Doha, 31 Dec. 2020 (Qatar Tribune)

HE Eumelio Caballero Rodriguez, the outgoing ambassador of Cuba to Qatar, and HE Ridwan Hassan, the incoming ambassador of Indonesia, attended a dinner reception hosted in their honour by members of the Pakistani professional and business community, at the Hasan Kolcuoglu Turkish Restaurant at The Pearl-Qatar.

Those present on the occasion included Ambassador of South Korea HE Chang-mo Kim, Ambassador of Peru HE Jose Perea and members of the Pakistani community.

HE Eumelio Caballero Rodriguez thanked the Pakistani community members for arranging a memorable evening and praised them for hosting outreach events that contribute towards harmony in the local society. He said his tenure in Qatar has been extremely satisfactory and memorable.

The outgoing Cuban envoy said he is having mixed feelings as he prepares to return back to his motherland. “I will be saying ‘Hasta La Vista’ (good-bye and see you later) to my very dear Qatari and other friends,” he said.

The Ambassador of Indonesia HE Ridwan Hassan thanked the event’s organisers for inviting him at the “very graceful event and giving me the opportunity to meet some of the senior Pakistani community members”.

The event aimed at strengthening inter-communities relations. Welcoming the guests, Ashraf Siddiqui, a prominent member of the Pakistani community, said that diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Cuba were established in 1955 although the embassies of Pakistan and Cuba were opened in 1963 and 2006 respectively.

Siddiqui paid his gratitude to the great leader of the Republic of Cuba, the late Fidel Castro, who sent a brigade of doctors and medical staff to help a large number of victims in a disastrous earthquake in Pakistan in 2005. More than 250,000 people died in the massive earthquake of 7.6 magnitude.

He lauded the robust bilateral relations between Cuba and Qatar, especially the strong cooperation in the medical sector.

The guests enjoyed the unique and innovative way of presentation of a variety of Turkish cuisine and its traditional desserts.

Karachi, 28 Dec. 2020 (Anadolu News)

Pakistan's main opposition party on Monday retained the mayorship of Capital Islamabad defeating the ruling party, according to unofficial results.

Adil Shah, the candidate of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of the three-time premier Nawaz Sharif defeated the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Malik Sajid Mahmood for the coveted post. Shah secured 43 votes, while Mahmood could only get 26 votes in the 73-member electoral college.

The victory coincides with an ongoing protest movement launched by an 11-party opposition alliance, Pakistan Democratic Movement, to oust the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The office had fallen vacant in October this year after the resignation of PML-N’s Sheikh Anser Aziz -- the first mayor of the Capital, who accused the government of stripping the local government of several key directorates.

The new mayor will serve only for two months as the current local councils are going to complete their five-year terms by the end of February next year.

Doha, 28 Dec. 2020 (AlJazeera News)

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries held a virtual meeting discussing “cooperation” ahead of a regional summit next month amid efforts to end a rift between Qatar and a Saudi-led alliance.

Bahrain said in a statement that the virtual meeting took place on Sunday to lay out the groundwork for the 41st session of the GCC summit to be held on January 5 in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait took part in the meeting hosted by Manama, while Qatar was represented by its minister of state for foreign affairs.

In June 2017, the blockading countries – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt – accused Qatar, among other things, of supporting terrorism and being too close to Iran and severed economic and diplomatic ties.

The four countries imposed a land, sea and air blockade on Qatar.

Qatar has repeatedly denied the allegations and said there was “no legitimate justification” for the severance of relations.

Doha, 28 Dec. 2020 (QP)

Qatar Petroleum, as the entity responsible for setting the selling price of petroleum products in the State of Qatar, and based on the earlier announcement of 26 December 2019, announces and reconfirms the following terms for the sale of Kerosene as of 01 January 2021:

• All Kerosene sales to retail consumers at distribution stations and to bulk consumers will be based on international prices, which shall be set periodically by Qatar Petroleum.

• No new bulk consumers will be accepted.

 

Qatar Petroleum is an integrated national oil corporation responsible for the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry in the State of Qatar and beyond.

Qatar Petroleum’s activities encompass the entire spectrum of the oil and gas value chain locally, regionally, and internationally, and include the exploration, production, processing, marketing and sales of oil and gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), natural gas liquids (NGL), gas to liquids (GTL) products, refined products, petrochemicals, fertilizers, steel and aluminum.

