remembering the ambassador and his country.”
Cuban ambassador Eumelio Caballero Rodriguez and Katara general manager Dr Khalid Ibrahim al-Sulaiti at the inaugural ceremony yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma
