Doha, November 21 (QNA) - Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the State of Qatar Paolo Toschi stressed that hosting the FIFA World Cup has been a major step for Qatar, both at the internal and at the international level.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency said that the last twelve years have been dedicated to prepare Doha and the whole country for the tournament. He added that Qatar's hosting of the tournament was "An ambitious target that implied radical urban transformation, fostering social changes and developing unprecedented capacity building and management. We can say that this global success projected Qatar on the world stage and many opportunities will arise." His Excellency said that the State of Qatar succeeded in establishing the link between local tradition and a global attitude, describing that as the key to the success of every international event.

"In hosting the first ever FIFA World Cup in the Arab world, Qatar merged these two different aspects with care," His Excellency added.

On bilateral relations between Qatar and Italy, he stressed that his country was an important partner to Qatar, highlighting the partnerships the two countries enjoy in many fields.

"Friendship between Italy and Qatar proved to be solid, with many achievements marking its success. Political and institutional contacts continued to expand. We saw a breakthrough on energy with the partnership between ENI and QatarEnergy in the North Field expansion projects," His Excellency added.

HE the ambassador also cited the defense cooperation between the two sides, mentioning in this regard the participation of Italian forces in securing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

His Excellency also highlighted the growing economic and trade ties, as well as both sides efforts to enhance cultural cooperation.
"We are working on more exciting opportunities of collaboration for 2023," HE the Ambassador said.

His Excellency expressed his confidence that Qatar has even more ambitious projects ahead, adding that Italy is ready to play its part to help it reach even higher peaks of success in the future.

HE the ambassador also expressed his country's appreciation for Qatar's efforts in settling crises in different areas around the world.

"Italy appreciates how Qatar is promoting unity, as demonstrated by its efforts to mediate between opposite Parties in many different scenarios in Asia, Africa and the Middle East," His Excellency said. (QNA)