EMBASSY OF INDIA

DOHA-QATAR

PRESS RELEASE

The Embassy of India to the State of Qatar held a Reception to commemorate the 71^st Republic Day Celebration on 28th January, 2020 at Hotel Sheraton, Doha.

The event hosted by H.E. P. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to the State of Qatar, was attended by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Bin Abdul Wahid Al Hamadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, H.E. Mr. Yusuf Bin Mohammed Al Uthman Fakhru, Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Yusuf Fakhru, Director, Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic corps and by over 800 members of the expatriate and Indian community in Qatar.

Ambassador, during his speech, conveyed his gratitude to HH the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Government of the State of Qatar for their continued patronage and support for the Indian community in Qatar. He highlighted the achievements in diverse fields by India, and the recent measures adopted by the government for sustained long-term growth. He emphasised the multi-faceted cooperation with the Government of the State of Qatar and pointed out that the last 12 months witnessed a number of bilateral activities, including the first ever bilateral naval exercise ‘Zair Al Bahr’, the 5^th meeting of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee and the maiden visit of the Commander of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces to India. He also mentioned that 2019 was celebrated as the 'India-Qatar Year of Culture', which offered a unique opportunity of renewing and revitalizing special bonds of cultural heritage between India and Qatar. He also added that people-to-people ties as well as ongoing mutually beneficial collaborations, have added momentum to India-Qatar ties. He hailed the initiatives from the Qatari side to address labour issues in a constructive manner and congratulated the Indian community for their valuable contribution towards the development, progress and prosperity of Qatar.

Students of various Indian schools in Qatar also rendered a scintillating cultural performance showcasing India’s vibrant culture.

Enclosures : Pictures of the event

: Speech delivered by the Ambassador

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