Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah at the opening day of Darb Al Saai.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah emphasised that the theme of the National Day celebrations this year have a great symbolic value for the Qatari people, adding that this is what the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani promised his people.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that H H the Emir knows that his people are not proud of anything as they are proud of being Qatari.
Regarding the symbolism of Qatar’s celebration of this glorious national occasion, Dr Al Attiyah told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the 18th of December marks the establishment of the State of Qatar by the founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani who succeeded in achieving national unity and uniting tribes under a unified leadership.
The Defence Minister said that this year’s celebrations have a different symbolism compared to the previous years due to the extraordinary circumstances in which the people of Qatar showed their cohesion and unity with their wise leadership. He also emphasised the appreciated role of the residents in the country.
Al Attiyah praised Qatar’s wise and diplomatic handling of the unjust siege under the directives of H H the Emir, adding that many countries applauded Qatar’s call for a dialogue that does not affect national sovereignty and without any external dictations.
The Minister stated that the crisis was a surprise, but thanks to God and the wisdom of HH the Emir, Qatar has overcome the negative effects of the siege through its successful policies which accelerated the State’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in all fields, highlighting HH the Emir’s assertion that “we became stronger after the siege.”
Regarding the most important accomplishments of the Ministry of Defence last year and the plans for the next phase, especially under the unjust siege, Al Attiyah said that the Ministry has carried out many development projects on human, armament and facilities levels, which will strengthen Qatar’s defensive capabilities within all branches of the armed forces.
Additionally, the National Military Service has been developed to include a distinguish academic programme, as well as an academic candidate officer programme, which will provide the candidate with all combat and specialised skills and academic studies necessary to keep up with modern times, through partnerships with the world’s leading universities and Qatar University.
