Day: 20 April 2024

Doha: The State of Qatar announced that 20 Russian and Ukrainian families (including 37 children) have arrived in Doha under an integrated programme that aims to provide health care and comprehensive support for the families and their children within Qatar’s ongoing mediation efforts dedicated to reuniting families separated due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

The State of Qatar hosts these families during April 18-27 to help them receive medical, psychological, and social support. The programme represents a critical step towards assisting the families to undergo the healing process and is designed to provide an overall support that meets immediate needs and lays the foundation for long-term recovery and inclusion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement on Saturday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the programme helps promote health well-being and stability through focusing on psychological, physical, and social health for all family members, paving the way for families
to build their life confidently and safely, highlighting that the programme is conducted in partnership with representatives of both the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

The State of Qatar in its capacity as mediator will remain committed to protecting the well-being of all conflict-affected civilians, along with its unflinching commitment to continuing the mediation efforts with a special focus on children reunification and ensuring their safety and care, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Ministry of Social Development and Family, in cooperation with the Museum of Islamic Art, on Saturday celebrated Qatar Family Day, observed on April 15 of each year, as part of its keenness to revive the value and role of families in achieving the pillars of community development.

On the occasion, Director of Family Development at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Dhabia Al Maqbali underlined the importance of marking the day as an important occasion and social initiative.

This day reflects the priority and importance that the Family Development Department in the Ministry of Social Development and Family attaches to the family, she said noting that Qatar Family Day highlights the efforts of social institutions in supporting and developing community construction and growth, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the state’s national development strategy.

According to AL Meqbali, the Ministry of Social Development and Family organized several events on this occasion, including a se
ries of recreational activities and events that champion cohesion between family members, and educating society about the importance of the family’s role in raising young people and promoting social cohesion.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE President of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Yousef bin Ali Al Khater revealed that over the past five years, QRCS has implemented projects and provided aid in Asia with over QR 666 million, from which around 26 million people in 23 Asian countries have benefited.

In his remarks to Qatar News Agency , His Excellency indicated that QRCS is focusing its efforts on Asia, given the frequent natural disasters that various Asian countries suffer from, such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, monsoon rains, and severe cold waves.

His Excellency said that among the Asian regions that QRCS focuses on in its work are the countries of South and Southeast Asia, such as Nepal, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, where QRCS has provided aid to more than 5 million people since 2017 with more than QR 76 million.

In this context, His Excellency said that the QRCS’s interventions include various forms of assistance needed by those affected by conflicts and disasters, such as health aid, shelter, distribu
tion of food and non-food items, securing drinking water and sanitation, supporting livelihoods, and rebuilding family ties.

Regarding the impact that such projects have had on the targeted communities in Asia, HE Yousef bin Ali Al Khater stressed that QRCS is always one of the first initiators in responding to disasters and crises by activating the Emergency Information Management Center and sending trained relief teams to affected areas.

His Excellency indicated that based on the assessment of urgent needs and coordination with fellow national societies in the targeted countries, aid is being provided in the most important life-saving areas, regions, and communities most in need.

He pointed out that this work methodology helped make a real difference in the lives of displaced people and refugees, alleviate their suffering, and move them from the stage of early recovery to development and reconstruction.

Regarding the contribution of these development and charitable projects to enhancing communication an
d interdependence between the Qatari people and the beneficiary communities, His Excellency stressed that the QRCS has gained great trust over the years among partner agencies and beneficiary communities alike, thanks to its strategy based on neutrality and humanity, as well as the competence, professionalism, and ethics of its staff.

Concluding his remarks to QNA, HE Yousef bin Ali Al Khater stressed that as the first voluntary humanitarian organization in the State of Qatar, QRCS works to serve people wherever they are without bias or discrimination by implementing hundreds of annual humanitarian projects and interventions in various areas worldwide.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Msheireb Properties and Fast Company Middle East are set to host the highly anticipated Innovation by Design Summit at the Doha Design District in Msheireb Downtown Doha on Wednesday. The event will feature a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists, including several prominent Qatari innovators and entrepreneurs.

The summit will explore various aspects of design and its impact on society, with sessions covering topics such as biophilic design, sustainable materials, AI in content creation and business, circular design, immersive museum experiences, and the potential for a global Middle Eastern design language. The event will also delve into the role of urban planning in creating people-centric cities, the interplay between technology and creativity, and the importance of designing for the experience economy and Gen Z.