26 Dec. 2020 (Xinhua News)

A new high-speed railway linking Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, with Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, both in Western China, began operation from Saturday. The new railway service will shorten the travel time between Yinchuan and Xi'an from 14 hours to about three hours. The 610-km railway is built with an investment of 80.5 billion yuan (about 12.33 billion U.S. dollars), and the speed of the train is set to 250 km per hour.

 

 

 

 

Doha, 24 Dec. 2020 (Qatar Tribune)

WITH the first phase of Qatar’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign continuing at a rapid pace, community dignitaries and senior officials of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) took the jabs on Thursday, the second day of the immunization program, to instil vaccine confidence among the people.

Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, who stepped up to take the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, has urged the community to take the COVID-19 vaccine.“Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available – this includes a vaccine. The comprehensive clinical trial the Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine has undergone has demonstrated that it is safe and 95 per-cent effective,” said Sheikh Faisal.

“I have full confidence in this vaccine which is why I am taking it as early as possible.”Sheikh Faisal said the arrival of the vaccine and its roll-out was important step to returning to normal daily life as well as protecing our loved ones.“Vaccines are our best hope of ending this pandemic,” he said.

“It is important that we take strong steps so that we can protect ourselves and our families against COVID-19 and this includes taking the vaccine when it is available to us.

”Director of the Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health, Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani commended Sheikh Faisal for being among the first to be vaccinated against COVID-19. “The arrival and widespread uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines here in Qatar will enable us to start the process of returning to our normal lives,” said Dr Al Thani.

“I commend Sheikh Faisal for demonstrating his commitment and taking the vaccine and I encourage members of the community to do the same.”Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19, who took the vaccine, said, “The start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign is a hugely significant moment for Qatar after what has been a very challenging year for everyone.”

Dr Al Khal added, “I have full confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage all those high-risk members of our community who are eligible in this first phase of the campaign to take this opportunity to protect themselves and get vaccinated.”

Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Thani, who took the vaccine shot, said, “The vaccine providers and regulators have worked hard to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.”“The arrival and widespread acceptance and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine here in Qatar will empower us to return to our pre-COVID-19 lifestyles sooner rather than later. To ensure this I ask you to take the vaccine when you are able to and also en-courage your vulnerable family members to as well.”

HE continued, “To ensure this, I ask you to take the vaccine when you are able to, and also encourage your vulnerable family members to do so as well.”Dr Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, co-chairperson of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee and director of Health Protection and Communicable Diseases at the MoPH, also took the jab.

“I am proud that Qatar is among the first countries in the world to provide a safe, effective and approved COVID-19 vaccine for its population,” he said.

Dr Al Romaihi said, “This safe and effective vaccine has passed all trials and is approved by the European Union’s medicines regulator the European Medicines Agency, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Control. With sufficient uptake of the vaccine in our community we can look forward to a gradual return to normal life.

Dr Soha Al Bayat, head of vaccination at the MoPH, took the vaccine and encouraged people to do so.“COVID-19 has made 2020 a difficult year for all of us. Now, we have access to the COVID-19 vaccine here in Qatar; we have the opportunity to start a gradual return to normal life and activities. The vaccine has undergone extensive testing to ensure it is both safe and effective. I encourage all who are eligible for the vaccine to take it when it is their turn.

”Dr Muna Al Maslamani, medical director of Communicable Disease Center at the Hamad Medical Corporation, too took the jab to encourage people to come forward to have the vaccine.“COVID-19 has impacted the lives of almost everyone in Qatar in some way. Lives have been lost and many people have been admitted to hospital with severe symptoms. The widespread uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is our best chance to returning to normal life. It has been subjected to rigorous medical trials and has been shown to be safe and effective.

I urge you and your loved ones to take the vaccine when the opportunity comes,” she said.

Meanwhile, a number of community dignitaries who are prioritised for COVID-19 vaccine were among the first group of people who received the vaccine at Leabaib Health Center on the first day of vaccination programme. This group included former minister HE Ali bin Saeed Al Khayarin and former diplomat HE Sherida bin Saad Al Kaabi.

Qatar is one of the first countries in the world to provide a safe, effective and approved COVID-19 vaccine totally free to its population. Several hundred people were vaccinated against COVID-19 on the first day of the largest national vaccination programme in the history of Qatar.

