First Conference on Democracy & Free Trade

H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The First Conference, inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs in April 2001, was held as a prelude to the world Trade Organization ministerial meeting held in November of the same year in Doha.

The Conference, entitled the "Qatar - American Conference on Democracy and Free Trade" was organized by the Gulf Center for Studies at Qatar University, The Heritage Foundation and the Islamic Institution, two U.S. based institutions.

The staging of the conference offered a valuable opportunity to publicly promote the principles of Democracy and free trade the government of Qatar is developing under the leadership and guidance of His Highness, the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa AL Thani.

H.E. The Foreign Minister said that democracy and free trade are the two pillars of Qatar's political and economic policies. He expressed his confidence that the presentations and discussions that took place during the 2-day conference had formed the basis for a constructive and positive dialogue, saying that the emergence of democracy would be inevitable. He added that the recommendations resulting from the conference reflected the ambitions of the Qatari people to have responsible freedom, social, political, cultural and social openness under the leadership of H.H.The Emir,Sheikh Hamad, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa AL Thani.

The participants applauded the way the first conference was organized, dealing with critical and vital issues that include free trade, economic rights, human rights, freedom of press and religious harmony in light of political disagreement.

One of the main factors covered by the speakers at the conference was the development of the democratic process that would eventually lead to the establishment of economic legislations that protect investor's interests and will eventually help build a strong economy.

Discussions at the conference also included the relations between Islam and the other major religions of the world, a relationship best described as peaceful and harmonious since Islam itself is based on the pillars of dialogue and peace. It was hoped that this dialogue would lead to the advancement and stability in the world community and greater understanding.

The delegates to the conference commended the efforts of the Qatari organizers who had helped make the inaugural event a total success. They praised the political, social and economic changes that Qatar has implemented in such a short period. These changes had been achieved while preserving the valued cultural heritage of the Qatari people and offered a shining example to the region as a whole.
 

First Conference schedule