Prime Minister of Qatar HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani during the FIFA Congress REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani attended the 72nd FIFA Congress held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) yesterday, chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The Prime Minister, during his speech, reiterated that the State of Qatar would organise an exceptional and unparalleled version of the FIFA World Cup and, at the same time, appreciated the confidence that the world has placed on Qatar.
He noted that Qatar represents all its Arab brothers in hosting the World Cup. It aims to leave a positive impression on the world sports map, to highlight the region’s competitive capabilities and cultural and civilisational diversity.
On this matter, the PM said that everyone here in Qatar, everyone who visits the country, can feel the hospitality Arabs are renowned for and see how modernity and development can harmonise with ancient traditions and heritage.
Speaking about the importance of the World Cup and its effects on the country’s development, He pointed out that it represented an incentive to further advance the development of the country, especially in infrastructure projects and global tourism.
Regarding the legacy that the World Cup will leave locally and in the Arab world, The Prime Minister indicated that it would not be limited to Qatar but extend to the Arab world. It will also help change the stereotypes and have material and moral benefits that will return to a large number of countries in the world, noting that hosting the World Cup is not a passing event in the interests and aspirations of Qatar but rather a new beginning for another level of hosting that it is looking forward to embracing in the future.
The event was attended by several senior officials and members of the member associations.