“I would like to thank the wise leadership of our country and all healthcare officials for their efforts to provide COV-ID-19 vaccine to all citizens and residents in Qatar,” Al Khayarin said following his vaccination. “Trusting in God Almighty and in the efforts being made by the health sector officials to protect our beloved country from this pandemic, I was keen to get vaccinated and fulfil my role in protecting my health and that of the community.

Qatar has spared no effort to provide the best COVID-19 vaccines to its population and I’m confident this campaign will be a success and will serve the best interest of our community. I would like to thank all health-care workers, including doctors, nurses and administrative staff for their efforts, hard work and dedication in combating this pandemic,” he said.

Al Kaabi expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the wise leadership of the country for providing the vaccine to all citizens and residents and to the Ministry of Public Health for its efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19. “I encourage all citizens and residents to get vaccinated as this can help protect the person who receives the vaccine, those around him and the wider community from the virus.

I would like to thank all healthcare workers for their efforts and dedication and wish everyone safety and health during this challeng-ing time,” Al Kaabi added.During the first phase of the campaign, vaccine will be pri-oritised for those most at risk of severe complications from the virus: people aged 70 years and older, those with multiple chronic conditions and health-care workers with repeated ex-posure to COVID-19.

22 December. 2020

The Ministry of Interior of Qatar won the Gold Award for Metrash2 app. This award is given to the best government digital application for smart devices in terms of content, service, usage, design, functionality, app access, and user experience.

This was announced recently at a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of Qatar at the Hotel St. Regis Doha. Qatar Digital Excellence Awards is given in the government sector.

Present on the occasion were Jassim Saif Al-Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications and a number of senior government officials. Brig. Abdul Rahman Ali Al-Farahid Al-Maliki, Assistant Director General of Information Systems, MOI received the award.

Brig. Abdul Rahman Al-Maliki said on the occasion that Metrash2 app has been winning many awards since last ten consecutive years, due to its ease of use and the availability of large number of services in it. He said that MOI is proud on it's service saving the people from visiting the service departments, hence, saving their time.

He said that the service will soon be further enhanced by adding couple of other services. He said that to improve the IT skills of the employees working in various agencies, regular training is provided along with leadership skills related to electronic systems and solving electronic problems.

Under the Qatar Digital Government Training Program, the second batch of 17 graduates of the Chief Technology Officers (CTO) and the third batch of 28 graduates in IT Talent Training Program were honored. Several employees of the Ministry of Interior also participated in the program.

 

Doha, 22 Dec. 2020

 As part of an initiative to introduce the wider community to Qatar’s archaeological history, Qatar Museums has launched Atharna, a program through which Culture Pass members will have the opportunity to visit historical sites across the country through curated tours. 

The curated tours aim to provide Culture Pass members with a gateway to discover the heritage of Qatar, from early medieval settlements, to 19th century forts, villages, towers, and mosques. 

The press release says “Through Atharna, Qatar Museums has put together a host of tours and workshops, during which our valued Culture Pass members can learn more about Qatar’s fascinating archaeological history. We invite our members to sign up early to attend one or more of these offerings, as space is limited.” 

Upcoming Atharna events include:

02 January 2020, 1100 AM - 1300 PM

A tour of Al Zubarah - Once a thriving port bustling with fishermen and merchants, the town of Al Zubarah was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013. During this tour, Culture Pass members will have the chance to visit the iconic Al Zubarah Fort, the site museum, and the 60 hectare archaeological site of Al Zubarah on the northwest cost of Qatar. 

09 January 2020, 11:00AMm – 13:00 PM

Qatar Museums will host a workshop on Experimental Archaeology: How to make prehistoric stone tools. The aim of this workshop is to help participants understand the process of making chipped stone tools and their function. As Culture Pass members, you will be informed about the different raw materials used in Qatar, while holding the original stone tools in your hands. During the experimental part of the workshop, you will be provided with basic training in knapping, so that you can have a go at producing your first stone tool.