Notable Qatari speakers will include: Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Designer; Dana Alfardan, Qatari Composer and Songwriter; Fahad Al Turky, Manager of Exhibitions and Programs at Msheireb Mus
eums; Hamad Al Amari, Entrepreneur and Comedian; Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Snoonu; Mohammed Al-Qassabi, Head of Robotics and AI at Qatar Scientific Club; Eng. Nayef Al-Ibrahim, Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Ibtechar; Shaika Al-Nassr, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art. Their participation will highlight the growing influence and contributions of Qatari innovators in the global design landscape.

Msheireb Properties Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdullah, commented on the significance of the upcoming event: “Design has the power to change the world. By bringing together brilliant minds from Qatar and around the world, we want to inspire and empower the next generation of designers and innovators to create solutions that positively impact our communities and the planet.” Eng. Nayef Al-Ibrahim, Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Ibtechar, shared his thoughts on the role of technology in creativity: “As we navigat
e the rapidly evolving landscape of design and innovation, it is crucial to recognise the potential of technology as a tool for empowerment. By harnessing the power of AI and other emerging technologies, we can push the boundaries of creativity and develop solutions that address the challenges of our time.” The Innovation by Design Summit will culminate with the launch of the prestigious Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design, a global initiative celebrating exemplary design-driven solutions across four categories: human-centred design, sustainable design, technology-powered design, and lifestyle and luxury design. The award was created to champion design thinking as a catalyst for positive change, offering a platform for ideas that address individual, community, and global challenges.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Saturday with HH Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser of the sisterly United Arab Emirates Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, currently visiting Qatar.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries, and a host of regional and international issues of common concern.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Dhaka, Qatar Charity (QC) organized a free medical and surgical camp in Bangladesh to repair congenital heart defects in children.

In a statement on Saturday, QC highlighted that 113 children have benefited from the medical services that have been provided in the camp, pointing out that the medical team included two pediatric cardiologists and consultants in interventional catheter procedures from various countries conducted surgeries for children suffering from congenital heart diseases.

The medical team conducted multiple examinations to assess the conditions and prepare them for the surgical procedures, in addition to providing training sessions for medical teams in local hospitals, the statement added.

The medical team affirmed providing high quality care to those children, pointing out several cases need medical intervention, specially that the devices and catheters are extremely expensive.

The camp treated children whose families were completely incapable of affording the expenses of the treatment a
nd the procedure.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Moving from its humanitarian and moral role, and in commitment to its responsibility as an active partner in the international community, the State of Qatar is always keen to play a leadership role in providing humanitarian and development assistance to those in need across the world.

The State of Qatar has become one of the most prominent global leaders in these fields, and has enjoyed effective strategic, development and humanitarian partnerships, especially in war and conflict zones, in addition to its initiatives supporting efforts aimed at reducing humanitarian needs worldwide, including Asian countries and societies, thanks to the sound directives of the wise leadership, and in line with the country’s National Vision 2030.

The development and humanitarian aid and initiatives provided by the State of Qatar cover various fields, especially education, health, and economic empowerment, in targeted countries and communities around the world including the Asian continent and countries included in the
tour of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

In this regard, the contributions of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and its positive impact are highlighted, as it was able to make change in fragile and marginalized communities around the world, by supporting basic resources, development programs and projects, this has had a significant and direct impact on people’s lives in dozens of countries around the world, including the countries of the Asian continent.

The QFFD’s contributions to Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines, which are the countries included in the tour of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, amounted to 26 million and 852 thousand and 948 USD, during the period from 2019 until February 2024.

In the Republic of Bangladesh, the QFFD made notable contributions, including in the education sector, where the fourth program for developing primary education there was supported for the benefit of 650,000 children who are not enrolled in school, during the period between 2021-202
3.

In the health sector, the first phase of the “Qatar Creating Vision” initiative was launched in 2016 in partnership with the Orbis Charitable Trust in Bangladesh, which continued until 2019, as the program aims to prevent childhood blindness and refractive error and provide high-quality eye care for children.

Through the Orbis programme, this project was launched and implemented in southeastern Bangladesh to improve eye care for Rohingya refugees in the region and for residents in Cox’s Bazar.

Also, among the QFFD’s projects in Bangladesh is a Inclusive and Integrated sanitation and Hygiene Project in 10 priority Towns in Bangladesh through the “Live and Livelihood Fund” initiative, which was launched by the Islamic Development Bank and development cooperation partners in 2016, the project was supported by the QFFD in 2018.

