Doha,30 November. 2021

Renowned Mexican sculpture and paintings artist Alberto Castro Lenero’s amazing piece of art, ‘MECCANO’, has found permanent home in the premises of Building No 47 at Katara Village Foundation in Doha.

The art piece built with two elongated bodies in walking movement was inaugurated by Director General of Katara Cultural Village Foundation Dr. Khaled bin Ibrahim All Sulaiti and Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar HE Graciela Gomez Garcia. Present on the occasion were artist Alberto Castro Lenero, ambassadors and guests.

In her address, the Mexican ambassador said she had been waiting for a long time for this exciting moment. The pandemic, she noted, “upset the ways in which we plan, work, and think ahead, yet patience and hope have been on our side at all times”.

“Today, here we are, gathered in this artistic courtyard in the presence of a well renowned Mexican creator who landed in Doha just 12 hours ago. It’s an honor to have the presence of one of the best exponents of contemporary art here in Qatar at Katara, one of the most promising cultural projects in the region and beyond.”

She said that the sculpture ‘MECCANO’ is a big step closer to Qatar, and we are truly joyful, delighted to see the piece of art by the renowned Mexican artist being selected by a strict Katara committee, among many promising proposals, and finally making its way to the base in front of us”.

Leñero began his artistic journey at the National School of Fine Arts of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and continued at the Academy of Bellas Artes in Bologna, Italy. Since 1977, his creations have been exhibited in Canada, France, the United States, England, Germany, Italy, Ecuador and, of course, Mexico. introducing the artist who flew from Mexico, for the first time to any Arab country, the ambassador said he is very active as a docent in public and private institutions and as a juror of various competitions. His artistic works have been covered and reviewed in specialized communication media in Mexico, the United States, and England.

Throughout the four decades of his artistic work, Leñero has ventured into diverse expressive and conceptual possibilities through painting, sculpture, engraving and, recently, video and  public art. Always in constant renovation, through his plastic work, on its own or applied to architectural and urban projects, he has explored the landscape, the human figure, and abstract representation.

The Mexican envoy said that in recent years, Leñero has incorporated into his production architectural and urban planning proposals for the construction of walkable pavilions. Hence, his work has already tattooed several public spaces in Mexico City, such as subway stations and plazas, and now in Doha.

Talking to the writer, Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said that Katara Cultural Village is a hub of the world’s culture. “We have diversified multi-cultural
events throughout the year and we encourage countries to bring their art and culture at this platform.”

He said that some countries have brought their great artistic works like sculptures from Turkey and Cuba, and now by renowned Mexican artist Alberto Lenero.
“Venezuelan art works are also in pipeline, all their great works of sculpture will be placed in Katara permanently,” he said, adding that the place will be named after the countries as Mexican, Cuban or Turkey Corner in the Katara Cultural Village.

Dr. Al Sulaiti urged countries to bring the art works of their top artists to Katara Cultural Village and let the people and residents of Qatar learn and enjoy from their great works, culture and traditions.

Talking to writer, Mexican artist Lenero said this was his first visit to an Arab country. Although, it was only 12 hours for him landing in Doha, he said he was very impressed with the architecture of buildings and the development he saw on his way from the airport and on way to Katara.

He said he was very happy to see his piece of creation, which took him six years to make, selected by Katara Cultural Village foundation. Aside from paintings, he has produced around 50 sculptures and 25 of these are placed in various locations around Mexico.

Talking about MECCANO, the artist said it is made of iron plates and creates sensation of a balancing exercise. The piece is built with two elongated bodies that
join at the top.

Doha, 28 Nov 2021

Qatar authorities have stressed on expatriates on illegal status to regularize their stay in Qatar or leave the country without any legal action by 31st December 2021. It was announced at a press conference held at the Follow-up and Search Department of Ministry of Interior by Capt. Kamal

Expatriates workers who are staying in State of Qatar having Illegal status as per the provisions of Law No. 2 of 2015  and wish to leave Qatar :

1.  The expatriate living in Qatar NOT renewed the residence permit and has exceeded a period of 90 days from the validity date, and an absconding complaint hasn’t filed against him/her by the employer.