16 January 2020, 11:00 AM – 13:00 PM

Culture Pass members will visit Al Jassasiya, the most impressive of a dozen rock-carving sites in Qatar, and experience rock carvings known as ‘petroglyphs’, which can be found along the coast of Qatar as well as on Bahrain's nearby Al Hawar Island. Mysterious Signs and Symbols: Jassasiya Rock Art Site

23 January 2020, 11:00 PM – 13:00 PM

Unveiling Archaeological Sources pottery workshop will include a short presentation explaining the pottery making process, from clay to vessel. Different types of pottery found at Qatari heritage sites will be shown and discussed. You will be able to hold pottery fragments in your hands, so that you can better feel and understand the characteristics of the different materials that are so relevant for the study of these leading artefacts. In the second part of the workshop, you will have a practical lesson in how to create your own a clay vessel. 

All Atharna tours and workshops are open to Culture Pass members only. Culture Pass Plus or Culture Pass Family members can attend unlimited tours and workshops year round. While Culture Pass Basic members can attend one trial tour and workshop in a year. 

For more information about Culture Pass, or to become a Culture Pass Plus or Culture Pass Family member, please visit www.qm.org.qa/en/culturepass

18 December 2020 (Qatar Tribune)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

HE Mustafa Goksu, Ambassador of Turkey

On the auspicious and joyful occasion of Qatar National Day, I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to the Amir of the State of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the faithful, resolute and courageous people of Qatar.

Since I began my diplomatic mission as the Turkish envoy to State of Qatar in August 2020, I have been meticulously observing Qatar’s culture, traditions and ingenuity. I have been entirely impressed by their remarkable achievements in every sphere of life. Its attention to detail, internal unity, resilience and work ethics are rightly commendable.

I have been amazed by its convincing global presence and noteworthy role in promoting regional and global peace, stability, and development.
Today, the State of Qatar stands as a model for determination, socio-economic development and political achievements despite facing formidable challenges. What is most admirable is that Qatar has embraced modernity without sacrificing its national identity and cultural heritage.

Finally, as two hardened, faithful and brotherly strategic partners, Turkey and Qatar are determined to walk hand in hand towards a bright future.
On behalf of President Erdogan, the Government and the people of the Republic of Turkey, I would like to reiterate my heartfelt congratulations and warmest greetings to all on this blessed day.

HE Bart De Groof, Ambassador of Belgium

Hearty congratulations to Qatar on this National Day which is being held in special circumstances. During the current health crisis, Qatar has shown national solidarity and unity. A special tribute to the countless healthcare and other workers who have kept us all safe.
Qatar is to be commended for many things this year: It has pursued its path towards the successful organisation of the World Cup 2022, with more stadiums being opened and infrastructure being completed.
Qatar has further implemented major changes in its labour and migration laws, such as the introduction of the minimum wage and the dismantling of the Kafala system, by abolishing the NOC rule for changing jobs, greatly improving the situation of foreign workers.
Importantly, HH the Amir has announced elections for the Shura Council in October next year. Qatar, thus continues on its path towards inclusive growth for everyone. I wish everyone a very happy National Day!

HE Anders Bengtcen, Ambassador of Sweden

I would like to convey my sincere congratulations and my best wishes to Qatar on its National Day.
2020 has been a difficult year for the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for all countries to deal with and has also shown the need for international cooperation and solidarity.

Nationally, the measures taken by Qatar to control the pandemic have produced impressive results. Infection rates have been reduced significantly and a second wave has so far been prevented. Notwithstanding the pandemic, Qatar has continued the preparations for the World Cup which now are at an advanced stage. Important decisions have also been taken regarding continued labour reforms and a time frame has been set to hold the first elections to the Shura Council in October 2021.

Internationally, in 2020 Qatar has continued its important work in peace mediation and humanitarian assistance. The negotiations in Doha on the future of Afghanistan are an important example of the significant role Qatar has played in this context. But for many hundreds of thousands of Covid-stranded travellers around the world, 2020 is the year when Qatar became synonymous with a safe passage home. I would like to thank Qatar Airways for having continued to operate in challenging circumstances and safely flown home hundreds of thousands of foreign passengers, including thousands of Swedish citizens.

I am happy to note that relations between Sweden and Qatar are excellent and have expanded significantly in recent years. We have intensified our bilateral dialogue and last year we signed an MoU with Qatar on annual political consultations and in January this year, Sweden, Qatar and ILO signed an MoU on cooperation in the areas of health and safety at work and corporate social responsibility. Trade between our two countries has almost doubled in four years and reached QR2,600 million last year.

