GCC Slams German Remarks over Qatar’s Hosting of World Cup

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks during a press conference in Riyadh March 17, 2022. AFP1
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks during a press conference in Riyadh March 17, 2022. AFP1
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GCC Slams German Remarks over Qatar’s Hosting of World Cup

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks during a press conference in Riyadh March 17, 2022. AFP1
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks during a press conference in Riyadh March 17, 2022. AFP1

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf condemned on Saturday remarks by Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser over Qatar’s hosting of the football World Cup in November.

In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Hajraf underscored the stance of GCC countries in supporting Qatar in confronting any interference in its internal affairs.

The GCC supports Doha as it confronts claims that do not serve the establishment of natural relations between countries, deeming the meddling a violation of norms, traditions, diplomacy and international laws.

Qatar continues to forge ahead in making achievements and hosting the landmark event next month, he added, saying it was a “deserved source of pride” for the nation.

Al-Hajraf praised the pioneering role Qatar is playing in building bridges between civilizations and bolstering understanding between peoples within the boundaries of mutual respect.

On Friday, Qatar announced that it had summoned the German ambassador over Faeser’s remarks, handing him a memo of complaint.

The Foreign Ministry said it summoned the ambassador to convey its “disappointment and complete rejection and condemnation” of Faeser's remarks, demanding a clarification.

In the complaint, the ministry expressed Qatar's complete rejection of those remarks made towards a country whose hosting of the World Cup was justice done to a region suffering from an unjust stereotype for decades, reported Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

Qatar is determined to organize one of the best editions to showcase the region's civilization and heritage to the whole world, it stressed.

The memo said Faeser’s remarks ahead of her official visit to Doha next week violated 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 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 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 German official's remarks as unacceptable and provocative to the Qatari people.

He stressed that it was unacceptable for politicians to try and score political points locally at the expense of their relations with other countries.



Saudi Arabia Implemented $7.1-Billion-Worth Projects to Support Children

KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
TT

Saudi Arabia Implemented $7.1-Billion-Worth Projects to Support Children

KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA

Saudi Arabia actively marks World Children's Day, observed on November 20 every year, through a range of projects and initiatives carried out by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), which is dedicated to supporting children and promoting their well-being worldwide.

Since its establishment, KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. Among these, 965 projects were valued at over $924 million, specifically focusing on enhancing the living conditions of children and their families, alleviating their suffering and ensuring access to education in safe and healthy environments.

One significant project by the center is the rehabilitation and reintegration of children recruited and affected by the armed conflict in Yemen, which aims to support child soldiers in their journey back to society.

The project has positively impacted 530 children and 60,560 family members. It entails facilitating the children's integration into their communities, enrolling them in schools, and offering vital psychological and social support through targeted training courses, helping them to lead normal, fulfilling lives.
KSrelief is a key supporter of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), significantly contributing to the delivery of health services and nutrition programs for newborns and their mothers. The center also plays a crucial role in supporting educational initiatives and ensuring the continuity of education in crisis and disaster-affected areas.