The project aims to ensure good lives and livelihoods for 1.4 million citizens in ten cities, by providing a good and healthy life and significantly reducing the incidence of water
-borne diseases and protecting the environment, by providing sustainable sanitation and hygiene facilities and services, and to provide protection for soil and groundwater from microbiological contamination, through the construction of a standard containment designed on site targeting 77,000 families. The project, which began implementation in 2022, will also provide job opportunities and create businesses for more than 1,000 people.

The QFFD and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) also signed a five-year agreement for the period 2021-2025 by providing a contribution of USD10 million to support the alliance’s efforts for equitable and sustainable access of vaccines to low-income countries, ensuring the provision of vaccines and means of delivery to eligible countries and ensuring that unvaccinated children receive the first dose of the vaccine and immunization services.

Accordingly, and within the agreement, the Education Above All (EAA) foundation signed a framework agreement with the
GAVI in December 2023, an amount of USD2,500,000 has been allocated to support the immunization of out-of-school children in the Republic of Bangladesh.

Regarding the contributions of the QFFD in Nepal, the Fund is implementing educational projects to support 159,211 out-of-school children through the initiative to register children out of school and break the cycle of poverty, this is in several countries, including Nepal. The project is being implemented during the period 2021-2027 with a contribution from the Fund.

In the Republic of the Philippines, the QFFD, within the framework of the permanent support provided by the State of Qatar to the Republic of the Philippines, responded to the Hurricane Barbing disaster that struck the Republic of the Philippines in 2023, causing catastrophic floods to entire towns and villages in the southern region of the country, affecting more than 5.9 million people.

In this regard, the QFFD supported a relief project in cooperation with the Qatar Red Crescent Society (Q
RCS) and the Philippine Red Cross, to help thousands of people affected by the floods, and to aid them, by providing shelter, drinking water and food, as well as providing financial assistance to farmers and livestock owners whose farms were damaged.

In turn, the QRCS works to improve the lives of the poor and needy around the world, including the Asian continent, by mobilizing humanitarian forces for their benefit, under the umbrella of the basic principles of international humanitarian work, which are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

During the past five years from 2019 to 2023, 23 Asian countries have benefited from the projects, initiatives, and programs of the QRCS, including the countries included in the tour of HH the Amir.

The volume of aid provided by the QRCS to those countries combined during the period amounted to QR 666 million 200 thousand and 868 from which 25 million 739 thousand and 896 people benefited.

During the past five yea
rs, QRCS has activated its Emergency Information Management Center 40 times to respond to disasters and humanitarian crises on the Asian continent.

The QRCS pointed out that it is targeting eight Asian countries during the current year: Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Bangladesh, to implement 100 projects in the sectors of health, food, shelter, water, sanitation, livelihood and education at a total cost of QR114 million, benefiting 855 thousand people.

Qatar Charity too has had extensive and significant efforts in the field of humanitarian interventions, development projects and social care in the countries of Southeast Asia.

Qatar Charity has been working in this region since the 1990s, in the fields of development, relief and social care through its field offices or partner agencies, whether international or local organizations, as millions of people there from Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines and others have benefited from its interventions.

In the field of developme
nt projects, Qatar Charity implemented 33,759 projects in the fields of health, economic empowerment, food security, water and sanitation, social housing, education and culture, in the period from 2020-2024, more than 8.7 million people have benefited from it in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Hong Kong, Pakistan, in addition to Afghanistan and Indonesia.

In the relief field, the number of beneficiaries during the period (2019-2024) reached more than 6.3 million people affected by crises and disasters in 8 countries: Afghanistan, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Areas of relief intervention included food supply, comprehensive relief, social cohesion and livelihoods, education, shelter, health, and non-food items.

In the field of social care, the number of sponsored persons in Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines has now reached 18,704 sponsored persons, including orphans, families, students, and people with disabilities, as
they are provided with comprehensive care within the “Rufaqa” initiative in the educational, cultural and health fields.

In addition, Qatar Charity implements seasonal projects for the benefit of the sponsored, including projects for Iftar, Zakat al-Fitr, Eid clothing, sacrificial animals, bags, and school uniforms, over the past five years, more than 79,000 people in Nepal, 604,841 people in Bangladesh, and more than 79,000 people in the Philippines have benefited from these seasonal projects.

Since the exodus of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh until now, Qatar Charity continues to aid them in the areas of food, health, and shelter, as the total beneficiaries of these projects and assistance for 5 years (2019 – 2023) reached about 1.5 million refugees on the islands of Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char Island in Bangladesh.

