Spanish Ambassador Declares Human Rights Essential for Peace During National Day Celebrations in Doha

At a grand National Day reception held at Raffles Doha, Spanish Ambassador to Qatar Álvaro Renedo Zalba emphasized that lasting peace is impossible without human rights, diplomacy, and international law. Speaking in an exclusive interview during the event, the ambassador condemned the ongoing crisis in Gaza and stressed the importance of continued cooperation between Spain and Qatar to address regional challenges.

The celebration, marking Spain's National Day annually observed on 12 October, brought together high-profile dignitaries, including Qatar's Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Protocol Department Director Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro. Other notable diplomats in attendance included Türkiye's Ambassador to Qatar Yakup Caymazoğlu, Dominican Republic Ambassador Georges Bahsa Hazim, and Croatian Ambassador Drago Lovrić.

Ambassador Zalba highlighted Spain's firm stance on the Palestinian issue, reiterating support for Palestinian statehood, humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution while rejecting the annexation of territory and settler violence. He also expressed solidarity with Qatar amid regional tensions, praising Doha's diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation and noting the strong bilateral ties spanning political, economic, and cultural sectors.

The evening featured a vibrant cultural program that blended Qatari and Spanish traditions, opening with a fusion of the Qatari Ardha and Spanish flamenco. Guests enjoyed authentic paella prepared by chefs flown in from Valencia and viewed a special edition of La Menina created by Spanish artist Antonio Azzato and painted by Qatari artist Muna Al Bader. Concluding the evening, the ambassador paid tribute to the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani before joining guests of honour for a traditional cake-cutting ceremony.