Dear friends,
I celebrate with you today my first Italian National Day since I arrived in Doha in January in a very exceptional context, far from what each of us could have ever imagined.
There is no doubt that Covid-19 has deeply affected Italy and the entire world. However, the pandemic has not undermined the founding principles of our democracy and the resilience of the Italian people.
Italy continues to stand up for the core values of freedom, justice and equality, as well as peace and international cooperation.
Italy and Qatar share a long-lasting and solid friendship, which contributes to reinforce the stability and safety of our countries and the prosperity of our people. Our close partnership has reached the highest levels in the exchange of visits between H.H. the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and the President of the Italian Republic, H.E. Sergio Mattarella, who came to Qatar on a State visit last January.
Coronavirus has not weakened this strategic partnership. On the contrary, it has strengthened our bonds.
When Italy was one of the first countries affected by the virus, His Highness the Amir, was one of the first world leaders to call the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to offer and deliver help.
Our Countries continue working closely to support a full recovery of our societies and encourage growth of our economies. Italian companies and their Qatari business partners are fully aware that this health emergency is just a segment – even if a difficult one – of a very long and fruitful path.
I am also pleased that some of the best institutions in Italy and Qatar in the field of science and medicine have partnered in the global fight against the Coronavirus. These medical researches along with other scientific and cultural collaborations are just few examples of people-to-people contacts that we can further develop to contribute to the wellbeing of our societies.
Dear friends,
Italy and Qatar will continue to count on each other to pursue common objectives and even exceed the outstanding results achieved together so far.
Viva l’Italia! Viva la Repubblica!
Video messaggio of the Ambassador of Italy to Qatar, Alessandro Prunas