These projects and assistance implemented by Qatar Charity were praised by the competent authorities in Bangladesh and international organizations working in the country.

Qatar Charity’s ai
d in Bangladesh is not limited to Rohingya refugees only. It has provided relief aid to needy families in Bangladesh, benefiting more than 23,000 people, while it has implemented more than 10,000 development projects, benefiting more than 4 million people.

As part of its concern for its sponsored orphans, Qatar Charity has been able to build more than 49 orphanages and centers until the year 2022, which include schools, boarding departments, and other facilities, benefiting about 13,000 students, it currently provides care for approximately 10,614 orphan children and seeks to secure a bright future for them.

Among these projects are the Social Welfare Center for Girls, the Khubaib Bin Adi, the Kubaisi Center, and the Sakha Center, in addition to the Godagari Center and the Pollachi Center, benefiting hundreds of thousands of orphan students.

In Nepal, Qatar Charity’s presence dates to 2016, to meet the urgent needs of local communities. It has dedicated its efforts to humanitarian and development initiativ
es that raise the standard of life and promote positive change. Qatar Charity’s office in Nepal is the cornerstone of humanitarian and development efforts in the region, and was ranked among the top 5 international NGOs in Nepal in 2021.

Since 2020 until now, Qatar Charity has been able to implement 3,371 projects that contributed to meeting the needs of more than 1.1 million people in the sectors of education, livelihoods, economic empowerment, water and sanitation, social housing, care, and health.

More than one million people also benefited from relief aid, which included the distribution of winter materials, food baskets, comprehensive relief, and health and medical supplies to confront the winter and the Corona epidemic.

In the Philippines, Qatar Charity implemented 947 development projects that benefited 56,520 people. It sponsors 1,423 orphans, needy families, and students.

Since its establishment in 2012, the Education Above All Foundation, as one of the leading global institutions in the field of
education and development, has also played a remarkable and very vital role in providing quality education, ensuring access to it in needy and poor communities and countries, including Asian countries, as well as in areas of dispute and strife, through a wide range of programs and initiatives.

Its educational and development initiatives and projects, which it has continuously launched for hundreds of millions of children and youth around the world through its various programs and organizations, and its effective strategic partnerships, have received wide international welcome and praise, because it responds to the needs and aspirations of the needy, the poorest, most vulnerable and fragile peoples, and in terms of strengthening development work efforts internationally and regionally, including the Asian continent, in order to achieve the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations.

It is clear the extent of the significant positive impact of the remarkable Qatari humanitarian and development eff
ort and work in Asian countries, on the basis of established human values, and within a strategic context for sustainable human development, and full conviction in Qatar’s vital role and what the relevant Qatari institutions are doing in building strategic partnerships to achieve the goals of charitable and development work, and building bridges of communication for all targeted countries and communities in Asia and the entire world so that they can live with pride and dignity.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The evolving relations between the State of Qatar and various countries of Asia considerably earn an increasing significance in view of points of commonality and shared interests, along with the international changes that necessitate forging cooperation and partnership for the service of interests of a variety of countries, according to analysts.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency , those analysts pointed out that the Asian countries conceive the State of Qatar as a reliable strategic partner to strengthen its plans and strategies in the economic development, thanks to the State of Qatar’s pivotal role in securing energy sources, in addition to the fact that Doha is actively and effectively present on the international arena and exerting efforts under its wise leadership to promote peace, stability and development in multiple territories of the world.

The State of Qatar is increasingly interested in its Asian depth and strategy to build international relationships based on an overarching and balanced view
that absorbs the changes and responds to the requirements of the new phase of development in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030 that underscores the significance of promoting Qatar’s regional role economically, politically, and culturally. Also, to advance the cultural exchange and support dialogue among civilizations and contribute to achieving international security and peace, the analysts highlighted.

International relations expert and consultant Dr Ahmed Ghaith Al Kuwari emphasized that the remarkable momentum in the Qatari-Asian ties reflects the strategic vision of the country’s wise leadership in broadening the cycle of Qatar’s foreign relations based on an overarching and balanced view that achieves its development goals, serves the development pathways in Asia, and helps promote peace and stability worldwide.

The significance of this relationship stems from the State of Qatar’s strategic orientations in serving national interests of the two sides. The State of Qatar eyes economic divers
ification and taps into promising trade and investment markets within the framework of its plan to reduce dependence on oil and gas, Al Kuwari told QNA, adding that the State of Qatar significantly sees that Asia abounds with promising opportunities to achieve those objectives.

