Qatar National Library (QNL) donated more than 4,000 books in various fields of knowledge, culture and scientific research to the Somali National Library (SNL).
The donation comes within the framework of co-operation between the two countries in the educational and cultural fields.
Minister of Information Culture and Tourism for the Federal Government, Osman Abukar Dubbe, in his speech thanked the government and people of Qatar for their generous support, stressing that Somalia is grateful for the permanent and fraternal support from Qatar.
The minister noted that books are among the most precious gifts and said “whoever gives you a book has contributed to increasing your knowledge and culture.”
Somali Minister of State for Education, Culture and Higher Education, Abdullah AbuBakr Hajji, thanked Qatar for its continuous support of Somalia and the donation of more than 4,000 books from QNL.
The minister pointed out that Qatar is a pioneer in providing support to Somalia, adding that it had previously funded a number of humanitarian and infrastructure projects, such as the Mogadishu-Afgoye road, in addition to the construction of some government headquarters.
Director of the Somali National Library, Dr Mohamed Ahmed Sheil, said the books donated by QNL are of scientific value and will help enrich the National Library with reference books.
Sheil indicated that this is the beginning of the relationship between the two libraries in exchanging experiences and archaeological materials.
Sheil thanked the government and people of Qatar for their efforts in supporting Somalia and standing by it in difficult times.
Qatar’s ambassador to Somalia, Hassan bin Hamza Hashem, said QNL’s donation comes within the framework of co-operation between the two countries in education, culture and scientific research, as well as to support Somalia’s stability and progress.
It also helps achieve the mission of Qatar Library in preserving heritage and creating a reliable information environment, because it aspires to be one of the world’s distinguished centres in the fields of learning, research and culture, the envoy said stressing these achievements would not have been possible without the strong fraternal relations under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, as well as between the peoples of the two countries.
Minister of State and President of QNL, Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, said QNL – as an institution working for education, research and culture – is keen on providing educational and cultural opportunities in all parts of Qatar and the world, especially in Africa.
These books have been carefully selected to cover various topics, disciplines and areas that enhance the ability of young people and adults to expand their knowledge and perceptions, he added.
The QNL president expressed his hope that the books donated to the Somali library will contribute to stimulating positive thinking and inspiring readers in Somalia. He stressed that this gift is part of greater efforts undertaken by Qatar, particularly Qatar Foundation, in spreading knowledge and providing assistance to friendly countries through the influence of the book in its traditional or digital form.
“We are confident this effort will constitute an additional factor for the role of Qatar in supporting these friendly countries in all fields, especially as it comes from the Qatar’s keenness to spread knowledge and fight ignorance everywhere,” he said.
The record of handing over books to the Somali side was signed by Qatar’s ambassador to Somalia and the director of the Somali National Library.(QNA)