2.  The expatriate who stays in the country and an absconding complaint (Leaving the work illegally) has been filed against him/her by his employer, but 30 days have not completed from the date of filing the complaint.

3. Family Residence Permits and Visitors who have violated the Period of Stay to pay fine and can return to Qatar.

4. The Expatriate who have violated the law and an absconding complaint (Leaving the work – Violation of the purpose) has been filed against him/her by his employer and more than 30 days have been passed from the date of complaint filing.

5. An Expatriate whose residence permit has been cancelled and has passed 90 days from its cancellation.

Procedure: Above categories violators can leave the country after paying fine and can also return back as per the laws of the country.

Note: In all cases, the deportation of the minors under the age of 18 will be without ban  to return to Qatar, regardless of their violation of the provisions of the law, and they are exempted from any legal consequences.

Mechanism of the Procedures at Search and Follow Up Department For Those Leaving Qatar

1- The violating person has to come without any fear of any legal action to the  Search and Follow-up Department (the main reception hall) along with his/her passport and open travel ticket between 0100 PM - 0600 PM from Sunday to Thursday.

2-  Procedure takes maximum time of 3 minutes only, the concerned staff will verify the data and complete all the necessary procedures. Seat for the flight will be reserved from the ticketing office available in the premises of Search and Follow-Up Department. Upon completion of procedure, a travel permit is issued to the violating person and hands it over to him to go to the airport as a normal passenger as per the flight schedule. He/she should be adhering to the Covid – 19 precautionary measures followed in the country.

Those wish to stay in Qatar after regularizing their status

1- Those residents have not renewed their residence visa and passed 90 days from the expiry date of residence permit and wish to move to another employer.

2- Those residents reported to the authorities as absconder before 10th of October 2021, and they wish to move to another employer.

3. Those entered in Qatar on job visa but failed to approach authorities to process residence visa and have passed 90 days

The violator has to fill the designated form, attach new employer's establishment registration and submit at any one of the following five Service Centers. The Labour department requires only five working days to decide if all conditions specified by the concerned authorities are met.

1- Umm Sulal Services Center

2- Umm Sunaim Services Center

3- Musaimeer Services Center

4- Al Wakra Services Center

5- Al Rayyan Services Center

Pleaser Note: No application will be accepted from the violator or the person against whom a ‘Leaving Work’ complaint has been filed after announcing the amnesty effective 10th of October 2021.

Doha, Nov. 2021

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, in collaboration with the Josoor Institute, has delivered a series of capacity building workshops to local community leaders and representatives ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup™, which will be held in Qatar from 30 November to 18 December.

Organised as part of the SC’s Cultural Experience Programme, the workshops provided attendees with the skills and tools they need to develop activations to showcase their country’s vibrant cultural scene. Participants were also encouraged to engage with artistic talents in their communities in an effort to include them in events organised during the tournament. Representatives from various countries, including Qatar, Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Germany, France, Japan and India, attended the workshops.

More than 40 participants enjoyed sessions that covered a range of topics, including the role of leadership, teamwork, creativity, planning and effective communication.

Khaled Al Suwaidi, the SC’s Stakeholder Relations Director, said: “Our different community groups will help to showcase Qatar’s diverse population during major tournaments, including the FIFA Arab Cup, which is just around the corner. These sessions will equip our communities with the knowledge and skillset they need to deliver engaging activities while ensuring our tournaments leave a legacy for the arts, culture and entertainment sectors.”

Afraa Al Noaimi, Executive Director at Josoor Institute, said: “We are delighted to support the SC and our various community groups in the lead up to the FIFA Arab Cup. At Josoor, we believe in the power of learning to transform lives. Major events like the FIFA Arab Cup offer a golden opportunity for people to learn new skills.”

Sandrine Lescaroux, the French community representative, said: “The topics addressed will help us create meaningful experiences for the community and fans alike. It’s an amazing experience to be part of the FIFA Arab Cup. I am honoured to be leading my community’s involvement at these events.”