He highlighted that Asian countries aspire to safe energy sources, with numerous countries in the continent striving to draw further Qatari investment to strengthen their economies, offer more job opportunities for their citizens and establish economic structures that are invariably capable of countering the global economic challenges.

The State of Qatar has succeeded in investing in those relations and the entangled interests, along with the elements of strength both in Qatar and the Asian countries based on a myriad of strategic pillars that ensure the interests of Qatar and the other party within a comprehensive vision that supports development, stability and peace in the entire globe, Dr Al Kuwari underlined.

Dr Al Kuwari noted
the trips made by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to several Asian countries during the few past years which culminated in agreements and memorandums of understanding that included a variety of critical sectors. He affirmed that this new trip to Philippines, Bangladesh and Nepal comes to enhance this effective Qatari presence and lay another foundation for this growing ties.

In conclusion, Dr Al Kuwari affirmed that the State of Qatar earns a global reputation and acceptance in various countries of the world since Qatar has made major contributions to global development, peace, and stability, along with its humanitarian initiatives and positions that support countries in times of crises, stressing that all these factors undergird Qatars international relations and standing.

For his part, Professor in Security and International Relations at Qatar University Dr Bakil Al Zindani affirmed that Asian countries with active and rapidly growing economies give foremost priorities to relations with Qatar
as a pivotal country in securing energy sources, in addition to the economic and political significance set by the Asian countries in forging relationships with Doha.

Speaking to QNA, Dr. Al Zindani added that during the past few years, the State of Qatar has largely focused on strengthening ties with Asia, indicating that these ties have varied and included multiple fields such as energy, investment and industry which significantly buttressed the capability of Doha in fostering strategic, economic, cultural, and political alliances with this critical system since Qatar is part and parcel of it.

The State of Qatar has focused on its relations with countries that have robust and emerging economies. This diversity and shared visits during the recent years deepened the thought of decision makers on the fact that drawing on bilateral and diversified relations is foremost importance for the State of Qatar’s foreign policy, Dr. Al Zindani pointed out.

He deemed that diversity in Doha’s foreign relations promotes
the international standing of the State of Qatar and grants it a space for comfortable movement at the economic and political levels, pointing out that the Asian system has an economic weight at the global level, alongside a superb standing in the global economy. He highlighted that according to this reality the State of Qatar employs its soft power more diligently to build partnerships for the service of the two sides’ interests.

Dr. Al Zindani pointed out that the State of Qatar is committed to forging balanced relationships with a variety of geographical territories, in addition to friendships, partnerships and alliances with all regional and global powers, affirming that this orientation underscores Qatar’s keenness and grit to forge productive and balanced relations and constructive alliances in a tumultuous and changing world plagued by competitiveness and polarization.

In conclusion, Dr. Al Zindani talked about the points of commonality that exist among Asian countries in terms of history, culture, g
eography, and civilization, emphasizing that these points give other dimensions to the Qatari-Asian relations, culminating in promoting cross-cultural and inter-civilizational dialogue which is a crucial area for the Qatari diplomacy.

For his part, Director General of Qatar Press Center, Sadiq Mohammed Al Ammari stated that Asia indubitably represents an important depth for the State of Qatar, because Qatar is part of this continent. Therefore, strengthening the relations between the two sides almost entirely serves their shared interests.

Speaking to QNA, Al Ammari added that Qatar has expanded relations with the Asian countries from an early stage that have been strengthened in the recent years and entangled with political, economic, cultural, sporting and trade interests for the benefit of Qatar to further cement its economy and regional presence.

When Qatar builds relations with countries, especially in Asia, it does not look only at the political and economic dimensions, but rather at the depth of cul
tural, social, educational, sporting and media relations, along with their value and humanitarian dimensions supported by numerous geographical, historical, and civilizational commonalities, Al Ammari pointed out.

In conclusion, Al Ammari predicted that the Qatari-Asian relations would earn further momentum and achieve positive results at multiple levels, given the political, economic, sporting, social and cultural movement the relations are going through for the service of the two sides. He emphasized that Asia is a critical continent and occupies a privileged standing on the global arena with Qatar being part of this continent.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines constitutes a new milestone in developing relations with Asia, praising His Highnesss keenness on consolidating cooperation between Qatar and various countries of the world.

In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency , His Excellency said the visit would strengthen the bonds of friendship, coordination, cooperation, and common interests with these countries in various fields. It would also push parliamentary relations to broader horizons and consolidate parliamentary efforts aimed at bringing the Qatari people and the peoples of those friendly countries closer together, considering the growing relations between Qatar and Asian countries.

