DOHA: The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, appeared on Qatar Television this evening, April 13, to discuss a number of vital issues.
HE the Prime Minister said that Qatar has always proved its presence globally as an important country on the world map. His Excellency stated that the government strives for excellence in providing the best services to all segments of society.
The country, according to His Excellency, will update the teaching system, enhance government performance and open the economic sectors to global competition.
World Cup Qatar 2022
In regards to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, HE the Prime Minister said that the World Cup tournament helped accelerate the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its implementation and the pace of the country's infrastructure plan. In two months, he said, the country will unveil its third developmental plan for Qatar's National Vision 2030.
The World Cup in Qatar achieved the highest viewership as acknowledged by the entire world. 730,000 tourists visited Qatar in the months following the World Cup in January and February 2023 and this number is increasing, as affirmed by His Excellency during the interview.
HE the Prime Minister further said that the country will build on the success of the World Cup to host other tournaments.
Education and Health
The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani places the greatest emphasis on education, according to HE the Prime Minister.
His Excellency revealed that health and education spending encompasses 20% of the government’s budget, citing that it is a "great percentage".
HE the Prime Minister said that the health sector in Qatar proved to be resilient and even achieved what other countries found difficult to manage in terms of combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
QR21 billion is the budget of the health sector in Qatar this year, and the country is committed to providing the best health service and providing treatment abroad when needed, said His Excellency.
Employment
7,000 citizens were employed in the government sector last year.
HE the Prime Minister stated that the state will provide job opportunities for Qataris in the government sector every year, but citizens should experience entry into entrepreneurship, which has become a necessity and priority for Qatar.
"We hope that by providing opportunities for citizens, their income will increase exponentially but with their efforts."
Economy
HE the Prime Minister said that Qatar is part of the world that is currently facing an economic crisis. The country's economic performance, however, is regarded as one of the best in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund.
Qatar always scores below the world average when it comes to inflation rates, His Excellency added.
"We have found great progress in the national Qatari product and we will work on programs to stimulate exports and productivity."
Investments in the gas sector will be accompanied by economic opportunities such as nationalizing energy industries in the private sector, stated HE the Prime Minister.
The top official also mentioned that the State of Qatar is heading towards diversification and is encouraging investment from abroad.
Diplomacy and mediation
His Excellency described diplomacy and soft power as part of any country's strategy to ensure its security.
According to HE the Prime Minister, Qatar has played a vital role in diplomacy and mediation with many successes. The country has played a vital meditation role in many regional and international files such as Chad and Afghanistan.
■ On Palestine
The latest events in Al Quds are "alarming", said His Excellency, noting Qatar has supported the Palestinian resistance, and that there are extensive efforts in coordination with Jordan, Egypt, and the United States to stop Israeli transgressions at Al Aqsa mosque.
■ On Syria
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said there were reasons for the suspension of Syria's membership in the Arab League and these reasons still hold to Qatar.
Technology
His Excellency said that Qatar has the best technological infrastructure in the region, adding that the country will expedite the use and reap the benefits of utilizing artificial intelligence.
On Qatar Investment Authority
Speaking on Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), His Excellency described QIA as one of the major funds in the world, and that their decisions were made in a deliberate manner, in which no sums of money are withdrawn from QIA except by higher orders.
"During the next years, everyone will realize the importance of QIA," said His Excellency, adding that "Qatar Investment Authority is for the next generations and that if oil and gas were to run out, it will be an oil well in the future."
