The Constitution of the State of Qatar affirms the following foreign policy principles: preserving sovereignty and independence, defending
the identity of the Arab and Islamic countries, respecting international covenants and conventions, consolidating international peace and security, defending public and private freedoms and human rights:
• “The state respects international treaties and conventions, and works to honour all international treaties and conventions to which it is a party.”
• “The foreign policy of the state of Qatar is based on the principle of enhancing international peace and security through encouraging the resolution of international conflicts by peaceful means, supporting the right of the peoples to self-determination, abstaining from interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and cooperating with all nations that seek peace.”
Qatar Humanitarian Diplomacy
Within the Gulf States, Qatar has had visible roles in humanitarian interventions in conflict-affected and post-conflict environments over the last two decades, with a clear priority given to addressing crises in Arab, Islamic and African states.
Amongst Gulf States, Qatar stands out as the most actively involved in mediation efforts which it describes as both a moral obligation and a way of gaining broader strategic advantages.
The decision to focus on conflict mediation as a major aspect of its international engagement forms part of Qatar’s independent foreign policy, most recently Qatar hosted and supported the Afghan peace process in which Afghan government and Taliban representatives said they have reached a preliminary deal to press on with peace talks, their first written agreement in 19 years of war.
The agreement lays out the way forward for further discussion but is considered a breakthrough because it will allow negotiators to move on to more substantive issues, including talks on a ceasefire.
International Partnerships
Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, the State of Qatar adopts an open economy, and its prosperity depends heavily on international trade, the economics of globalisation and interdependence.
Qatar’s strategy for international cooperation contributes to the achievement of the three pillars of sustainable development at the national, regional and international levels: social, economic and environmental development, in line with the 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar leads the policy of international cooperation and its pillars; including international development policy, where it coordinates ties with several governmental, non-governmental bodies and organisations, local and international, in line with national development plans.
Qatar’s driving force is its well-known civil and cultural heritage. It adopts a policy of moderation and cultural, civilisational and religious tolerance with all. Thus, it will spare no effort to spread the culture of peace, coexistence and acceptance of the other among all peoples and condemn all forms of extremism, violence and terrorism, whose roots should be addressed.
Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, the State of Qatar adopts an open economy, and its prosperity depends heavily on international trade, the economics of globalisation and interdependence.
Qatar’s strategy for international cooperation contributes to the achievement of the three pillars of sustainable development at the national, regional and international levels: social, economic and environmental development, in line with the 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar leads the policy of international cooperation and its pillars; including international development policy, where it coordinates ties with several governmental, non-governmental bodies and organisations, local and international, in line with national development plans.
Qatar’s driving force is its well-known civil and cultural heritage. It adopts a policy of moderation and cultural, civilisational and religious tolerance with all. Thus, it will spare no effort to spread the culture of peace, coexistence and acceptance of the other among all peoples and condemn all forms of extremism, violence and terrorism, whose roots should be addressed.
His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of the State of Qatar
His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani The Father Emir
Qatar’s Cultural Diplomacy
The State of Qatar played a crucial role in promoting the UN Initiative of the Alliance of Civilizations and it supports it by all possible means to reach its goals. Qatar has established the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue in 2008, which aims to encourage the peaceful coexistence of cultures and acceptance of others. Qatar also
created the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations. In addition to hosting the fourth UN Forum of Alliances of Civilization in 2011, Qatar also hosted the International Fellowship Program of the Alliance of Civilizations, which involves a group of young leaders from Europe and America form 2010-2013. Qatar organised the Preparatory Conference of the sixth UN Forum and the annual meeting of the Focal Points of the Alliance of Civilizations in Doha in 2014, in addition to many donations in millions of US Dollars the State of Qatar has provided to the UN Development Fund for the Alliance of Civilizations.
The State of Qatar considers that the Alliance of Civilizations is a unique opportunity for all nations to bypass their national framework towards the domain of cross-cultural exchange of ideas and experiences.
Qatar views the Alliance of Civilizations as a field of positive interaction and participation on all fields of interest such as: education, youth, immigration and the media.
Sports Diplomacy
The State of Qatar is one of the sponsors of the UN resolution on sports for development and peace, highlighting the importance of Sports in enhancing development, peace, respect and tolerance, achieving an active and healthy community. Therefore, the State of Qatar gives greater importance to sports, through hosting numerous international sports events. The value of sports culture in the State of Qatar is reflected through launching of local and international initiatives including the National Sports Day and “Doha Goals” initiative.