His Excellency noted the great importance of parliamentary relations between the Shura Council and Asian parliaments in view of the distinguished regional, geographical, and economic status of
the State of Qatar, which enabled it to become a strategic partner for Asian countries, in addition to Qatars important regional political role at the international level that allowed it to build strong and established bilateral relations with Asian countries.

He pointed out that the State of Qatar supported the key goals upon which the Asian Cooperation Dialogue Initiative was based, most notably strengthening intra-relations between member states, coordinating political positions, consolidating aspects of cooperation in various fields, and achieving common interests.

His Excellency said that the Shura Council has built solid parliamentary relations with the parliaments of Asian countries, especially since the Council has a prominent presence in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

He explained that the parliamentary friendship group with Asian countries had an important role in consolidating and strengthening relations through bilateral meetings and mutual visits, pointing out that the Shura Council will wo
rk to reinforce and develop these relations, in a way that contributes to supporting and strengthening the countrys orientation towards developing relations with Asian countries.

His Excellency added that the relations between the peoples of the Gulf region – of which the Qatari people are a part – and the Asian peoples in their various cultural, civilizational, political, and economic dimensions are well-established and rooted, pointing to the historical relationship that links Qatar with these countries in both commercial and cultural aspects since the pre-oil era.

He added that Arab and Gulf literature is full of rich cultural heritage that dealt with Asian cultures through study and analysis, and this had a great impact on our culture and heritage, and a positive impact on the social relationship between the two sides, which contributed to consolidating relations between the Gulf countries and Asian countries, in addition to the prominent contributions of Asian workers in the economic growth that the Ar
ab Gulf countries have witnessed over the past years, which has led to significant social impacts on the people of Asian countries.

His Excellency said that the Shura Council works to support, strengthen, and develop these historical relations in various fields, stressing the active role of the Council in the field of diplomacy and parliamentary relations, and openness to the world culturally and socially in keeping with the states role on the regional and international arenas, and the aspirations of the Qatari people to convey their view on various issues and files.

He stressed that the strategy of the State of Qatar, led by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, works to enhance regional cooperation to achieve sustainable development. It also pursues balance, respect, and credibility as the basis of its work, and adopts good neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation in common development, in addition to taking mediation efforts and calling for dialogue as a basis for resolving all disputes, and th
is gave the State of Qatar a regional and global position regarded with respect and admiration.

At the conclusion of his statement to QNA, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council said the Qatari people are following in the footsteps of their wise leadership, which spared no effort in strengthening their position and realizing their hopes and aspirations, and the Qatari people enjoy a distinguished position among all the peoples of the region and the world due to their authenticity, generosity, and adherence to Islamic values and teachings. This reflects the wise leaderships approach, which pursues a balanced policy based on brotherhood and cooperation, he said, stressing that the Shura Council is pushing to consolidate this positive image and is doing everything in its power to achieve more development and prosperity for the Qatari people, in accordance with the directives of the wise leadership.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi emphasized the significance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visits and meetings with leaders of fraternal and friendly countries, considering them renewed opportunities to evaluate the level of strategic relations and enhance them with more qualitative bilateral partnerships in various fields, which in turn, contributes to increasing cooperation and integration in pursuit of common interests.

In an interview with Qatar News Agency , His Excellency said that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will positively impact the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and these Asian countries. It will open broad and promising prospects for cooperation and partnership in various fields, strengthen opportunities for cooperation and enable the exchange of successful experiences in difference areas, as well as views on matters of mutual interest.

He praised the agreements signe
d during the visits of HH the Amir which result in positive outcomes in terms of bilateral cooperation and elevating these relations to the level of strategic partnership in various fields.

He further added that based on Qatar’s firm belief in the importance of upholding the rule of law to achieve international justice in order to contribute to enhancing international security and peace, the Ministry of Justice pays special attention to legal cooperation agreements with various countries, benefiting from the active diplomacy of the State on both regional and international levels, as well as its participation in international treaties and agreements related to global security, peace, and stability.

He pointed out that the vision of the Ministry of Justice in preparing and reviewing cooperation agreements in the legal field with other countries is based on the wise approach laid down by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, which aims to extend the bridges of cooperation and build stronger ties and rel
ationships with various countries.

