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- EDD K. USMAN | Twitter: @edd1819 | Instagram: @bluestar0910 |Facebook: SDN – SciTech & Digital News
SHANGRI-LA AT THE FORT, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (SDN) — It’s been 32 years since the Philippines opened its embassy in Doha, Qatar, signaling the official relations of the two friendly countries.
Two year later, Qatar, a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), established its own embassy in the Philippines, to a vibrant and mutually beneficial diplomatic and bilateral relations.
Fast forward to December 2024, Qatar Ambassador Ahmed Saad N.A. Al-Homidi hailed the partnership between his country and the Philippines, a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He said more than 260,000 Filipinos are presently working in his country in its various industries, including at the homes of many Qataris.
On December 12 the Embassy of Qatar led by Ambassador Ahmed Saad N.A. Al-Homidi attended by hundreds of guests.
Among the dignitaries present included Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Rev. Charles John Brown, United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and many others.
“The Philippines is an important partner for Qatar in various areas. Qatar is a home for more than 260,000 Filipinos, whose total remittances to the Philippines amounted to $895.33 million in 2022. Qatar believes that the Filipino community plays vital role in the country’s development and progress,” the ambassador points out.
He made the statements during the celebration of the 146th Qatar National Day on December 12, held in this 5-Star hotel in Taguig City, Metro Manila.
The ambassador, to top diplomat in the Philippines of His Highness Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Al-Thani, also noted his country’s place in Southeast Asia, where the Phhilippines is geographically located.
He emphasizes that his country “occupies a prominent position in the countries of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. This is in line with its policies to consolidate international peace and security, initiatives to encourage the resolution of international disputes through peaceful means, dialogue, mutual respect and common interests, in addition to adherence to the values of justice, fairness and good neighborliness and abstention from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.”
Ambassador Al-Homidi also recalled the founding of the State of Qatar, saying its establishment and through the important points of “their history, the Qataris have been able to face many challenges, in order to build the nation and realize that the human being is the most important building block of that building.”
He adds: “The nation flourishes when all segments of society possess the capabilities to work and create in various fields, in addition to possessing a cohesion linked to its national identity.
“During the periods of Qatari history, generations have exerted their efforts, ideas and money to build the nation. The founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and the rulers of Qatar after him worked to build and advance the state, as well as strengthening the Qatari character. Qataris became accustomed to both knowledge and work, due to their keenness to adopt science, knowledge, and skills.”
Here’s Ambassador Al-Homidi’s complete speech:
Remarks of His Excellency Ambassador/ Ahmed Saad N.A. Al-Homidi
Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of the Philippines
Embassy of the State of Qatar – Manila
Qatar National Day – December 18, 2024
“Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Qatar by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, I am honored to extend my sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, ‘may Allah protect him’, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, ‘may Allah protect him’ and to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir of the State of Qatar.
” I also convey my warmest congratulations to all the Qatari people in my country and across the globe.
“The logo of this year’s National Day embodies the meaning of loyalty, solidarity, unity and pride of Qatar national identity, as it also draws inspiration by the values derived from Qatar National Vision 2023, which are represented in inspiration, participation, innovation and transparency.
“The logo is inspired by the Qatari flag showing multiple hands coming together, proudly holds the Qatari flag up high. Strength, optimism, solidarity can be felt, and through the stylization. the hands reaching out from the calligraphy of National Day symbolizes a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty.
“Since the founding of the state and through the turning points of their history, the Qataris have been able to face many challenges, in order to build the nation and realize that the human being is the most important building block of that building.
” The nation flourishes when all segments of society possess the capabilities to work and create in various fields, in addition to possessing a cohesion linked to its national identity.
“During the periods of Qatari history, generations have exerted their efforts, ideas and money to build the nation. The founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and the rulers of Qatar after him worked to build and advance the state, as well as strengthening the Qatari character. Qataris became accustomed to both knowledge and work, due to their keenness to adopt science, knowledge, and skills.
“Just as the Qataris devoted themselves to the pearl trade at the time of diving, built ships, and expanded their economic, political, and cultural relations with other countries, the saga of their nation-building has continued to this day, and they have invested, with God’s grace, in the new bounties of their nation.
“At present, urbanization has expanded, and new challenges have arisen, to which the Qataris are not late in responding. The nation’s gains have been enhanced at this current historical stage, owing to investment in human development, in accordance with the strengthening of national identity, which makes culture its permanent immunity.
“Qataris followed the path of innovation and initiative, successfully confronting global challenges, developing their lifestyle in various fields, and benefiting from their country’s bounties, thanks to enhancing their intellectual capabilities and developing their competence and practical ethics.
These virtues reflect the extent to which Qataris cling to their national identity, which is derived from the richness of their culture and heritage and their interaction with cultures that respect their privacy, which has increased the development of their national character.
“If the country rises through the thoughts and efforts of its people, then the Qataris return the generosity and kindness of their country by continuing to work on its immunity, prosperity and advancement among nations.
