The Cuban newspaper Trabajadores (the Workers) had an interview with HE the Ambassador on December 18, 2018, on the occasion of the celebration of the National Day of the State in Havana.
The interview is as follows:
"The Cuban hospital in Dukhan, under the auspices of Cuban doctors and specialists, is a symbol of the relations between our two countries, and Cuba should be proud of the preparation of several generations of distinguished specialists," Rashid Mairza Mahmoud Al Mulla told the Tribajadores newspaper.
“The Cuban health system is respected and has a high standing in the world", the diplomat said, adding that the decision to build the modern medical center, with 450 doctors, nurses and technicians from Cuba, was awarded the Ghana Press Press Award twice (2015 and 2018) for Excellence in Nursing.
In an exclusive interview with the newspaper on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the establishment of the Gulf state by Prince Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani in 1878, the diplomat highlighted the achievements of his country in recent years, which he described as characterized by prosperity and economic, political, social and human development.
Among the achievements on 2018, he stressed the promotion of a high quality education system - currently ranked first in the Arab world and the fourth in the world-, as well as the consolidation of the production and export of liquefied gas "Qatar has the second largest production in the world and ranks third in the world of gas reserves. "
The other sectors that the country has been intensively developing are the infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup (for the first time in an Arab country), plus science and technology. "In 2021, Qatar will commercialize the first electronic car based on clean energy, for the preservation of the environment, a subject of great and lasting concern from our Government." The diplomat added.
Rashid Mairza also explained the high level of social indicators, respect for human rights and health care for Qataris as well as foreign workers and residents. The country ranked first in the Arab world in the field of free services.
On international policy, the Qatari ambassador stressed the broad cooperation with the United Nations and the active role of the state in the peaceful resolution of regional and global conflicts. Many countries have asked Qatar for its intervention as mediator between the conflicting parties.
Speaking of relations with Cuba, where he was appointed ambassador five years ago, he said that this stage has witnessed an important development in bilateral relations. He noted the visit of His Highness Prince Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the island in 2015, during which important agreements were signed, as well as the exchange of visits between ministers and dignitaries in both countries.
Qatar and Cuba enjoyed good levels of cooperation and political consultations, as well as the desire of both parties to further develop them. This also applies to relations between the two countries in the framework of international forums and organizations.
On the economic front, he stressed that the relations were going well and that the Cuban side had made several investment proposals for the State of Qatar on the island, which his Government is evaluating to provide the agreed funding of $ 2 billion, especially in the tourism, energy and health sectors. In addition, agreements are being implemented to allow direct flights between Doha and Havana.
"I would like to congratulate the Government and the people of Cuba on the civil and democratic electoral process, as well as the congratulations to President Miguel Diaz Canel on his assumption of power in Cuba, and we are confident that he will follow the revolutionary process initiated by Fidel Castro.", said Mr. Al Mulla.