Doha: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State H E Belen Alfaro affirmed that the past year has been really turbulent and challenging at the global level in terms of health and economy.
The Ambassador stressed that Qatar has faced these difficulties with great resilience and the country is emerging stronger from the pandemic. The government’s rapid reaction through restrictions and robust response mechanisms to cope with the COVID-19 has served to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the domestic economy, she added.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the National Day, the envoy said that the bilateral relations between Qatar and Spain remain excellent, inspired by the strong affection between both royal families.
The two countries’ respective governments have been working hand-by-hand to address common issues, and during 2021, Qatar has hosted two ministerial visits from Spain, the most recent one was led by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and European Union H E Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, in September who held meetings with Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abulrahman Al Thani. In addition, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi visited Madrid on October to meet his Spanish counterpart, she added.
Moreover, during the last couple of months Qatar and Spain have signed multiple bilateral agreements including an agreement on Cultural Cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Youth and Sports, the Spanish Ambassador said, noting that in addition, tourism between the two countries has resumed, as more than 8000 Qatari residents have been able to visit Spain.
She hailed the State of Qatar’s organisation of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, saying that it is an exciting event that will offer an excellent experience to gain know-how in the preparations of the World Cup. She also expressed her belief that Qatar is ready and looking forward to next year’s major event.
The envoy underlined that the Spanish National Team, after securing their qualification last month, are also looking forward to delivering a great performance during the competition, in which Spain cooperated with Qatar.
Ambassador Belen Alfaro extended congratulations to H H the Amir, and to the Qatari government and people a happy and joyful National Day.
