Edited by Anna Popper
December 2025 marked a meaningful chapter for the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Budapest, highlighted by the celebration of Qatar’s National Day and an important diplomatic milestone.
In this context, His Excellency Mr. Radi bin Sowayed Al Ajami, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Hungary, presented his credentials to H.E. Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary. During the meeting, the Ambassador conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to President Sulyok, along with His Highness’s best wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Government and people of Hungary. President Sulyok, in turn, extended his greetings to His Highness the Amir, wishing him enduring health and happiness, and further advancement and prosperity for the State of Qatar. Diplomatic relations between Hungary and the State of Qatar were established in 1990, initially through non-resident embassies. In 2004, Qatar opened a resident embassy in Budapest.
Grand Celebration in Honour of Qatar’s National Day
The State of Qatar observes its National Day on 18 December each year, commemorating the unification of the nation in 1878 under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of Qatar.
On this historic occasion, Qataris honour the legacy of the founder, who 147 years ago established an independent state based on unity, justice, noble human values, and a renewed commitment to progress. His successors, the rulers of Qatar, have followed this path with wisdom and integrity, embodying the spirit of consensus and national unity. The National Day marks the birth of Qatar as a cohesive nation rooted in the enduring values of faith, unity, identity, and cultural heritage. Over time, Qatar has reached a prominent position on the world stage, supported by its strategic location, abundant natural resources, remarkable economic and social achievements, and forward-looking leadership. Today, Qatar stands as a symbol of progress and prosperity both regionally and globally.
To honour this momentous anniversary, H.E. Mr. Radi bin Sowayed Al Ajami, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Hungary hosted a grand diplomatic reception at the Budapest Marriott Hotel. The event welcomed senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of cultural and academic circles, business leaders, and Qatari nationals residing in Hungary. The Guest of Honour was Mr. Sándor Fazekas, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament.
The 2025 motto: “With You It Rises, From You It Awaits” (Bikum Ta‘lu wa Minkum Tantazer), drawn from a 2016 address by His Highness the Amir, reflects Qatar’s conviction that its greatest wealth lies in its people. It underscores the central role of human development in national advancement and affirms that Qatar’s progress is strengthened through shared responsibility, unity, and the continued dedication of its citizens.
The celebration began with the national anthems of the State of Qatar and Hungary,
and was followed by the Ambassador’s address:
“Excellencies, Mr. Sándor Fazekas, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, Representatives of the Hungarian Government and official institutions, Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, Heads and Members of the Diplomatic Missions, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me a great pleasure and honour to welcome you all as we celebrate the National Day of the State of Qatar – a day on which we recall the nation-building journey and the values of sacrifice, loyalty, and unity laid down by the Founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, may God have mercy upon him. On this occasion, we also renew our pride in the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State, may God protect him, and in the values and vision that form the basis of our development path and our aspirations for a stronger and more prosperous future.
Our celebration this year takes place amidst complex regional and international challenges, which once again underscore the importance of collective action and partnerships built on trust and mutual respect. In this context, we highly value the notable and continuous progress in Qatari–Hungarian relations, reflected in ongoing coordination and a series of high-level engagements that have elevated our bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership. The year 2025 witnessed a distinguished set of initiatives and exchanges, reflecting the depth of cooperation between our two countries and their shared commitment to broadening the scope of partnership.
In this regard, we were honoured by the participation of H.E. Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, in the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from 4 to 6 November 2025, reaffirming the continuation of dialogue and cooperation on key developmental and social issues.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Doha on 12 September 2025, following the Israeli attack on Qatar, conveyed a clear message of Hungary’s solidarity with the State of Qatar, its government, and its people, and reaffirmed Hungary’s support for Qatar’s security and stability.
We also appreciate the telephone conversation between H.E. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, and H.E. Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, in which the Hungarian Minister reaffirmed Hungary’s unequivocal support for Qatar’s security and stability in the aftermath of the Iranian and Israeli attacks.
On the parliamentary level, the official visit of Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, to Qatar from 25 to 28 May 2025, and his meetings with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir, and H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, further deepened the political and economic dialogue and strengthened institutional ties between our two countries.
In the economic sphere, the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), leading a delegation of six Hungarian agricultural companies, paid an official visit to Qatar on 5 May 2025. The discussions focused on enhancing economic cooperation, developing bilateral partnerships, and exchanging expertise.
Furthermore, at the invitation of the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, a delegation of the Qatari Shura Council, led by H.E. Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Mesallam, visited Budapest from 14 to 17 April 2025. The meetings addressed ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and advance bilateral relations in various fields for the mutual benefit of our two friendly nations.
The State of Qatar has firmly established its role as a promoter and facilitator of peace at both regional and global levels. Mediation has become a cornerstone of Qatar’s foreign policy, which is guided by diplomacy, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, facilitation of negotiations, prisoner exchanges, and the entry of humanitarian aid are among the most significant achievements of Qatari mediation over the past quarter-century. In addition, Qatar has played an active role in mediating numerous regional and international issues, thus earning its reputation as a credible and trusted partner for peace and stability.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my warmest Christmas and New Year’s wishes to all of you and to the friendly people of Hungary. May the coming year be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Thank you for your kind attention, and I hope you enjoy this occasion that is so dear to our hearts.”
“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
In his speech, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Sándor Fazekas, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament highlighted the steadily strengthening partnership between Qatar and Hungary, noting that cooperation in priority areas such as environmental protection, diplomatic training, youth and sports, and agriculture has reached a strategic level.
He emphasized the value of parliamentary cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations and stressed the importance of people-to-people ties – supported by tourism, direct air connectivity, youth exchanges, and sports cooperation – in fostering mutual understanding and trust.
Referring to Hungary’s EU Council Presidency in 2024, he reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to strengthening EU–GCC countries relations, advancing trade, reducing barriers, and supporting visa liberalisation. He also praised Qatar’s growing international role as a stabilising and mediating actor.
Last but not least, the love of sport was highlighted as a shared bond: the Guest of Honour congratulated Qatar on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and commended the country’s proven commitment to sport, reflected in its successful hosting of major international events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Arab Cup.
The official programme concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting by the Ambassador, a moment to which the heads of mission in attendance were also invited to join.
A lavish reception then welcomed the guests, offering a rich selection of Qatari specialities, including traditional sweets and date-based creations, very much appreciated by the invitees.
The evening ended with a raffle draw, featuring Qatar Airways flight tickets to Doha as a part of the celebration.
Source: Embassy of the State of Qatar in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Budapest by Timea Drobilich and Diplomatic Press Agency