He explained that the visits of the Amir represent an opportunity to conclude more agreements and MOU in all legal, economic, cultural, and athletic fields, in addition to exchanging experiences, solidifying relations, transitioning from the current stage of cooperation to broader horizons, and opening new avenues for cooperation in promising sectors, especially in economic and commercial fields, ambitious investment partnerships, enhancing legal cooperation, and exchanging experiences in the judicial services sector.

HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi pointed out the diversity of areas of cooperation outlined in these agreements based on the proposed partnership themes and the existing levels of cooperation. He mentioned that there are previous agreements being updated and developed, alongside new agreements covering various areas of cooperation that are of interest to Qatar and these countries. These agreements i
nclude aspects of cooperation in the legal field, particularly exchanging experiences in various legal areas, such as sharing successful practices and experiences in legal training and elevating the level of services provided by legal institutions in both countries.

He emphasized the development of bilateral relations in the legal field with these countries, in addition to the enhancement of legal cooperation and consolidating areas of cooperation at all levels with other countries. He stated that this will undoubtedly open the door to further constructive cooperation and exchange of beneficial experiences for all parties involved.

HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs mentioned that Qatar takes pride in its advanced legislative and legal system, which has been achieved by the guidance of HH the Amir, who made achieving effective justice a priority in government work. Following the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the legal sector in Qatar has been able t
o develop and update its legal and judicial framework, making Qatar’s experience exemplary in this field.

He added that the agreements and MOU concluded during the visits of HH the Amir contribute to enhancing cooperation and exchanging successful experiences, maximizing common interests and benefits, and fostering cooperation during times of crises, as well as times of prosperity and peace, while working to establish the foundations of justice.

He pointed out that through these agreements, Qatar, guided by its moral and humanitarian role, provides support and assistance within the framework of its regional and international partnerships. This includes economic assistance to those affected by wars, conflicts, and disasters, in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law. Given the serious challenges facing the world today, particularly arising from new international conflicts, everyone needs more coordination and legal cooperation to uphold and enforce the rule of law in service of just
ice, peace, and international security, His Excellency added.

He emphasized that Qatar, under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has succeeded through its steadfast positions and successful mediation efforts in various regional and international conflicts, as well as its contributions to achieving international security, preserving freedoms, combating terrorism, and protecting human rights, in earning a prestigious global status and reputation, making it the trusted and reliable first destination to resolving various regional and international conflicts.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s three-nation Asia tour is part of the State of Qatar’s unwavering approach to beef up strategic relations and partnerships with Asia.

His Highness’ talks with the leaders of the Philippines, Nepal and Bangladesh will focus on ways to boost relations across various fields, and regional and international issues of common concern.

The well-established Qatar-Asia relations have seen steady development thanks to both sides’ mutual keenness to develop and enhance them across various areas.

Recently, these relations have experienced a drastic growth with both sides exchanging high-profile visits, ramping up the implementation of joint economic and investment projects and coordinating positions on many regional and international issues.

Aware of Asia’s vital role in consolidating the regional and global economies and achieving global food security, the State of Qatar has dived into Asia with the aim of fostering global and regional economic security. In turn, As
ia’s fast- growing economies attach overriding attention to further deepening relations with the State of Qatar.

These mutually beneficial Qatar-Asia relations serve the two parties’ national interests. Bearing in mind economic diversification as a top priority of the Qatar National Vision 2030, Doha considers the ample economic opportunities for diverse investments in Asia across several sectors: agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, financial institutions, and energy sectors.

Meanwhile, multiple Asian countries appeal to potential multi-sector Qatari investments in a bid to push their economies, provide further job opportunities, and rocket up their foreign exports.

Furthermore, Doha hosts thousands of migrant workers from many Asian countries. Recognizing their contributions to the Qatari economy and the development of their home nations, the State of Qatar has adopted leading labor rights reforms that can serve as a role model for other countries in the region.

Among these reforms comes the non
-discriminatory minimum wage, a legislation highly commended by the International Labor Organization and other international agencies concerned with workers.

With a keen eye for a robust cooperation with Asia, the State of Qatar signed in August 2022 the instrument of accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The accession, on the sidelines of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, was driven by the common will and desire to create a safe and stable region for sustainable economic development and shared prosperity and embracing unity in diversity.

Qatar’s relations with the 10-state political and economic union in South Asia consolidate cooperation across multiple fields, support all efforts to enhance regional and international security and peace, and develop relations and cooperation with Asia in general, and ASEAN countries in particular.

One of HH the Amir’s stops in this Asia tour will be
the Republic of the Philippines. The Doha-Manila relations were initiated in 1981, and in May 1992, the Philippine embassy was inaugurated in Doha.

