Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani (second right); Minister of State and Qatar National Library President Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari (left); Italy's Ambassador to Qatar H E Paolo Toschi (second left) and Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo (right) during the cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate Italy’s 77th National Day in Qatar. PIC: Joelyn Baluyut/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The Italian Embassy in Qatar marked its 77th Festa della Repubblica, or Italian National Day in the country yesterday where it discussed the “new agenda” between the two nations.
During the event, the Italian Ambassador to Qatar, H E Paolo Toschi, delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the occasion and the bilateral ties between Italy and Qatar.
And to mark the celebration, a traditional cake-cutting ceremony was held in attendance of Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani; Minister of State and Qatar National Library President, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari; Ambassador Toschi and Director of the Protocol Department Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo.
He emphasised that Italy has remained true to its values and principles, as enshrined in its constitution since 1946. The country has evolved into a global provider of peace, security, prosperity, innovation, and beauty. Also, the event held at St. Regis Doha featured displays showcasing Italy’s contributions to the world including a Ferrari car and the embassy’s partnership with Scale7 in Fashion.
The envoy also highlighted the relationship between Italy and Qatar which has gained momentum through a “new agenda” established during the visit of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Rome in February.
Ambassador Toschi said that the collaboration between the two nations spans various sectors, including defence, trade, science, education, and culture. The bilateral trade has experienced a substantial increase, reaching €8m, a 140% rise compared to the previous record. Additionally, the countries are fostering partnerships in the fields of medicine and education.
On culture, he said, “Our nations are developing synergies and operation, particularly as we speak at Venice Architettura Biennale with great success and you know how many successful and inspiring architects we share.” The said event is a biennial international exhibition held in Venice, showcasing architecture from various nations around the world. It commenced recently and will continue until November 23 of this year.
Moreover, Ambassador Toschi expressed gratitude to the Qatari friends and partners, stressing the significance of celebrating his first Festa della Repubblica in Doha. He highlighted the commitment of the Italian Embassy to maintain strong ties and encouraged continued collaboration with the Qatari community.
“Remember the Italy Embassy is your friend in Doha, it is your partner.”
Concluding his speech, Ambassador Toschi expressed confidence in the future, predicting even greater success in the upcoming year. “I’m sure that the upcoming year will bring even more success.”
