State of Qatar has cut a niche for itself in the world arena thanks to its effective and fruitful diplomatic efforts and mediation skills, which have contributed to the resolution of several vexing issues and thus bringing peace to areas fraught with conflicts and strife. A stage has come where the world pauses and listens with rapt attention when Qatar speaks and leaders across the world look to Qatar when events which are potent enough to shift geopolitcal balance happen.
Yesterday, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was extended a rousing welcome in Spain, where he reached on the second leg of a European tour. During an official reception ceremony hosted by H M King Felipe VI of Spain at the Royal Palace in Madrid, H H the Amir was accorded a 21-gun salute. H M the King and Queen Letizia led well-wishers to welcome H H the Amir and his Consort H H Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.
H H the Amir was honoured with a military parade by the Spanish Royal Guard and the Royal Cavalry before a meeting during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral friendship and cooperation and exchanged views on several issues of common interest. H H the Amir’s visit will be the only state visit H M the King of Spain will host this year.
Qatar and Spain are connected with historic relations which were strengthened by the existing relations between H H the Amir and H M the King of Spain. The bilateral ties have developed leaps and bounds ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972. Qatari Embassy was opened in Spain in 1981.
The relations between both countries cover a wide range of areas such as sports, education, economy, investment, tourism, culture, health, science, hospitality etc. Qatar is the top Arab investor in Spain. The total value of trade between Qatar and Spain in 2021 was worth 990m euros as Qatar’s exports to Spain reached 641m euros and imports from Spain hit 349m euros.
Qatar’s national football team is coached by Spaniard Felix Sanchez and there are several Spaniards playing for different clubs in Qatar. Qatar has been showing bigger presence as investor in strategic Spanish sectors such as aviation, construction, distribution, finance and energy.
Europe is eagerly looking forward to the tour of H H the Amir as it happens at a critical time when the world is passing through a difficult period. When the world was heaving a sigh of relief as the COVID-19 pandemic was waning, suddenly started the conflict between Russia and Ukraine which has already started showing a paradigm shift in the geopolitical balance.
