Top diplomats in the country have lauded the government of Qatar’s efforts to espouse unity among Qataris and the expatriate communities since the imposition of a land, sea, and air blockade in June 2017.
German ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel stressed that since the beginning of the Gulf crisis German diplomacy has been “actively engaged” and will continue to work on a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
“Germany’s position on the crisis is clear: This is a time for unity, not disarray. All parties should be guided by the principles of equality, mutual respect, dialogue, international law, and, above all, by the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“Gulf unity is essential to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all Gulf countries and the wider region. Therefore, we fully and firmly support the mediation role of the Amir of Kuwait. We will continue to liaise closely with our European and US partners, and we stand ready to assist in any way that may be helpful,” Muzel told Gulf Times.
Panama ambassador Musa Asvat said the third anniversary of the blockade serves as “a great opportunity” and an inspiration to the international community.
“The world should pay attention to Qatar’s legacy – unity, which is a powerful tool that can transform the lives of others for the better because we are one world. Panama and Qatar share the same mission, which is to bringing peace, unity, and solidarity,” Asvat said.
Costa Rica ambassador Mariano Segura Avila said, “The blockade has been a great opportunity for Qatar to show the world the capacity it has to be not only a solid and prosperous economy, but also has a population that has managed to keep intact the desire to live in peace and in union among its inhabitants.
“The blockade has been an opportunity for Qatar to realise that there are peoples who share their wishes for peace and unity. On farther borders they have been able to find people with different cultures and customs, but with similar characteristics that amalgamate a single desire to prosper as a community.”
Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas, who arrived in Qatar only in January this year, said his first meetings with Qatari authorities, as well as with citizens and residents, gave an “immediate perception of a country moving towards very clear objectives of growth, reforms, innovation as well as international co-operation.”
“During my time in Doha, I have had the chance to personally witness many of the significant results and progresses achieved by Qatar so far, including but not limited to the important reform of the labour sector, the strong investment in education and culture as well as in the development of the private sector,” Prunas said.
He said, “As the ambassador, I am proud that Italy and the Italian resident community, both companies and individuals, have been and continue to be Qatar’s partners in the implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030 across different sectors.”
Citing the first offshore living quarter to be fully fabricated in Ras Laffan, Prunas described it as “a new potential for the country and for the collaboration between Italy and Qatar.”
“This is a tangible example of how co-operation and joined efforts can lead to new outstanding results and help to successfully overcoming the constraints and adapting to the changes that we find along our path.
“Indeed, in any situation and for every country, co-operation and dialogue remain the only key for the success in the long run, at a national, regional, and international level,” Prunas said.