HE Antonio Alves DeCarvalho, Ambassador of Portugal

Qatar has established its position as a country defending basic international principles and as a defender of dialogue and multilateralism. Qatar is known for its role as a mediator and facilitator in solving regional and international conflicts. Moreover, Qatar’s role in development of the sports, mainly football, is highly appreciable. Qatar intends to become a world sports hub.
I highly commend the exemplary measures taken by the State of Qatar in combating the COVID-19 challenges successfully.
Qatar and Portugal, since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2011, have been building gradually a solid juridical bilateral framework in the fields of economy, investments, trade, taxes, energy, tourism, sports, science, education, culture and sports. Both the countries are engaged in reinforcing political and economic cooperation.
I look forward to building further closer relations from September 2021 onward when Portugal gets Presidency of the European Union. This will bring new paths to bilateral relations in priority areas for both countries, such as post-pandemic economic recovery, green recovery, digital economy and social welfare.

HE Prof. Dr. Victor Tvircon, Ambassador of Moldova

On the occasion of the celebration of the National Day of the State of Qatar, I have the particular pleasure to convey to the Amir of the State of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the people of Qatar, my heartfelt congratulations, along with my best wishes for peace and prosperity.

I am amazed to note the continuous development of the State of Qatar via its state-of-the-art infrastructure, implementation of wise policies and assertion of its role and influence both on regional and international levels. Therefore, I am wishing much more success to Qatar in the future.

I am especially honoured to be serving as Ambassador to this country and to work on development of relations between Qatar and Moldova for the benefit of our countries. I am grateful for the openness and keenness to deepen our ties.
God bless His Highness and the brotherly State of Qatar!

HE Jasminko Pozderak, Ambassador of Serbia

My heartiest congratulations to the leadership and the people of State of Qatar on the occasion of National Day celebrations. I wish them further development and welfare.
In the last few years, the bilateral relations between Serbia and Qatar have improved significantly and constantly in various sectors. The way the Qatari authorities have so successfully handled the challenges of combating the COVID-19 pandemic is indeed highly appreciable. The results of the measures taken so timely by Qatar have been very good. The number of new cases and casualties have been much lower compared with the other countries around the world.

Qatar’s role at various fronts on regional and international levels is commendable especially in promoting peace, progress, humanitarian fields and generous support and cooperation witnessed during the severe COVID-19 situation including towards my country Serbia.

HE Palmen Stankov Delev, Ambassador of Bulgaria

On the occasion of the National Day of State of Qatar, I would like to convey my sincere wishes for further development and prosperity of the State of Qatar, as well as good health and success to the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari people. The Republic of Bulgaria highly appreciates our bilateral ties, which are based on friendship, mutual respect and cooperation.

Our bilateral relations have witnessed significant development in sectors like trade, investment, culture, science, education, technology, etc.
I believe that with the efforts of both countries, we can build on the many achievements underlying Bulgarian-Qatari relations.

We highly appreciate the outstanding role being played by Qatar at the regional and international levels, as well as domestically in various fields including wisely handling of COVID-19 pandemic and the resilience of the Qatari people since the beginning of the GCC crisis. Qatar’s strength in the areas of economy, education, culture and health care is remarkable.

Bulgaria, as a European Union member state, trusts in the unity of the GCC and we support the Kuwaiti mediation of the Gulf crisis. The differences should be settled through dialogue and my country further supports all international initiatives which could help finding a solution to the crisis through negotiations and peaceful dialogue.

Qatar is establishing itself as a platform for peace and dialogue as seen from the recent hosting of successful Intra-Afghan dialogue in Doha.

HE Graciela Gomez Garcia. Ambassador of Mexico

On behalf of the people and the government of Mexico, I extend our warmest congratulations to the people and government of Qatar on the occasion of their National Day.

2020 has been a difficult year because of COVID-19. But the pandemic has also taught all of us lasting lessons on resilience, solidarity, the value of community and caring for each other as brothers and sisters.

On June 30th, Mexico and Qatar commemorated 45 years of diplomatic relations and we ratified our commitment to further strengthening our exchanges in trade, arts and culture, tourism, education, technical cooperation and sports, to name a few.

We particularly appreciate the expression of solidarity and collaboration of Qatar to Mexico’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and we look forward to a bright future as friendly nations that are committed to justice, peace, fairness and equal access to opportunities around the world.

