On December 18th, the Embassy held its annual celebration on the occasion of the National Day. It was attended by HE Mrs. Lina Pedraza, Minister of Finance and Prices, HE Mr. Rogelio Sierra Diaz, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, HE Mr. Armando Vergara, Director of the Department of Foreign Relations, and HE Mr. Roberto Blanco, Director of the Department of North Africa and the Middle East –both departments belong to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A large number of Cuban officials, ambassadors and heads of missions of international organizations in the country, as well as local guests joined us for the evening.
The event became a harmonious combination of both solemnity and joy from the beginning to the end. It all started with the warm welcome given by HE the Ambassador who, as usually, gave a speech stressing the importance of the celebrations held by the State of Qatar, as they do not only represent the cohesion between the people and their leadership; also, they remind us the grand, heroic deeds led by the Founder, the late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, and followed by the Qatari people.
Likewise, the Ambassador commended the Cuban government and the Cuban people, and emphasized the high level of relations between the two countries. He also condemned the unjust blockade against Cuba and Qatar, and appealed for a dialogue that helps to find reasonable and peaceful solutions to disputes and disagreements.
Later on, the audience had the chance to polish-up its knowledge on the State of Qatar, its history, development and prosperity, through a video specially prepared for the occasion. Afterwards, it came the time to catch up with old friends, to make new ones, to enjoy the music and the feast; it was the moment for the people to enjoy themselves.
Truly it was a night to be remembered.