The State of Qatar is preparing to host the World Cup in Doha in 2022. The World Cup will accelerate the pace of development on a national level in regards to the infrastructure, taking into consideration national laws which the state of Qatar works to amend and implement, in accordance with international laws and regulations.
Hosting the World Cup in Qatar is a regional accomplishment that will contribute to development in the Middle East. This event will change the image of the Middle East and create an atmosphere of positive interaction between the region and the World.
Qatar’s Foreign Relations
The State of Qatar embodied its interest in international cooperation in its National Vision 2030, which calls for strengthening its regional role economically, politically and culturally, promoting cultural exchange, supporting dialogue of civilisations and contributing to achieving global peace and security.
During the past years, Qatar was able to establish strong partnerships and solid economic and investment relations with many world economies, which contributed to the embodiment of the open economy vision and the implementation of knowledge-based economic diversification plans away from oil and gas revenues.
The State of Qatar adopts an open economy and its prosperity depends largely on international trade, the economies of globalisation and interdependence. It is an active member of many regional and international organisations. It also acts as a bridge of understanding between North and South through its cooperative partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and through its diverse.
The foreign visits of His Highness the Emir, which were the main engine of foreign relations, come within Qatar’s approach towards a policy of openness, cooperation and participation with various brotherly and friendly countries and peoples in the service of national interests and aspirations and opening new horizons for investments and Qatari capital to launch promising investment projects in various continents of the world.
Qatar-Asian Relations
The Qatari-Asian relations are of the utmost importance, due to their size and influence in all aspects. Qatar is keen to strengthen relations with Asian countries in various fields and sectors. In view of the strength of relations between Qatar and the various Asian countries, high-level visits between the two sides have multiplied over the past years, and the importance of the Asian continent comes in several aspects, the first of which is its economic and trade capacity, considering most of its countries are from the developed countries, which is positively reflected in economic cooperation, especially in the fields of energy, industry and investments.
The country also continues its progress towards strengthening relations with ASEAN countries, especially in the fields of energy and telecommunications.
Qatar-Thailand Relations
The State of Qatar has close ties with the Kingdom of Thailand since the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries on August 7, 1980 AD, as its vision is based on developing bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the political, commercial, economic, tourism, military and security fields, and the employment of Thai workers in the State of Qatar, etc. This is based on the principles of mutual respect for the territorial integrity of each of them and non-interference in the internal affairs of the other side, as well as the standards of international law and the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, in a manner that responds to the national benefits of both countries, and the promotion and strengthening of international peace and cooperation.
The vision of the Kingdom of Thailand coincides with the vision of the State of Qatar in strengthening bilateral relations. The good relations between the two ruling families of the State of Qatar and the owners of the Kingdom of Thailand and the mutual high-level visits are the basis for the close bilateral relations between the two countries.
The State of Qatar also welcomed the strengthening of economic cooperation with Thailand during the visit of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Kingdom of Thailand at the end of 2019, through raising levels of
intra-trade, exchanging exports of foodstuffs, energy products, and trade and promotional exhibitions in the two countries. Investments will also be researched and studied, especially in other targeted sectors.
The Economic Achievements of the State of Qatar
The achievements of the State of Qatar, especially those achieved by many vital sectors in various fields, attract great global attention, and Qatar has managed to become the most open destination, in the Middle East, and the eighth in the world in terms of visa facilities, as one of the most prominent of these facilities was Exemption for citizens of 88 countries around the world (including the Kingdom of Thailand) from entry visas to Qatar.
The Qatari economy has proven solid and resilient during the neighbour’s blockade of the past three years, as it was evident in many industrial, commercial, agricultural and financial achievements, as well as leaps in energy and gas activities and the expansion of internal and external investments. The accomplishments and successes at all levels demonstrated that the plans and strategies adopted by the state are on the right track. For example, but not limited to:
• The Global Competitiveness Report for the year 2019 ranked Qatar as one of the most competitive economies in the Arab countries, as it ranked second in the Arab world and 29 globally.
• The International Monetary Fund has predicted that Qatar will be among the six countries in the world to achieve a budget surplus this year, despite the repercussions of the Corona pandemic, which
affected the economies of the world’s major countries remarkably.