“This year’s celebration of Qatar National Day highlights the successful and fruitful state visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani – Amir of the State of Qatar, ‘may Allah protect him,’ on April 21-22, 2024, and his meeting with His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, as the first stop on his Asian countries trip.
“This visit contributed to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries and greatly helped in enhancing the cooperative relations between them, especially since the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding for cooperation.
“At the bilateral stage, His Highness visit helped strengthen the mechanisms of cooperation between Qatar and the Philippines, that would widely assist sectors to form essential basis for stronger strategic future partnerships.
“The visit also contributed to intensify the engagement arising from the mutual and shared sense of, as important and vital regional and global players, especially that both countries have concluded more than 20 agreements in various fields of cooperation, and established a mechanism for political consultation, as well as economic, trade and technical cooperation.
“The Philippines is an important partner for Qatar in various areas. Qatar is a home for more than 260,000 Filipinos, whose total remittances to the Philippines amounted to $895.33 million in 2022. Qatar believes that the Filipino community plays vital role in the country’s development and progress.
“The State of Qatar occupies a prominent position in the countries of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. This is in line with its policies to consolidate international peace and security, initiatives to encourage the resolution of international disputes through peaceful means, dialogue, mutual respect and common interests, in addition to adherence to the values of justice, fairness and good neighborliness and abstention from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
“I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the government and the friendly people of the Philippines, and I pray to Allah Almighty to bless our two countries.
“May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah be upon you.” (/)
” I also convey my warmest congratulations to all the Qatari people in my country and across the globe.
“The logo of this year’s National Day embodies the meaning of loyalty, solidarity, unity and pride of Qatar national identity, as it also draws inspiration by the values derived from Qatar National Vision 2023, which are represented in inspiration, participation, innovation and transparency.
“The logo is inspired by the Qatari flag showing multiple hands coming together, proudly holds the Qatari flag up high. Strength, optimism, solidarity can be felt, and through the stylization. the hands reaching out from the calligraphy of National Day symbolizes a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty.
“Since the founding of the state and through the turning points of their history, the Qataris have been able to face many challenges, in order to build the nation and realize that the human being is the most important building block of that building.
” The nation flourishes when all segments of society possess the capabilities to work and create in various fields, in addition to possessing a cohesion linked to its national identity.
“During the periods of Qatari history, generations have exerted their efforts, ideas and money to build the nation. The founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and the rulers of Qatar after him worked to build and advance the state, as well as strengthening the Qatari character. Qataris became accustomed to both knowledge and work, due to their keenness to adopt science, knowledge, and skills.
“Just as the Qataris devoted themselves to the pearl trade at the time of diving, built ships, and expanded their economic, political, and cultural relations with other countries, the saga of their nation-building has continued to this day, and they have invested, with God’s grace, in the new bounties of their nation.
“At present, urbanization has expanded, and new challenges have arisen, to which the Qataris are not late in responding. The nation’s gains have been enhanced at this current historical stage, owing to investment in human development, in accordance with the strengthening of national identity, which makes culture its permanent immunity.
“Qataris followed the path of innovation and initiative, successfully confronting global challenges, developing their lifestyle in various fields, and benefiting from their country’s bounties, thanks to enhancing their intellectual capabilities and developing their competence and practical ethics.
These virtues reflect the extent to which Qataris cling to their national identity, which is derived from the richness of their culture and heritage and their interaction with cultures that respect their privacy, which has increased the development of their national character.
“If the country rises through the thoughts and efforts of its people, then the Qataris return the generosity and kindness of their country by continuing to work on its immunity, prosperity and advancement among nations.
“This year’s celebration of Qatar National Day highlights the successful and fruitful state visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani – Amir of the State of Qatar, ‘may Allah protect him,’ on April 21-22, 2024, and his meeting with His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, as the first stop on his Asian countries trip.
“This visit contributed to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries and greatly helped in enhancing the cooperative relations between them, especially since the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding for cooperation.
“At the bilateral stage, His Highness visit helped strengthen the mechanisms of cooperation between Qatar and the Philippines, that would widely assist sectors to form essential basis for stronger strategic future partnerships.
“The visit also contributed to intensify the engagement arising from the mutual and shared sense of, as important and vital regional and global players, especially that both countries have concluded more than 20 agreements in various fields of cooperation, and established a mechanism for political consultation, as well as economic, trade and technical cooperation.
“The Philippines is an important partner for Qatar in various areas. Qatar is a home for more than 260,000 Filipinos, whose total remittances to the Philippines amounted to $895.33 million in 2022. Qatar believes that the Filipino community plays vital role in the country’s development and progress.
“The State of Qatar occupies a prominent position in the countries of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. This is in line with its policies to consolidate international peace and security, initiatives to encourage the resolution of international disputes through peaceful means, dialogue, mutual respect and common interests, in addition to adherence to the values of justice, fairness and good neighborliness and abstention from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
“I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the government and the friendly people of the Philippines, and I pray to Allah Almighty to bless our two countries.
“May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah be upon you.” (/)