The Cuban journalist Juan Dufflar wrote an article published both in the Cuban newspaper Trabajadores and the Arab League website in Cuba entitled "Qatar proved its Capacity for Survival" on June 8, marking the anniversary of the siege of Qatar.

The article:

A year after the collapse of economic relations and sanctions imposed by neighboring Gulf States and some countries, Qatar is now stronger, not only resisting the consequences of these decisions, but also making significant political, economic and social progress.

According to his remarks to the national media, His Excellency Mr. Rashid Mirza Al Mulla, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Cuba, assessed the ability of this Arab country to break the tight restrictions imposed on it and the demands made to it to stop the alleged and false support for terrorism and its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Al Jazeera.

 

Qatar considered these unfounded accusations and demands to be an attack on its sovereignty and a retaliation for its implementation of an independent foreign policy.

However, he said, we prefer a peaceful and civilized approach. We have tried many times to clarify and resolve these issues through dialogue, but the countries of the embargo have refused to communicate with us and listen to our explanations, to the point of reaching threats to change the regime in Doha”.

"The result was the opposite of what they expected, as these incidents increased the confidence of our people in the leadership of Qatar, and united the Qataris."

Mullah said one of the most aggravating factors was the hostile attitude of US President Donald Trump, who opposed the option of a peaceful solution between countries and support for Qatar's opponents.

Referring to the economic impact of the air, sea and land blockade, he pointed out that initially there was a slight scarcity, but Qatar was not isolated and did not fail to cover the basic needs of its 2.7 million inhabitants.

He stressed that the crisis "affected the lives of Gulf residents in all aspects related to health, education, social affairs and human rights”.

Qatar is the second largest natural gas exporter in the world after Russia and the eighth largest oil exporter in the planet, and in response to the blockade imposed by its neighbors, Qatar Petroleum announced in July that it will increase its natural gas production by 33%, from 77 To 100 million tons per year.

He noted that among these exports, huge wealth will be obtained to help ensure the prosperity of its population and invest in infrastructure that allows it to overcome the blockade. Food security has become a priority for Qatar.

In September, Qatar opened the new port of Hamad, one of the largest ports in the region, and is vital to help the national economy overcome the difficulties resulting from the unjust restrictions imposed.