UK Ambassador: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Opportunity to Alter Impressions on Middle East

Doha, November 15 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the State of Qatar John Wilkes said Monday that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is a golden opportunity to alter impressions about the Middle East, bridge the cultural gap with the West, and build new bridges to introduce the world to Arab and Islamic culture. His Excellency said in a press conference on Tuesday that the World Cup is also an appropriate occasion for everyone to see things in Qatar as they are, especially since the country has already made many achievements and implemented numerous reforms in the field of labor and human rights. Over the past 12 years, the State of Qatar has made great efforts in preparation for the World Cup and has achieved many reforms, and it is still continuing in these reforms, and there is cooperation between Qatar and the United Kingdom in this field, His Excellency said. In response to a question regarding the campaigns launched by some parties against Qatar's hosting of the World Cup, His Excellency said the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 attracted the world's attention to Qatar, and that some of the counter-campaigns might be attributed to ignorance of reality, inviting everyone to come to Qatar and see things on the ground, particularly amid the State of Qatar's announcement that all are welcome. Sports, especially football and its associated mega events, are an opportunity to change the way of thinking about a specific country, society or culture, and therefore the World Cup in Qatar will be an important event to change opinions and impressions, His Excellency added. The UK Ambassador hailed the infrastructure and amazing stadiums implemented by Qatar to host the World Cup, stressing that the World Cup will leave a legacy not only for Qatar but for the Arab and Islamic world and the entire region. The UK is enthusiastic for the tournament and wishes Qatar success in organizing the World Cup, His Excellency said, adding that the World Cup will be an opportunity to promote Qatari and Arab culture, as well as the cultures of the participating countries and fans, and therefore it is an occasion to build bridges and get to know the Middle East more. His Excellency voiced rejection of clash of civilizations, calling on British and international fans to come to Qatar to see the situation on the ground, and not to judge things without prior knowledge. Commenting on the distinguished relations between the UK and the State of Qatar, His Excellency hailed the existing cooperation relations between both countries in many economic, cultural, security and other fields. His Excellency added that the UK is cooperating with Qatar to make the World Cup a great success, and there is security cooperation between both countries to secure the tournament, in addition to tourism cooperation through British companies. The British Embassy in Doha will organize many cultural events on the occasion of the World Cup, including an event over the days of the tournament on the Doha Corniche, where there will be cultural, learning and innovation activities, in addition to a British cultural festival organized by the British Council in Doha from Nov. 21-28, His Excellency said. The British ambassador said he is happy for the participation of England and Wales in the World Cup, adding they were drawn in a tough group along with Iran and the US, making it difficult to predict which two sides would move to the knock-out stage. (QNA)