In line with the commemoration of 45 years of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Mexico, the Qatari embassy in Mexico and the Mexican embassy in Qatar in coordination with the Mexican University “Iberoamericana” organised a virtual meeting on Thursday.
During the event ambassadors of the two countries discussed the current state of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Mexico, and the challenges and developments in bilateral relations.
Diplomatic relations between two nations were established on June 30, 1975. Qatar, since joining the UN in 1971, has managed to achieve an important position at the international level, not only for its geographical and strategic
situation in the Arab region, but also for its pragmatic and independent foreign policy; which contributed in a very active international agenda for Qatar in various sectors.
In this regard, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Mexico, H E Mohammed bin Jassim Al Kuwari recalled that through the “Qatar National Vision 2030” promoted by the leadership of Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has already achieved great results in all areas of the plan, which will serve as a framework for long-term national strategies. This plan aims to position Qatar by 2030 on the forefront in social, educational, economic and environmental matters.
In this framework, the ambassador spoke about the importance of human development in Qatar, to promote fair education for all, for which he gave as an example creation and operation of the “Education City of Qatar”, a very prominent education center in the region based on innovative development focused on education, research and innovation in the country.
He also highlighted that Qatar has a specialised Sovereign Investment Fund that invests in local and international projects. Founded in 2005 as a result of the proposed strategy of minimising the risks derived from Qatar’s dependence on energy, the fund predominantly invested in international markets (USA, Europe and Asia), but also in different sectors than energy.
In this area, the Qatari Ambassador discussed the oil exploration contracts won by the Qatar Petroleum company in Mexico in recent years.
He invited Mexican companies to invest in Qatar not only because it is a very safe country but also for its very modern infrastructure and facilities for foreign investors.
With regard to World Cup 2022 to be hosted by Qatar, the Qatari Ambassador invited Mexicans to visit the country and learn about its traditions, a relaxed and friendly tourist environment, and in general its culture that is made up of different ethnic groups and cultures that live in the country.
Mexican Ambassador to Qatar, H E Graciela Gomez Garcia said that there are around 600 Mexicans living in Qatar.
She also discussed the issue of trade, as she reaffirmed that trade between the two countries is increasing, and according to official statistics for 2019, the trade exchange between the two countries reached $111m, a growth of 60% over the previous year.
Already since 2018 there had been a significant increase in trade between the two countries, as there was an increase of 30% from 2017.
She also explained that Mexican exports to Qatar have grown considerably in 2019, reaching $70m. Despite the global economic situation from January to April this year, there was an increase of 25% in bilateral trade.
“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the trade situation a bit, but we have managed to continue strengthening ourselves with joint efforts,” the Ambassador pointed out.
Both the Ambassadors invited Mexicans to really get to know Qatar, and to enjoy what Qatar has to offer to everyone and to the fans in World Cup 2022.
They also highlighted the friendly relationship between the two countries, which was evident in the Club World Cup in 2019 hosted by Qatar.
The Mexican Ambassador to Qatar concluded by saying that the Mexican fans in the Club World Cup 2019 fell in love with Qatar.
¨It is a society not so different from ours in some aspects which makes it a very pleasant experience,” she said.
