Qatar National Day celebrated on 18 December, is a day of national unity, one which celebrates Qatar’s core values of respect, hospitality, and community. It is a day to be inspired by Qatar’s past, celebrate the present, and look to the future.

The Embassy of the State of Qatar in London commemorated the event with an evening reception attended by esteemed guests, dignitaries and friends from across the UK, with special guest speaker Lord Coaker, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence.

 

  

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Iceland welcomed honoured guests, declaring their presence as a testament to the strength of the longstanding relationships between Qatar and the UK, and the enduring spirit of cooperation and friendship that defines our global community.

 

 

 

His Excellency reflected on the importance of fostering partnerships and continuing to build on the mutual relations between Qatar, the UK and the world. 

 

‘I often find that diplomacy, much like hiking, which I am so fond of, is a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties, but through determination and bold steps, it ultimately leads to rewarding achievements that are visible and impactful for all.’

 

Over the past year Qatar – UK relations have continued to grow from strength to strength, the culmination of which was the State Visit by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.

 

 

 

In His speech given to Members of both Houses of Parliament, His Highness The Amir expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the House of Commons Speaker, Lord Speaker, MPs and the British people for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to His Highness and the accompanying delegation during the visit.

 

Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith welcomed HH The Amir and the accompanying delegation, stressing the strength of Qatari-British relations and expressing their country's keenness to consolidate these relations across various fields and aspirations to continue close cooperation on regional security and stability.

Reflecting on the visit His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani, commented on the gracious welcome HH The Amir received by His Majesty, King Charles III and the agreements on a Future Framework to further strengthen Qatar-UK cooperation, raising the ambition and setting a strategic direction for the relationship between Qatar and the UK.

Having served in Qatar's Emiri Air Force, and is a certified pilot from the British Army Air Corps, His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani was keen to express his appreciation for the partnership of the joint Qatar-UK Typhoon squadron joint.

‘One of the projects, which is closest to my heart,  and brings back memories of my days as an Air Force pilot, is our joint Typhoon squadrons, the UK’s first Joint Squadron since the Second World War,  and the Hawk training squadron. Both squadrons speak volumes of our shared commitment  and cooperation to global security and stability.’

2024 saw Qatar-UK bilateral relations expand further. Amongst the venture is the commitment between Qatar and the UK to double the development cooperation co-funding initiative from $50m to $100m.

Additionally, Qatar and the UK's £1bn partnership with Rolls-Royce, highlights both nation's ambitions to advance clean-climate technology and energy security efforts.

 

As Minister of State, at the Ministry of Defence Lord Coaker spoke of the strong ties that bind Qatar and the UK. 

‘The  United Kingdom is proud to be Qatar’s oldest friend in the western world. We have a special bond founded on mutual respect which has stood the test of time. The State Visit demonstrated our mutual commitment to enhance defence, trade and security cooperation. ‘

 Lord Coaker thanked His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani and the State of Qatar for their continuing mediation efforts to bring peace across the globe.

 

‘In our more dangerous and contested world, we greatly appreciate Qatar’s commitment as a mediator to bring resolutions to international flash points and strengthen regional security based on the values we share.’

 

 

 

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani concluded his remarks with the hope of better days to come for Qatar-UK relations and the global community. 

‘Today we celebrate the bonds that unite us but also the shared values that carry us towards a brighter, more prosperous future.’