Doha, December 11 (QNA) - HE the Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, affirmed that Qatar National Day is a recurring occasion in which citizens and residents alike celebrate feelings of national pride and shared belonging. It is a firmly established national occasion to recall the journey of building the modern state on the foundations laid by the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, embodied in the belief in national identity.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE the Ambassador further hailed the occasion as a "moment of collective joy and celebration, unifying Qatari citizens and foreign residents alike in shared national pride".

He conveyed congratulations on behalf of his government, saying: "On behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people, I wish to convey my warmest greetings and congratulations to the State of Qatar and its friendly people, led by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of Qatar National Day".

HE Ambassador Melicor emphasized the strength of relations between Doha and Manila, noting that the partnership is rooted in trust, shared values and more than 40 years of diplomatic cooperation. The close ties between the peoples of the two nations, he said, form the cornerstone of this relationship.

He highlighted the mutual commitment of both states to equality and respect as guiding principles in their joint efforts to address global challenges - including climate change, humanitarian crises and public health emergencies.

The ambassador also pointed to the countries' shared maritime heritage as coastal nations and their firm belief in the rule of law and international law. This, he said, underpins "continued collaboration aimed at solidifying a rules-based order in the conduct of international affairs".

HE Melicor said Qatar's active work to uphold a rules-based order aligns strongly with the Philippines' belief in the importance of international law, including respect for territorial integrity and protection of migrant workers' rights.

He noted that Manila values Qatar's "pivotal role" in addressing regional and international issues, praising Doha's "prominent record in preventive diplomacy and mediation for the peaceful resolution of conflicts". The Philippines, he added, has often followed a similar path, acting as a constructive mediator in multilateral forums when divisions threatened consensus.

The ambassador also commended Qatar's progressive and open policies, which he said have helped position the country as one of the most dynamic economies and destinations in the region and globally - from business to sports.

He highlighted Qatar's legislative and administrative frameworks as key drivers of investment and entrepreneurship, describing them as central to the country's rapid development. "Qatar's economic diversification blueprint, integrated within the development framework called National Vision 2030, is instrumental in guaranteeing the country's social and economic well-being in the future".

As Qatar prepares to mark its National Day, the ambassador reiterated Manila's commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and supporting the shared pursuit of stability, justice and sustainable development. (QNA)