H.E. Nasser Ibrahim M. H. Al Lenqawi

We work on elevating relations to new horizons

Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive

You are the first ambassador of Qatar based in Prague. Can you tell us more about you?

My name is Nasser Ibrahim Al Lenqawi, and I am currently the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Czech Republic. I have extensive experience in diplomacy and international affairs, having started my career in Qatar back in 2001. Throughout my journey, I have worked in various positions and assumed different responsibilities, which have helped me hone my skills and broaden my expertise.

My career began at Qatar Gas Company, from 2001 to 2004. In 2005, I transitioned to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as a trade attaché in Switzerland. In 2012, I was appointed as the Director of Qatar’s Commercial Office at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.

In 2017, I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embarked on my diplomatic journey. I served as Consul General of Qatar in New York until 2021, which was a remarkable experience that deepened my understanding of diplomatic work and enhanced my communication and relationship-building skills.

After that, I was appointed as the Ambassador of Qatar to The Hague, the Netherlands, from 2021 to 2023. I was also a non-resident ambassador to Denmark during the same period, working to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the countries. Since October 2023, I have been appointed as Qatar’s Ambassador in Prague.

I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado, USA, which provided me with a strong foundation in management and leadership. Additionally, I am fluent in both Arabic and English, enabling effective communication in international forums.

On a personal note, I am married and have one child. I firmly believe that a diplomat’s role extends to building strong relationships based on respect and cooperation, which I always strive to achieve in my work. My vision is to develop cooperation between Qatar and friendly nations, enhance mutual interests, and support the path of development and progress.

What are some highlights about Qatar, which represent its spirit today?

The State of Qatar, located in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, has witnessed remarkable development in recent years. With substantial natural gas reserves, Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a historic event that showcased its capability in organizing global events. Qatar’s National Vision 2030 aims to achieve sustainable development and foster innovation across various sectors, contributing to an improved quality of life for residents. Qatar also strives to strengthen its international relations, especially with European countries, through cooperation in trade and culture.

How did you become an ambassador?

I became an ambassador of Qatar after being selected by my country’s government to represent it – a great honour. I have always been passionate about diplomacy and international relations, and have worked in this field for many years. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to participate in numerous conferences and events focused on fostering cooperation and understanding between nations, which further fuelled my desire to work on strengthening ties between cultures and peoples. Being an ambassador allows me to pursue this passion and to contribute towards building a better future for my country and its relations with the world.

You have been in the Czech Republic for a year now. Can you share some of your impressions?

It has been a truly wonderful year in the Czech Republic, and I have been deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality of the Czech people. I had the honour of witnessing the strong historical ties between our countries, which have grown even further over the past year. One of the key highlights was the official opening of Qatar’s Embassy here in Prague, attended by H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Jan Lipavský, Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, marking an important symbolic step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and formalizing relations.

This year was also filled with important milestones, including signing a trade agreement that strengthens our economic partnerships and supports sustainable growth in both countries. We have also seen increasing interest in exploring opportunities in key sectors such as sustainable energy, healthcare, human rights, and education, which opens new avenues for collaboration.

On a personal level, I enjoyed getting to know the rich Czech culture, whether through visiting historical landmarks, experiencing the traditions of this ancient country, or participating in annual events. For example, taking part in the Prague Bike Race was a wonderful experience that combined sports with community engagement. I was delighted to be part of this event, which reflects the people’s love for cycling and healthy activities. Such events not only promote physical fitness but also help to strengthen bonds between cultures and communities. I look forward to more opportunities to deepen our relationship and work together in areas of mutual interest.

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

One of the most challenging aspects of being an ambassador is balancing the pursuit of national interests with building positive and sustainable relationships abroad. Diplomacy requires navigating a complex political landscape and finding common ground on issues where views may differ. This demands patience and cultural sensitivity, as well as a deep commitment to listening and understanding the values and priorities of the host country.

Representing one’s country on the international stage comes with a great responsibility to maintain trust and credibility. Every conversation and decision can impact bilateral relations, making it essential for the ambassador to be well-informed and aware of the immediate and long-term implications of their actions. However, these challenges also make the ambassador’s role highly rewarding, as there is an opportunity to foster understanding, build bridges, and contribute to significant partnerships. This is what makes the hard work and difficulties worth the effort.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I make an effort to engage in activities that enrich my experience here. I enjoy visiting cultural sites, strolling in parks, and attending local cultural events and festivals. I also participate in sports activities like walking along the beautiful Vltava River, cycling, and swimming. These activities provide energy and focus amidst a busy work schedule and promote my personal health.

Additionally, I like to spend time with friends, whether through sports activities or social gatherings, as these interactions strengthen bonds and add a human touch to my professional life. I find that these activities help me stay present and fully engaged in my diplomatic responsibilities.

You can offer one of the best airlines to bring Czech visitors to Qatar. How do you promote your country?

Qatar is a unique destination that blends modernity and heritage, offering multiple opportunities to attract tourists. Qatar can be seen as a comprehensive brand that combines luxury, culture, innovation, and sustainability, making it appealing to tourists. Furthermore, Qatar is known for its hospitality, generosity, luxurious hotels, resorts, shopping centres, and, most importantly, security and safety. Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world, maintaining low crime rates due to factors such as strict laws, high vigilance, and social and economic stability.

What is the current status of Czech-Qatar relations?

Qatar and Czech relations started in 1992 at the level of ‘non-resident’ embassies, but relations between Qatar and the Czech Republic have seen remarkable growth in recent years, especially since 2017 when Qatar Airways launched direct flights, enhancing business activities between the two countries. This was followed by a visit by H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir, in 2022, and the signing of bilateral agreements, followed by the opening of resident embassies in both countries. In January of this year, H.E. Mr. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, visited Qatar. I can say that there is a strong desire from both countries to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields such as trade, tourism, health, and education. One of the key steps in developing these relations was establishing a Joint Committee for Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation, which held its first meeting in Doha in September 2024. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation in sectors like technology, transport, agriculture, and health. Economically, trade between the two countries reached around 630 million Qatari Riyals last year, with expectations for growth as Qatari and Czech companies expand cooperation in the coming years.

This interview is done on the occasion of your national day. What do you wish for your country? And for the Czech Republic?

I would like to emphasize the strong and close relations between the State of Qatar and the Czech Republic. These are solid relations, and Qatar looks forward to enhancing and developing them in all areas of common interest and elevating them to new horizons, serving the mutual interests of our two countries and peoples.

I wish both the State of Qatar and the Czech Republic progress and prosperity, and I hope for further cooperation between our two countries.