PREPARATIONS for the first FIFA World Cup happening in the Middle East in 2022 is well ahead of schedule, this according to Qatar Foreign Minister His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
In local celebration of their National Day early this week held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, the Qatari foreign minister said that they are very excited to host and welcome the best footballers and fans in the world and that they have been making major progress in their preparations.
“2022 FIFA World Cup is a first and foremost opportunity for the Arab world and the Middle East to highlight the true and peaceful nature of the rest of the world. It also gives the State of Qatar a great opportunity to stimulate innovation, positive change and sustainable development,” said His Excellency during the reception attended by foreign dignitaries and government officials.
“The State of Qatar is currently building eight stadiums, 64 training grounds, five fan areas and accommodation, as well as major infrastructure developments including roads, railways and airports. The World Cup is an occasion to bring people together, overcoming geographical, religious, cultural and linguistic differences,” he added.
As they prepare for the biggest football event in the world, Qatari officials said the Philippines has been part of it through Filipino workers whom they described as “very professional, educated and talented.”
“Qatar now has more than 240,000 Filipino workers and they are enjoying the privilege of the Qatari government. They are also our partners in development, and we are looking forward to an even stronger relationship. And because of the FIFA World Cup 2022, we now require additional supply of manpower from the Philippines. We also see Filipino workers as one of the best in the world, very professional, educated and talented,” said Qatar Ambassador to the Philippines Ali Ibrahim Al Malki in his own message during the reception.
The Qatar ambassador continued that Qatar-Philippine relations has been doing well as both groups have been willing partners in a number of agreements.
“The ties between the Philippines and Qatar are going very well. This year in April, President [Rodrigo R.] Duterte visited Qatar and both sides signed new agreements; we are also currently working on other agreements right now. We are expecting this relationship to go ahead with more enhancements in the field of investment, as well as political cooperation,” Mr. Al Malki said.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 takes place from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18 and will feature 32 teams/nations. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
