Doha: HE Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, Roshan Sithara Khan Azard, emphasized the significance of Qatar National Day as a reflection of the nation's development and its influential role on the global stage, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ambassador stated that National Day serves as a moment of pride for Qatari citizens while also being an inclusive celebration for residents and the international community, including the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Qatar. It underscores Qatar's values of coexistence, generosity, and partnership, as well as the country's achievements in regional and global stability.
The ambassador highlighted the strengthened bonds of friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Qatar, rooted in shared values of peace, development, and mutual respect. She noted that bilateral relations have expanded beyond traditional diplomacy to include cooperation in labor and human resource development, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. The vibrant Sri Lankan community in Qatar acts as a living bridge between the two nations.
She explained Qatar's diplomatic and political approach as being characterized by principles, pragmatic flexibility, and a forward-looking vision, based on dialogue, openness, inclusivity, and respect for international law. Qatar's balanced foreign policy has established the country as a credible mediator, engaging with various parties while maintaining balanced regional relations.
Regionally, the ambassador recognized Qatar's efforts in supporting de-escalation, promoting reconciliation, and engaging in humanitarian work. Internationally, Qatar's cooperation with multilateral institutions and its role in facilitating dialogue and providing humanitarian aid demonstrate its commitment to global peace and shared responsibility.
She emphasized that Qatar's diplomacy, grounded in a clear vision and moral credibility, effectively bridges divides and builds trust. From Sri Lanka's perspective, Qatar serves as a model for using diplomacy, soft power, and goodwill to promote peace and international cooperation.
The ambassador noted Qatar's progress in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, education, healthcare, sports, technology, and culture, while preserving its national identity and values. She highlighted Qatar's achievements in global connectivity, urban development, energy security, sustainability, and innovation, attributing these successes to long-term planning and effective governance.
Looking ahead, she addressed the potential for future cooperation between Sri Lanka and Qatar, particularly in energy security, renewable energy, food security, logistics, tourism, healthcare, and skills development. Enhanced private-sector engagement and increased institutional partnerships are expected to further boost economic cooperation, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Sri Lanka's development priorities.
The ambassador acknowledged Qatar's generous support to Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditwah, which reflected the humanitarian spirit and friendship between the two countries. Qatar's relief efforts reinforced the strong bilateral ties and highlighted the role of humanitarian cooperation in strengthening relations and solidifying friendship. This assistance remains a landmark in the history of Sri Lankan-Qatari relations, embodying the values of generosity, solidarity, and mutual support.