Qatar's Embassy in Brussels has celebrated the country's National Day in a reception ceremony attended by senior officials from Belgium, the European Union and NATO as well as public figures, ambassadors and Arab and foreign media personnel in addition to Qatari citizens in Belgium. 

HE Qatar's Ambassador to Belgium Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani congratulated HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on the National Day. 

Speaking to the media, HE the ambassador said Dec. 18 is a special day for the Qatari people as they remember those who contributed to building the country, particularly the founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani who, thanks to his "sincere efforts," has become a historic figure for the country. 

Sheikh Ali bin Jassim added that the founder was the driving force behind establishing the identity of the State of Qatar and reaffirming its status among its Arab and Muslim brothers as well as other world countries.