Lenny Cramer, from the Sri Lankan community, said: “It’s truly exciting to be part of the FIFA Arab Cup. The workshops helped us to think outside the box and come up with creative ways to entertain and engage with fans. The Sri Lankan community is thrilled to provide Qatar with all the support it needs, every step of the way.”

Since 2015, the SC has increased its network of community representatives to more than 60 people. With the FIFA World Cup™ edging closer, the SC will continue to engage thousands of people in Qatar to provide a unique and rich experience for visitors.

Doha, 19 Nov. 2021

Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2021, organised by NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, concluded with remarkable results of dramatic numbers of business leads and deals generated and record-breaking footfall.

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Municipality, and Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Managing Director of Qetaifan Projects visited the exhibition. Both the dignataries voiced their support for such a great effort to boost Qatar Tourism in the full spotlight of international partners, exhibitors and countries attending the first edition of the show. They were delighted to see the huge number of visitors present from various regions of the world.

Earlier, first of its kind of event inaugurated by Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Qassim Al-Abdullah Al-Thani with a ribbon cutting. Present on the inauguration were Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker; Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs, Rawad Sleem; Vice Chairman of Al Hattab Holding, Abdulaziz Saad Al Kaabi; and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality, Andrew Humphries; a number of prominent personalities including representatives of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group; Discover Qatar & Qatar Holidays; Katara Hospitality; Qatar Aviation Authority;  Qatar Free Zone Authority; Ashghal; a number of diplomats; representatives of Qatar Aeronautical Academy, Marriott International, AMFORHT, AlFardan Group, and Abuissa Group.

QTM 2021 was organised with the support of sponsors and partners. katara Hospitality being the founding Partner; Qatar Tourism as Strategic Partner; Qatar Airways Holidays the Founding Leisure Partner, along with Discover Qatar.  The Supreme Committee is the Founding Sports Partner, Qatar Airways the Official Airline and Mowasalat, as Official Transport Partner. Amadeus was event’s Technology Partner, Retaj Hotels & Hospitality the Gold Sponsor; and Gulf Adventures and Elite Motors were Silver Sponsors.  Association Partners include The World Association for Hospitality and Tourism Education and Training (AMFORHT), World Leisure Organisation (WLO), and World Tourism Association for Culture & Heritage (WTACH).

During three day long exhibition and conference, panel discussions took place covering  topics like what future holds for travel and tourism. Industry experts shared their experience to give the visitors insights and knowledge about upcoming trends in travel and tourism. Among the speakers included Akbar Al Baker, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive; Ahmad Musa Al Namla, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums; Nigel Fell, President & CEO of The World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH), Philippe Francois; President, World Association for Hospitality and Tourism Education and Training (AMFORHT), Dr Cristina Ortega Nuere; Chief Scientific and COO of the World Leisure Organization, Florian Sengstschmid; CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board,  Emad Abu Jalala; CEO Gulf Adventures, Dr Ivan Ninov; Executive Dean of Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU), Sergey Sukhanov; CEO of Corporation Tourism, RF, JSC, Nuno Anahory; Chairman of Forum Portugal Qatar, Dr Sunny; Managing Director of Maldives Halal Travel Guide; Nick Wilkinson, Regional Vice President of the Norwegian Cruise Line and many others, in addition to other keynote speakers.

The event’s Hosted Buyers’ Program, involving 24 influential buyers from 15 countries including Germany, Russia, France, Malaysia, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark and the USA to network with exhibitors and close profitable deals, was hailed as a great success landing 860 B2B meetings and ensuing profitable deals for those attending.

QTM 2021 achieved such all-round success that a second edition of QTM has been launched for the year 2022. Sponsors and partners, exhibitors and visitors alike backed up the show’s success with their comments, he added.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “As one of the driving forces behind Qatar’s expansion and progress in recent years, Qatar Airways Group high lighted to support the Qatar Travel Mart 2021 as an excellent opportunity to unite the local travel and leisure sector and showcase our nation’s unique cultural heritage and vision for the future of Qatar as a tourism destination.”

Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Katara Hospitality said: “Our participation at Qatar Travel Mart 2021 presented yet another opportunity for Katara Hospitality to showcase its diverse portfolio of iconic hospitality gems located in key global travel markets. It is an honour to be among the global hospitality giants exhibiting their collections at this esteemed travel trade event.”

He added: “Tourism is a vital pillar of Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and we, at Katara Hospitality have long understood its importance in our quest for excellence within the sector.  We have seized every opportunity to foster and promote the country to pass on an outstanding legacy for future generations,” he added.

Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences said that the facts and figures speak for themselves. With visitors’ numbers topping 6,300 and 860 B2B meetings generating major deals with DMCs and Tour operators, reaching millions, we are delighted with the huge success of the first QTM.

He announced holding of second edition due to the great achievement for 2022. Sponsors and exhibitors have indicated positive signs to participate as they welcomed the opportunity to close new deals and achieve significant business.

Nigel Fell, President & CEO, World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage commented: “The Qatar Travel Mart and Conference 2021 (QTM21) was a World Class event that will help in re-shaping tourism leaders and industry stakeholders gather to do business post COVID19. Embracing new ideas, innovations and technologies, QTM21 was an inspirational platform that set new standards in exploring visitor economy growth but in ways that ensure we better protect our environment, cultural heritage assets and the fabric of the worlds’ local communities.

Rick Enders, Cluster General Manager, JW Marriott Marquis, Marriott Marquis and Marriott Executive Apartments City Center Doha, enthused: “QTM was a wonderful platform for us to interact with industry colleagues, experts and consumers and to showcase our capabilities as a cluster organization.

Florian Sengstschmid, Chief Executive Officer of Azerbaijan Tourism Board said that “Qatar Travel Mart proved to be a great initiative in bringing together the key stakeholders of the tourism industry. It was certainly a great pleasure to be a part of it from the very first time together with 12 industry partners from Azerbaijan. We are certainly looking forward to coming back here next year to further our connection with our esteemed partners.”

Wafiq Al-Wahidi-General Manager-Amadeus Qatar, said: “It gives us great pleasure to be the technology partner of the Qatar International Exhibition for Travel & Tourism - QTM 2021, which was organized for the first time in the State of Qatar. This exhibition is a great achievement and source of pride for all of us, and there is no doubt that it stimulated and revived the tourism sector in the country after the global Covid-19 crisis.

QTM 2021 hosted a three-day media familiarisation trip for international media, which showcased the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ stadiums and many of Qatar’s famous cultural sites and attractions, as well as allowing the press to experience Qatar’s impressive hospitality landmarks. The International Media Partners came from as far afield as India, Malaysia, UK, China, Dubai, Canada and Russia.

Qatar Tourism hosted its first mega travel trade familiarisation (fam) trip this week, welcoming 250 tour operators from 29 countries across 17 core markets around the world, to showcase Qatar as a leading holiday destination, ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort& Convention Hotel.

Present on the occasion were Akbar Al Baker, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive along with international travel and tour operators.  The evening included a cultural program with live entertainment, with attendees able to discover traditional handicrafts, art and entertainment, while experiencing Qatar’s world class hospitality.

A documentary by Qatar Tourism Qatar as new destination 'Experience a World Beyond' was also displayed featuring CGI characters showcasing Qatar and its offerings.

Akbar Al Baker stated: “Qatar Travel Mart has provided us a unique opportunity to introduce to the world the crème of our tourism industry, the private sector partners who bring our experiences to life for visitors.Our ‘Experience a World Beyond’ campaign targets 17 top visitor source markets for Qatar and features nine characters designed with CGI technology. With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 just a year away, our short-term priority is to cater to the expected 1.5 million visitors and cultivate them into future ambassadors for our destination through exceptional experiences.”

Doha, 20 Nov 2021

Doha, 18 Nov. 2021

Made in Qatar First Largest Ever Speed Boat Launched Among Other 35 Luxury Boats At 2021 QIBS

8^th Qatar International Boat Show 2021 made history in Qatar marine industry by launching of most modern and world’s top standard of quality luxury yachts and speed boats  – Made in Qatar.

