Doha, December 14 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the State of Qatar Andreas Nikolaides affirmed that Qatar National Day represents a valuable opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the State of Qatar and the impressive progress it has made toward prosperity and development. He extended, on behalf of his country, sincere congratulations to the leadership and people of Qatar on this national occasion.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE the Ambassador commended the outstanding accomplishments realized under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. He praised Qatar's major strides in diversifying its economy beyond reliance on hydrocarbons through the continued implementation of Qatar National Vision 2030 and its four pillars: human development through education and health, social development and cultural preservation, economic development driven by innovation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and environmental development.
HE the Ambassador also lauded Qatar's active and principled foreign policy focused on promoting peace and stability at both regional and international levels. He noted that the tireless mediation efforts led by HH the Amir and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani were instrumental in achieving the recent ceasefire in Gaza and were widely appreciated by the international community.
Furthermore, he highlighted Qatar's leading humanitarian and development role through institutions such as Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent Society, and the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, stressing their pivotal contribution to providing humanitarian assistance, combating poverty, and expanding access to education for underprivileged communities.
HE the Ambassador emphasized that bilateral relations between Cyprus and Qatar are witnessing significant growth and diversification across numerous sectors, including the economy, foreign direct investment, higher education, research, innovation, food security, waste management, shipping, and the digital economy. He also underlined the importance of the year-round daily flights operated by Qatar Airways between Hamad International Airport and Larnaca Airport in strengthening people-to-people ties.
As the European Union's geographically closest member state to the MENA and Gulf region, HE the Ambassador said that Cyprus places the highest priority on strengthening EU relations with MENA and Gulf partners. He added that enhancing interconnectivity and cooperation between the EU and Gulf states will be a central focus when Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the EU Council on Jan. 1, 2026.
Concluding his remarks, HE the Ambassador reaffirmed the strength of the ties between Cyprus and Qatar, stressing that both countries share a firm commitment to international law, the rules-based international order, and multilateralism in support of global peace and stability. (QNA)