• Qatar was among the 30 largest in the world in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 issued by the “Davos” Forum for the Global Economy. While it ranked first in the Arab world and among the top 10 in the world in more than 20 indicators in the competitiveness report.
• The State of Qatar is the largest producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas, with a rate of up to 30 percent of global gas production, its expansion and production projects and its investment plans. Petroleum announced a plan to raise the production capacity of LNG.
• The International Monetary Fund estimates that Qatar will succeed in the year 2020 in financing its entire government budget from the investment revenues of the Qatar Investment Authority.
Statement of His Excellency Ahmed Bin Ali Al Tamimi Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Thailand On the occasion of the National Day of the State of Qatar 18 December 2020
I am honoured to extend my sincere congratulations and blessings to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and to His Highness the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father, and to the Qatari people on the occasion of the National Day of the State of Qatar.
Our celebration of this day instils the spirit of patriotism to renew loyalty and allegiance to our wise leadership and to our dear homeland. We celebrate this eternal memory and our country is blessed with development at all levels. Under the wise vision of His Highness, the Emir, state institutions were established to ensure comprehensive development of the modern state.
On the occasion of the of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, it gives me great honour to express to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua our best wishes for good health and happiness, and to the friendly people of Thailand continued progress and prosperity.
Our foreign relations reflects our pride in the spirit of the National Day that requires us to act on our principles and our commitments for friendship and solidarity with all countries, and to strengthen bilateral cooperation and relations towards wider horizons.On this honourable occasion, I would like to commend the existing relations between the State of Qatar and the friendly Kingdom of Thailand, as 40 years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, bilateral relations are witnessing further strength and development. I am confident in the future of relations, as the signs of friendship between both countries are evident through the increase in bilateral cooperation.We pray to Allah to return this occasion and our country enjoys high security and steady prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness, the Emir.
Qatar Airways 5 Gateways Boost International Tourism to Thailand
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations. The world’s fastest-growing airline will add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network flying passengers on board its modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft.
Thailand is delighted to welcome Qatar Airways to work in partnership to strengthen tourism in Thailand and Qatar through building stronger transport links. Qatar Airways serves 5 destinations in Thailand with over 71 flights weekly to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi and U-tapao Airports.
Qatar Airways have won four prestigious prizes in 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards, including the highest accolade of ‘World’s Best Airline’ – becoming the only airline in the competition’s history to win it five times (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2019) it has won: World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
In just two years, for the first time in the history of the world’s ultimate footballing contest, the FIFA World Cup will kick off in the Middle East. Qatar 2022 will be a historic moment and one of great excitement for the footballing world and the region itself.
Al Thumama Stadium
Al Rayyan Stadium
On June 16, 2020 His Highness The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said: “While the world is taking the next step in returning to normality, we are sure that the next number of days will be better with the help of Allah, thanks to your courage, loyalty and sincerity. There will be days ahead that we can enjoy together looking at the stars of football playing in our stadiums, which Qatar looks forward to with passion and enthusiasm more than any other time. We look forward to giving a big welcome to people from all around the world who will attend an extraordinary World Cup.”
The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ will be an event that gives football fans convenience and complete choice, allowing them to create their own experiences. According to a statement issued by Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) on November 2020, around 90 percent of the infrastructure for the event is complete. The tournament will feature eight stadiums, with construction on three of them completed. Other stadium of “Al Rayyan” is set to be inaugurated on Qatar National Day. The inauguration will take place on 18 December 2020 exactly two years before the country host the FIFA World Cup final. Two more tournament venues are in the final stage of construction. And the remaining two are set to be completed in 2021.
Al Bayt Stadium
Education City Stadium
None of the FIFA World Cup™ stadiums in Qatar will be more than an hour’s travel time from any other. This will mean that fans can cheer on their favourite team in Al Janoub Stadium, south of Doha, in the afternoon – and be soaking up the atmosphere in Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City in northern Qatar on the very same evening.
Fans will travel to matches via metro, car, rail, bike or even water taxi, using advanced transport
systems that will help to make this the greenest FIFA World Cup™ ever. All accommodation, from budget options to luxurious hotels, will also be within easy reach of tournament venues.
Embassy of the State of Qatar
20th Floor, Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: +66 (0) 2660 1111