MoFA summons German ambassador over minister’s World Cup Qatar remarks
The Federal Republic of Germany’s Ambassador, Dr. Claudius Fischbach, was summoned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who also gave him an objection memo outlining the State of Qatar’s disappointment, complete rejection, and condemnation of the remarks made by German Federal Minister of Interior Nancy Faeser regarding Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested an explanation for these comments.
The document stated that Qatar utterly rejected the criticism leveled at a nation whose hosting of the World Cup served as justice for a region that had endured years of unfair stereotypes.
The memo also stressed that the State of Qatar is determined to organize one of the best editions of the World Cup to showcase the region’s civilization and heritage to the whole world.
The memo highlighted that the remarks made by the minister ahead of her official visit to Doha next week were against diplomatic norms and conventions, especially in light of the distinguished ties between Qatar and Germany in all fields.
The memo noted that the most prominent human rights groups and UN agencies praised the reforms implemented by the State of Qatar in the labor field, given they were effective and long-term, as well as being a result of years of planning and studies. The memo also highlighted that the reforms included many labor laws and practices related to them.
Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari described the remarks made by the German Minister of Interior as unacceptable and provocative for the Qatari people, stressing that it was unacceptable for politicians to try and score political points locally at the expense of their relations with other countries.
Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that the State of Qatar, since winning the bid to host the FIFA World Cup, has been subjugated to an unprecedented campaign that no other host country has ever seen before. His Excellency added that the campaign continued and expanded to include slander and double standards, noting that Qatar continues in its process of development and strengthening its international stance, not paying attention to such campaigns. Qatar is currently preparing to be a hub for civilized communication and the promotion of understanding among world nations in a frame of mutual respect during the World Cup.
During the inauguration of the second ordinary session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the Shura Council’s 51st annual session, the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani denounced the unprecedented campaign that Qatar has been subjected to since winning the bid to host the FIFA World Cup.
His Majesty said: “Since winning the right to host the World Cup, Qatar has been put through a campaign like no other host nation has ever experienced. In the beginning, we approached the situation in good faith and even saw some of the criticism as constructive and helpful in assisting us in developing the parts of ourselves that required development. But it quickly became apparent to us that the campaign has a propensity to go on and contain fabrications and double standards that were so virulent that it has, regrettably, led many people to wonder what the true motivations and purposes behind this effort are.”