Doha, July 22 (QNA) - HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani affirmed that the official bid submitted by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games represents a new milestone in Qatar’s journey of national achievements and embodies the advanced status the country has achieved in the global sports arena.

HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted that, should Qatar be granted the honor of hosting this global event, it would become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the Olympic Games -- a testament to its readiness, advanced organizational capabilities, and wealth of operational and technical expertise.

His Excellency added that the bid builds on Qatar’s proven track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which received global acclaim as the best edition in the tournament’s history.

Qatar, His Excellency noted, has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver fully integrated event models and create safe, welcoming environments for fans from around the world. These achievements have been bolstered by the country’s renowned hospitality and strong community engagement -- both of which reflect the core values of Qatari and Arab culture and greatly enriched the experience of past tournaments.

His Excellency stressed that Qatar’s bid goes beyond operational planning, embodying a comprehensive vision that positions sport as a universal language, a catalyst for sustainable development, and a bridge between cultures. This vision aligns with Qatar’s enduring commitment to the principle of “Sport for Peace,” a foundational element of its national development agenda.

In this context, HE the Prime Minister highlighted Qatar’s advanced security capabilities supported by cutting-edge technology, as well as the country’s pioneering role in securing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 -- experience now being shared to support the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasized that with its world-class sports facilities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and distinguished event management experience, Qatar is presenting a strong, integrated bid rooted in readiness, trust, and a history of successful execution. The bid reaffirms the nation’s commitment to delivering an inspiring 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games that provide a global platform for celebrating diversity and cultural exchange.

The bid is also a reflection of the ambitions outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a modern society that balances economic, social, and environmental development, with human development at its core. By using sport as a tool for progress and global understanding, the bid aligns with the Third National Development Strategy’s goals of reinforcing national identity, encouraging civic engagement, and strengthening Qatar’s global presence through sustainable, integrated pathways. (QNA)