On the occasion of the National Day of Qatar, Ambassador Mohamed Ismail Al-Emadi sends a message to Việt Nam News readers.

The State of Qatar is a sovereign country located in the Middle East covering an area of 11,521sq.km. Doha is the capital and the largest city.

The timeline of Qatar’s modern history begins in the 18th century when all tribes gathered under the rule of the Al Thani family. This paved the way for more stability in the country, independence from neighbouring countries, and the forging of balanced relations with different influential parties in the region.

In 1868, Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani signed an agreement with the British authorities in the Gulf that recognised Qatar as an independent political entity. By virtue of this agreement, Britain promised to protect Qatar against any external aggressions.

During the reign of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Qatar National Vision 2030 has been launched to serve as a clear roadmap for Qatar’s future. The National Vision defines broad future trends and reflects the aspirations, objectives and culture of the Qatari people. It aims to propel Qatar forward by balancing economic growth with human and natural resources. The National Vision aims at transforming Qatar into an advanced country by 2030, capable of sustaining its own development and providing a high standard of living for all its people.

The State of Qatar has affirmed preserving sovereignty and independence, defending the identity of the Arab countries, respecting international covenants and conventions, consolidating international peace and security, defending public and private freedom and human rights are the fundamental principles of its foreign policy.

Qatar has mediated in nearly 10 regional and international portfolios, investing its diplomatic and political efforts at regional and international levels in mediating between factions, entities and countries, and without interfering in the internal affairs of others, with a view to achieving a convergence of views and finding sustainable solutions for conflicts and differences.

Qatar hosts negotiations between conflicting parties and contributes as a faciltator of dialogue between them. These efforts have resulted in many successes that brought about and maintained international peace and security. Qatari mediation played an important role in reaching the Doha Peace Agreement in Darfur (Sudan), releasing Djiboutian prisoners of war in Eretria, releasing hostages in Syria, and ending the presidential vacuum in Lebanon. In addition, Qatar continues to work towards reconciliation among Palestinians.

The State of Qatar views the consolidation of peace in a comprehensive manner, and not just in the absence of violence. Peace is maintained through reconciliation and justice, and the promotion of human development.

Qatar has cemented its position as one of the most resilient, diverse and competitive economies in the region. Qatar has worked on balancing its strategies and plans to promote comprehensive development by embracing integrated economy policies to raise the contribution of the non-hydrocarbon sector to GDP.

Qatar also continues to focus on the energy sector as an important source of national revenue, while channeling these revenues into supporting all economic sectors, and transforming national industries and trade sectors into active partners in achieving the objectives of its National Development Strategy.

Việt Nam and the State of Qatar officially established diplomatic relations on February 8, 1993. The two countries have witnessed 25 years of smooth and rapid development in several prominent areas. In January 2012, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and President Trương Tấn Sang signed a Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in tertiary education, scientific research, banking and investment. The Emir expressed Qatar’s willingness to receive workers from Việt Nam, while President Sang pledged to support Qatar’s efforts to set up a training and recruitment centre in Việt Nam and to establish a joint investment fund.

In March 2015, Qatar National Bank (QNB) opened an office in HCM City. This move aims to promote and stimulate East-West trade flow and investment between Qatar and Việt Nam. The presence of QNB in Việt Nam has strongly affirmed QNB’s ongoing expansion strategy in Asia. In April 2018, a 15-year agreement was signed by Qatar Petroleum for the sale of Petroleum Products Company Ltd and Long Sơn Petrochemicals Company Ltd. The agreement will commence with the start of Việt Nam’s first green-field petrochemical complex, which is being constructed on Long Sơn Island, and expected to begin production in 2022.

By adopting the above policies, the State of Qatar is trying to maintain sustainable economic growth with the private sector in a safe manner, while preserving its role in the international arena as one of the key players in peace-making efforts. — VNS