We wish all citizens and residents of Qatar a very happy National Day and we join you in celebrating the important achievements of this great nation, and with a special acknowledgement to the frontline workers and healthcare professionals, who have been our heroes during the pandemic.

HE Belen Alfaro, Ambassador of Spain

I would like to extend congratulations and warmest greetings to the Amir of the State of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to His Honorable Family, as well as to HE Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar, to the members of the Government and to the Qatari people. I would like to wish a Happy National Day, joy and prosperity, as well as success in the path to the FIFA World Cup 2022. Huge work has been made in the preparations and infrastructure works for the World Cup. Many Spaniards working in Qatar are contributing to its success and to the enhancement of Qatar’s capabilities in football.

I am impressed with the quick and successful measures adopted by the Government of Qatar to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects in the health and economic sectors. I would like to praise the robust health sector and the solid health measures that have been implemented in Qatar to fight this disease, as Qatar is one of the world’s least affected countries. I would like to highlight the importance that HH the Amir attaches to international cooperation in addressing the pandemic, and the relevant support and assistance provided by Qatar to more than 70 countries and International organisations. I would like to stress how urgent action has been taken to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic and to overcome the repercussions with minimal detriments.

Bilateral relations between Qatar and Spain remain excellent, inspired by the strong affection between both royal families. Our respective governments have been working hand-by-hand to address common issues such as tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Arancha González Laya, has been in contact with her counterpart the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman        Al Thani, for future avenues of collaboration, and have recently signed a bilateral agreement on diplomatic visas and special passports. Several bilateral agreements are in negotiations and we look forward to increase our level of engagement in different domains such as trade, education and culture.

The most recent figures show a consolidating growing path in bilateral trade. Last year has registered the best figures as our merchandise and services flows have risen by 7% during 2019, up to €1.3bn. Spain is an attractive destination for investments, since it is the natural gateway to Europe, the Mediterranean and Latin-America. Our business links in the fields of telecommunications, financial and insurance sectors, energy, tourism and infrastructure are well-known. Cultural cooperation is a priority for us. The Spanish Arab heritage creates many natural bonds between our two countries. In this field, the fascinating exhibition ‘Spanish artists in Doha’ was held at Katara Cultural Village in 2020.

HE Jose Benzaquen, Ambassador of Peru

Peru and Qatar have strong and long-standing relationships that witness positive development. The two countries are working very hard to prepare several agreements to be signed in the future, and there are plenty of investment opportunities in Peru in the fields of energy, agriculture, mining, tourism and others.
Diplomatic relations between the republic of Peru and the State of Qatar were established on November 7th, 1989 and my country is committed to continuing and enhancing its relations with the state of Qatar. We are both modern societies and developing countries with abundant natural resources in our regions.

I take the opportunity on this special occasion of Qatar National Day to extend my warmest congratulations to the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Government of Qatar and the Qatari people, wishing them lasting success and
prosperity.

We highly appreciate the precautionary measures the State of Qatar has taken to protect the health and safety of its community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qatar has been considered the perfect role model in dealing with global crises by supporting many other suffering nations worldwide to combat the spread of this pandemic.

Chongqing, Dec. 21 (Xinhua)

Xinxing, the world's oldest captive giant panda, died at a zoo in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Dec. 8, the zoo announced Monday. She was 38.

Xinxing began to show symptoms of drowsiness and loss of appetite on Oct. 21. Her condition worsened quickly in the next few days and she developed shortness of breath, cough, abdominal distension and had trouble defecating, according to the Chongqing Zoo.

Experts from several medical institutions including the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda made an all-out effort to save her but she eventually passed away at noon on Dec. 8.

Anatomical and pathological analysis showed that old age and multiple organ failure caused digestive disorders and hypoproteinemia in the mammal's body. These led to infection in the digestive and respiratory tracts leading to death.

Xinxing was born in 1982 in the wild of Baoxing County of Sichuan Province, where French Catholic priest, zoologist and botanist Armand David discovered the species in 1869. Her age was equivalent to more than 110 human years.

Brought to the Chongqing Zoo when she was about 1 year old, the mammal was the matriarch of a huge family of over 150 pandas by the end of last year.

Her offspring is spread across China and in other countries and regions including the United States, Canada and Japan.