Qatar’s National Day Observed
The embassy of the State of Qatar in Banjul were on Saturday, December 19th joined by Gambians in celebrating the oil-rich Gulf country’s National Day.
Senior government officials including cabinet ministers, as well as foreign diplomats and representatives of various agencies in The Gambia graced the event.
Speaking at the occasion, the Qatari Ambassador to The Gambia, Mohamed Masser Al-Kaabi said the celebration, among other things, reminds them of the efforts made by their former leaders who pioneered the struggle to bring to Qatar a strong bond of unity.
“Qatar National Day is an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the gigantic efforts made by Qatar’s forefathers who endured severe hardship and paid dearly for the unity of their nation. This national occasion epitomises our identity and history, and also embodies the ideals and visionary aspirations that this country was founded on,” said Ambassador Al-Kaabi.
He went on: “December 18 is the day when we remember how our national unity was forged and how we became a distinct and respected nation”.
On this memorable day, he said, “You can visibly read the expression of patriotism, joy and pride, on the faces of the Qatari men and women and children as the beneficiaries of the tangible achievements that our country has registered”.
The Qatari top diplomat in Banjul recognised the recent progress made on bilateral relations between Banjul and Doha and attributed this success to the leaders of the two nations.
He further disclosed that the Gambian National Assembly ratified, in June this year, the agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes signed between the two countries which were agreed upon between the two countries by their leaders during the state visit of His Excellency President of the Republic of The Gambia in Doha.
Ambassador Al-Kaabi used the platform to pray for the two countries and their leaders, who he said are looking forward to further cementing the bilateral trade, economic and cultural ties between the two countries in the near future.
Neneh Macdoull-Gaye, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia also alluded to the transformation that has taken place in Qatar since attaining her full sovereignty in 1971. “Through its visionary leadership and commitment of its people to peace and prosperity, the State of Qatar has used its economic endowment to convert the country into a powerhouse of development and today the state of Qatar is not only a viable modern nation, but a vital and strategic development partner to most nations and institutions in the world,” she said.
The Gambian Foreign Minister went on: “Regarding our bilateral relations, it is a source of inspiration to note that His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, Babili Mansa, President of the Republic of The Gambia and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar are natural allies. Their personal bond is based on meaningful development and respect for justice and human dignity”.
Minister Gaye said with the numerous development cooperation between Qatar and Gambia, there is a palpable desire to strengthen and enhance the scope of relationship and partnership between Banjul and Doha.
“We therefore look forward to a new period of reinvigorated cooperation in order to bring our two countries closer together than ever before,” she stated.
