National Day/ Lebanese Ambassador Says His Country Will Not Forget Qatar's Support

Doha, December 07 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of Lebanon to Qatar Hassan Qassem Najem has expressed his optimism about the future of the Lebanese-Qatari relations, saying that his country will not forget the generous support extended by the State of Qatar. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of Qatar National Day, HE the Lebanese Ambassador hailed the way in which the country celebrates the event, where the flag of Qatar is hoisted everywhere and military parade and tribal performances are held to mark the event. "Since assuming duties in this country, my conviction grows daily that the people of Qatar live almost a national holiday on most days of the year. This impression is generated from my own observation on a daily basis." He added the National Day reflects clearly the extent of the national pride and the sense of belonging to this country under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, while commending the growth witnessed in the country in cultural, educational, social, economic and political spheres. He said the Qatari people deserve to celebrate in view of their countrys achievements as it is one of the world's highest per capita incomes and is one of key Arab states that spends heavily on education, health and sport among other fields. "Qatar is an active actor in regional and international institutions," he said, adding that the relations between Lebanon and Qatar are growing and are based on mutual respect. "The people of Lebanon will not forget Qatars generous support and they remember well its support during the Israeli aggression in 2006 when HH the Father Emir visited south Lebanon offering Qatars help to overcome the impact of the aggression. Qatars help went beyond economic field to include other areas such as helping the Lebanese to overcome their political differences, HE the Ambassador said, adding that the best example was when Qatar hosted Lebanese political parties who signed an agreement in Doha in 2008 to settle their dispute, leading to the election of president and the formation of unity government. Moreover, Qatar had helped to free Azaz hostages as well as Maloula nuns and the abducted Lebanese soldiers from Arsal, he added. The exchange of high-level visits continued as the president of Lebanon visited Qatar on more than occasions and other visits by members of the Lebanese government, he said, adding that he last of which were the Prime Minister Tammam Salams visit to Doha and visits by Senior officials. He said that he was confident that the Lebanese-Qatari ties would continue to flourish due to the two sides joint willingness to ensure constant cooperation and coordination and their continuous endeavors to enhance them. Concluding his remarks, he congratulated HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the government and the people of Qatar on the occasion of Qatar National Day. (QNA)