Over the course of more than 43 years, both nations have shown convergent views on many international issues, and the bilateral relations are gradually progressing to the highest levels of cooperation in a way that benefits the two friendly peoples.

The two sides inked many bilateral agreements that are ever evolving through a joint committee meeting that was recently approved to be held annually to elevate bilateral relations to broader horizons.

One of the unswerving outcomes of Doha’s policy to promote relations with the Philippine government and strengthen ties between the peoples of the two friendly countries was the inauguration of the Qatar Visa Center (QVC) in Manila on Sep. 25, 2019.

Part of the Qatar Visa Center Program supervised by the Qatari government, the facility plays a key role in streamlining transparent visa and employment applications of o
verseas Filipino workers seeking employment in Qatar, according to a systematic manner consistent with the best international standards.

Qatar now hosts tens of thousands of Filipino workers across various sectors, and there are over 200 Filipino companies operating in the Qatari market.

The private sectors in the two countries are cooperating to increase the trade exchange between both sides.

Besides, the two nations leveraged their available resources and expertise to further step up collaboration to boost bilateral trade and investment, and to address the negative impacts of the current global political and economic challenges.

One of these resources is the Qatar-Philippines Joint Committee, which serves as a political platform to talk a wide range of topics and issues of common interest, enhance political and economic cooperation, and contribute to finding regional and international solutions to issues of migration and climate change and others.

Doha and Manila have shown huge growth in their coopera
tion in areas of culture and tourism as well.

Thanks to its picturesque nature, diversified and hospitable people, the Philippines is an important tourist destination for many Qatari tourists.

Qatar Airways was the only airline that never stopped flying amid the Covid-19 pandemic closure to take stranded passengers home on scheduled and charter flights offering all needed vaccines and safety measures.

HH the Amir will also stop in Nepal. The Qatar-Nepal relations – inaugurated on Jan. 21, 1977 – have seen a steady development in recent years, with both countries working to strengthen and develop these relations in the areas of trade and investment exchange.

To further bolster their historical and deep relations, both sides ramped up their mutual official visits and sealed bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding. Qatari businessmen have been frequently invited to explore the promising investment opportunities in Nepal.

A key Asian labor exporter to Qatar, Kathmandu hosted in May 2019 a Qatari
Visa Center to facilitate measures to bring Nepalese workers to Doha. In December 2018, the Doha Bank opened a representative branch in Kathmandu, a move that streamlined transaction services for Nepalese laborers based in Qatar and contributed to increasing investment flows between the two countries.

Like the Philippines, Nepal offers a competitive tourist destination for Qatari nationals. Containing most of the Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range, Nepal allures those obsessed with mountain climbing, trekking, paragliding, rafting, and mountain flight-seeing tours.

Another important stop in HH the Amir’s tour will be the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Diplomatic relations between both countries began in the 1970s, and a Qatari embassy was opened in Dhaka on Jan. 15, 1980.

Driven by history, culture, religion and common values, the Doha-Dhaka relations have progressed over the years.

To support education in the south Asia country, the Qatar Charity opened about 10 new schools in 2023, along wi
th boarding facilities for orphaned and underprivileged students. The facilities are expected to benefit 2,000 male and female students.

Constructed across several areas in the country, each school includes classrooms and accommodation for students and teachers.

Over the past five years, Qatar Charity has also built approximately 55 schools equipped with boarding sections for students, benefiting over 12,000 students. It also sponsors 4,000 orphans in Bangladesh, providing them with all educational expenses to ensure a good future for the students.

Backing Bangladesh’s unwavering efforts to find sustainable solutions to the Rohingya refugee crisis, the State of Qatar participated in many high-level meetings on Rohingya refugees and affirmed in international forums that the repercussions of the crisis would go beyond the ASEAN countries.

To this end, Doha collaborated with many ASEAN countries and supported many development and relief projects being implemented in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh.

It is also working with Bangladesh and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to facilitate Rohingya refugees’ access to basic services and to support local authorities and communities hosting Rohingya refugees.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will begin a tour in several friendly Asian countries on Sunday upon the invitation of their leaders.

HH the Amir will commence his tour with a visit to the Republic of the Philippines, followed by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and will conclude with a visit to Nepal.

During the tour, HH the Amir will hold talks with the leaders and senior officials of these countries, focusing on ways to enhance cooperation and discussing a number of issues of mutual interest. Additionally, agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed in various fields.

HH the Amir will be accompanied by an official delegation.

Source: Qatar News Agency