QNA
Vice President of the European Parliament (EP) H E Eva Kaili considered that the State of Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 constitutes an opportunity for Qatar to show the international community its various achievements and represents a unique opportunity for Qatar to obtain international recognition of the role it plays, especially in the field of the labour market, which is praised by the European Parliament.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 represents a major driver for change and allows a unique opportunity for Qatar to obtain the international community’s recognition for its role and achievements, expressing her hopes for this event to succeed, Her Excellency told Qatar News Agency (QNA).
She added that she is well aware of the great progress achieved by Qatar in the field of the labour market. She added that she met with representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO) office in Qatar, who confirmed that Qatar could be a role model for the countries of the region and beyond in that field.
Kaili pointed out that the State of Qatar has achieved - according to the ILO office in Qatar - all the necessary requirements in the field of the labour market, and the implemented reforms in this framework have swiftly taken place.
The recent inauguration of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Doha reflects the extent of the European countries’ appreciation for the reforms made by the State of Qatar she stressed. She added that the plans for exempting Qatari citizens from obtaining a Schengen visa to visit the European Union countries - which is backed by the EP - also reflect that these reforms are appreciated in the best way possible, indicating that the EP will welcome HE Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri in a few days.
The EP understands the challenges that the State of Qatar had to face within the framework of the reforms made in both public and private sectors and that she hopes that other GCC countries follow Qatar’s lead she said. Thus, we learn from each other to do the is best for the future and to always be able to discuss and come up with solutions for any challenges that might occur.
Eva Kaili also stressed that the EP is keen on strengthening its relations with the State of Qatar as well as other GCC countries, as her current visit to Doha comes within the framework of discovering ways and means of strengthening the parliamentarian cooperation with the Shura Council of Qatar.
She added that the inauguration of the European Union Delegation premises in the State of Qatar represents a sign of our desire to work together more closely, and I hope to achieve tangible results between the two parliaments. The newly appointed European Union resident Ambassador to the State of Qatar will follow the implantation of our ambitious agenda towards the GCC countries.
She expressed her appreciation of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s reception on Monday. In this regard, she said that the meeting with the Amir constituted an opportunity for a fruitful discussion of the issues of common interest between the EU and the State of Qatar, including bilateral relations, energy security, social progress within the context of Qatar National Vision 2030, cooperation in defusing tension, achieving global security, and respecting international law and national sovereignty.
Kaili pointed out that her visit to the State of Qatar also aims to promote the parliamentarian relations between the EP and the Shura Council of Qatar, especially after the first Shura Council elections in Oct. 2021. She noted the importance of exploring the common opportunity for establishing an organized parliamentarian dialogue between the two sides that covers bilateral relations, legislative initiatives, exchanging best practices, and promoting common values, including empowering youths and women as well as social and human rights. She stressed that holding the first legislative elections for the Shura Council constitutes a milestone for the Qatari citizens’ participation and their representation in political and institutional practices and policy-making, adding that she is convinced that this long-awaited decision represents a major step toward the gradual establishment of a practical parliamentarian system in Qatar.
Kaili renewed the EP support of exempting Qatari citizens from obtaining a Schengen visa to visit the European Union countries, which in turn provides EU citizens to visit Qatar without the need for obtaining a visa. She said that she is convinced that such a decision will intensify dialogue between the communities of Qatar and the EU and make a significant increase in exchange on the human, scientific, and technological levels, thus, enhancing the understanding between peoples of EU and Qatari people and improving their perception of each other. She added that she is here in Qatar today representing the EP and its presidents on behalf of 500 million European citizens of 27 European countries, who watch with great interest the progress achieved by the State of Qatar on the social side, as it reflects our common values and principles.
In conclusion of her statements to QNA, Vice President of the European Parliament Eva Kaili stressed the potential of cooperation between the EU and Qatar in various fields such as technology, science, education, and energy.