On Thursday, Performance Marine launched four speed boats at the QIBS including 52 feet long and 14 feet in width central cabin built, largest ever speed boat made in Qatar with speed of 85 KMs per hour.

Chairman of Performance Marine, Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al Thani said that four speed boats of various sizes are introduced by his company this year including the largest ever manufactured in Qatar for which he is proud to present to the people pf Qatar especially marine life lovers.

He without giving any further details said that soon he will be announcing a good news of releasing 3X and 4X new models. He said that Performance Marine will be participating in future also at the Qatar International Boat Show.

There are thirty six companies participating at the 2021 QIIBS including six Qatari boats manufacturing companies organized by Al Mannai Plus Events since 2013. Among other Qatari boat manufacturing companies are Halul Boats; Doha Craft Marine; OCRA Boat; Balhambar Boats; Al Kuwari Boats; and Lusail Boat Factory.

Chairman Halul Boats, Ahmed Mohamed Hamad Al Hitmi said that his company’s 10 new most modern boats, all made in Qatar are participating in 2021 Qatar International Boat Show.

He said that his company started manufacturing the boats in Qatar from first order in 2004 and since then the journey is going on. Al Hitmi said that today there are number of boats manufacturing companies in Qatar and we are exporting the yachts and boats to other countries. That shows that the local and regional markets are good and future is positive for marine industry in Qatar, he added.

Doha Craft was established in 2018 in Qatar Free Zone and has launched two new world class quality boats 44 ft and 38.8 ft this year at the exhibition.

Speed Moto Qatar, agents for US made Aqua Race Kart today launched 90 HP, 274cms X 130cms X 89cm, 434 lbs first ever single seater water car at the exhibition. It has three colors red, blue and green and will be available for sale around in March 2022.

2021 Qatar International Boat Show was inaugurated by Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani on Tuesday and will continue till 20^th November 2021.

Doha, 17 Nov. 2021

Silverline’s first showroom in Qatar was officially inaugurated during a ceremony held at Al Malki headquarters in Doha. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Republic of Turkey to the State of Qatar, Dr. Mustafa Goksu and Ali Ibrahim Al Malki, Chairman and Managing Director of Al Malki Group Holding.

Silverline formulates new generation kitchens through seamless integration of minimal, bold, easily distinguishable, sample and intuitive products, for which advanced culinary technologies are employed with a modern lifestyle. In addition to Silverline’s unique design and technology, the company’s emphasis on quality has been recognized by key international bodies for meeting multiple European quality standards and has been awarded certifications ISO 9001, CE, KEMAKEUR, TSE, and UKREST.

Dr. Göksu underscored the importance he accorded to business partnerships between Qatar and Turkey. The high quality and functionality together with creative design and smart features makes Silverline one of the top five cooker hood manufactures in Europe and one of the top ten in the world. Silverline has also won many prestigious awards such as the German design award, Plus X award, Red Dot award, and most recently the “MUSE DESIGN AWARDS 2021” for the products flow in and light line at international design competitions.

Ali Ibrahim Al Malki said: “The aim will remain to create an entity uniquely placed in all ventures, including real estate, contracting, manufacturing, trade, hospitality and services and always looking for new opportunities to enrichen the Qatar Market.”

The launch of the showroom was made possible by Al Malki Group, a Qatari based company which aims to provide products of the highest professional quality.

Al Malki Group is a professionally managed ISO certified organization with extensive interests in engineering and construction, providing a range of services for its diverse clientele.

Al Malki Group’s partnership with Silverline made their first debut during successive exhibitions in October 2021 at The Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC): Cityscape, Project Qatar,

Doha, 16 Nov 2021 (QNA)

Minister of Commerce and Industry Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani inaugurated today the 8th edition of Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) at the 22, La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl Qatar

There are 35 companies in different sectors that are participating in the exhibition to display luxury yachts, boats, jet skis, water sports equipment, and various marine accessories for marine equipment and accessories manufacturers, traders and marine life lovers. The boat show will remain open between 0400 PM - 2100 PM till 20th of November.

The Minister of Commerce and Industry in his statement following the inauguration said that QIBS has it's importance among the State of Qatar's many events. He said that it provides an opportunity to find out the latest trends in marine tourism in the state, which enhances the State of Qatar's status as a leading international tourist destination.

