In the presence of numerous guests from the political, social, religious, sports, cultural, and broader public life of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as well as the diplomatic corps, the National Day of the State of Qatar was marked two days ago at the Hills Hotel in Ilidza, Sarajevo.
This year, the State of Qatar and BiH celebrate the 32nd anniversary of establishing bilateral relations. The Ambassador of the State of Qatar to BiH, Meshaal bin Ali al-Attiyah, host of the ceremony, emphasized that the relationship between Qatar and BiH represents a bond of friendship and brotherhood that has lasted for many years, strengthening shared political, economic, and cultural ties.
“The volume of trade between the two countries amounted to 7.5 million dollars in 2022 and increased to 21 million dollars last year, a clear indicator of the development of economic relations. We continue working to strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation, implement signed agreements, and aim to organize joint cultural events to deepen communication between our peoples and introduce them to each other’s history, traditions, and customs. On this ceremonial occasion, we reaffirm the State of Qatar’s ongoing commitment to developing bilateral relations with BiH, with the goal of achieving shared interests and strengthening strong fraternal ties,” said Ambassador Al-Attiyah.
Center of Humanitarian Initiatives
He spoke about the historical significance of Qatar’s National Day, especially in the current moment.
“Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the founding of our beloved State of Qatar. It is an event that embodies devotion to our glorious history and recalls the life and work of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed al-Thani, may God have mercy on him, who laid the foundations of the modern state, directed its path toward prosperity and stability, and built strong regional relations based on wisdom, justice, and dedication,” he said.
He added that for decades, Qatar has pursued a policy of openness and cooperation with its Arab, regional, and international surroundings, becoming an active state with a broad diplomatic presence on the global stage.
“The period after 1995 has been marked by significant development of Qatar’s foreign policy of balanced engagement, led by His Highness Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Thanks to this, Qatar has established diplomatic relations with over 140 countries and has become an influential actor in the international community, a center of humanitarian initiatives, and an active mediator. We have also sought to strengthen economic, social, and cultural relations in line with the fundamental pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to balance economic growth, human resources, and environmental preservation,” he emphasized.
Active partner
Furthermore, he highlighted that Qatar’s foreign policy focuses on strengthening principles of peace, security, and stability, as well as fostering friendship and cooperation among states and peoples.
“We have demonstrated our constructive role through numerous successes in international mediation and conflict resolution, as an expression of our firm belief that dialogue is the best path to security and development. His Highness the Emir confirmed this, stating: ‘The State of Qatar is an active partner in the international community. Qatar makes significant efforts internationally in conflict mediation and humanitarian work. These efforts have strengthened Qatar’s global standing and associated its name with a positive and active role,” concluded Ambassador Al-Attiyah in his address at the ceremony.
Qatar’s National Day is a national celebration of Qatar’s unification in 1878, officially celebrated every year on December 18th in memory of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed al-Thani, the Qatari ruler and visionary who united the Arab tribes and laid the foundation of a strong and successful Gulf state.
The holiday was established on June 21st, 2007, by decree of the current Emir of Qatar, then Crown Prince and heir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. It is also known as Founder’s Day.
The State of Qatar, which gained independence in 1971, is ranked among the wealthiest and safest countries in the world.
Under the wise leadership of Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar has witnessed tremendous growth over the past decade at local, regional, and international levels.
From economic growth and diplomacy to culture and sports, the leadership of Emir Al-Thani has developed Qatar into a platform for dialogue and cultural exchange, Klix.ba writes.