He said that the exhibition is also an ideal platform to get acquainted with the pioneers of the boat industry in Qatar and the world, to strengthen partnerships and conclude important commercial deals, it also helps the local companies to benefit from the expertise of the leading foreign companies in this industry.

The minister visited various sections of the exhibition venue where he was briefed about the participating companies and their products on display. Present on the occasion were Pearl-Qatar master developer United Development Company's (UDC) Chairman Turki bin Mohamed Al-Khater; President, CEO and Board member Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman; Al Mannai Plus Events Chairman, Khalid Eissa Al-Mannai, QIBS Chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani;  dignitaries; ambassadors; and guests.

Khalid Eissa Al Mannai said that there are a number of Made in Qatar products waiting to be launched during this exhibition. There are around 55 yachts and boats on display including 35 new model boats manufactured in Qatar. In addition, British made COX Diesel Outboard Engine V8 - 300 HP to launch first ever time in the GCC and the Middle East. There are two Chinese made electric compact car and USV by Chery launching during this exhibition; Aquakart by Speed Moto; 2 boats by Balhambar and HDC will be holding official opening of restaurant Shrivan Metisse Doha.

Al Mannai said that it was first time to introduce a section of Pre-owned boats for sale. US base energy drink REBEL taking advantage of the sole annual luxury yachts and accessories exhibition to launch the drink in Qatar.

Al Mannai Pls Events, the sole organizers of the exhibition is organising with consistency since 2013 and 2021 exhibition is the 8^th   edition in row. The strategic partners of the 2021 edition are United Development Company (UDC) and Qatar Airways; the host are The Pearl-Qatar and Ronautica Middle East; Silver sponsors include  Qatar Free Zone (QFZ) and Investment House.

Khalid Al Mannai said on the occasion that the luxury yachts and boats exhibition provides a platform to the local and regional marine industry including boat manufacturers, services providers,  the  local dealers, suppliers and the potential buyers an exclusive B2B opportunities.

He urged on the local and regional luxury lifestyle traders and manufacturers to come forward and participate in QIBS to promote local marine industry.

Doha, 15 Nov. 2021

Korean Ambassador to Qatar Joon Ho Lee recently hosted a function to commemorate his country’s National Foundation Day.

The dignitaries present on the occasion included Minister of Communications and Information Technology HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai; Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo; Director of Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Ambassador Yousef Laram; Ambassador of Eritrea to Qatar and Dean of Diplomatic Corps HE Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Ahmed; members of the Korean community and guests.
Speaking on the occasion, the Korean envoy praised the Qatari government for its effective measures against the COVID-19 as more than 85 percent of Qatar’s population has been fully vaccinated, making Qatar one of the safest countries from the disease, thus making in-person gathering possible, stressing the the event would not be possible in other countries.

He said the National Foundation Day honours the foundation of Gojoseon, symbolising the birth of the Korean nation, the first state of the Korean Peninsula about 4,300 years ago.

The envoy also lauded Qatar’s role as a global mediator.
He said, “As a country trying to anchor peace and stability in the Korean peninsula, we fully appreciate Qatar’s mediator role bringing peace to the conflict-ridden areas across the globe.

“Korea and Qatar are the oldest and closest friends in many ways. First, we have cultivated our strong friendship since the diplomatic ties began in 1974. Now, our economies are closely intertwined. Korea is one of Qatar’s largest trading partners, one of the biggest LNG importers, and a significant investor for Qatar.

“At the early stage of the COVID-19, Korea provided Qatar with medical equipment such as COVID-19 test kits. Qatar Airways helped many Koreans return to their home when almost all airlines stopped their operations.”

The envoy said, “Second, we are friends looking in the same direction and preparing for the future together. Our two countries join hands in tackling future challenges.”

Three Qatar-based talented Koreans -- renowned pianist Sonia Park, flutist Eunhye Lee and flutist Shin Ji-hoon -- charmed the guests with their skillful display of melodious and relaxing pieces.

Doha, 13 Nov. 2021