At Spain’s National Day in Doha, ambassador says peace is ‘unattainable’ without human rights

The Spanish Embassy in Qatar brought together hundreds of officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Spanish community at Raffles Doha for a National Day reception celebrating Spanish heritage, growing ties with Qatar and shared diplomatic priorities, including Palestine.As Spain marked its National Day at Raffles Doha on Sunday, Spanish Ambassador to Qatar Álvaro Renedo Zalba told Doha News in an exclusive interview that “the barbarity in Gaza is intolerable,” and called on Qatar and Spain to keep working together on international law, human rights and diplomatic solutions to the violence in Palestine and across the region.Peace, the ambassador said, would remain “an unattainable dream” without human rights, diplomacy and international law, principles described as central to the foreign policies of both countries.The remarks came as hundreds of Qatari officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Spanish community gathered at Raffles Doha for the occasion, celebrated annually on 12 October. Doha News served as the event’s official media partner.Palestine and growing diplomatic tiesIn a formal address to guests, Ambassador Zalba spoke of the “harrowing toll wrought by the barbarity in Gaza,” placing Palestine among the major challenges confronting international peace and security.“Addressing the dire situation in Palestine is also an urgent priority for Spain,” the envoy said, reiterating Spain’s support for Palestinian statehood, humanitarian assistance and a two-state solution.The ambassador firmly rejected the annexation of Palestinian territory, the forced displacement of Palestinians and Israeli settler violence, warning that such actions undermine international law and the prospects for a just and lasting peace.The Spanish ambassador also expressed Spain’s solidarity with Qatar amid ongoing regional tensions, condemning attacks on the country’s sovereignty and recognising Doha’s diplomatic efforts to promote de-escalation. Drawing parallels with Qatar’s role in international diplomacy, the Spanish diplomat pointed to the two countries’ shared commitment to dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution and international cooperation.Turning to bilateral ties, the envoy highlighted growing political, economic and cultural cooperation between Qatar and Spain, including high-level engagement, security cooperation and preparations for future sporting events. Spanish companies are also increasingly present in Qatar, particularly in energy, technology, education, agriculture and infrastructure.Guests of honourRed and yellow illuminated the hotel’s façade as the Spanish Embassy welcomed guests for an evening celebrating Spain’s heritage and its relationship with Qatar.Among the guests of honour were 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.Türkiye’s Ambassador to Qatar Yakup Caymazoğlu was among the notable guests, alongside Dominican Republic Ambassador Georges Bahsa Hazim and Croatian Ambassador Drago Lovrić.From the fusion Qatari Ardha with Spanish flamenco, to paella Two young Qatari twins opened the cultural programme as masters of ceremonies, welcoming guests and introducing the evening’s performances.An Ardha-inspired Qatari performance took the stage before moving into flamenco, shifting from local rhythms to the expressive footwork and handclaps of southern Spain. Presented back to back, the performances brought the two traditions together on one stage.Spanish gastronomy featured throughout. Chefs flown in from Valencia exclusively for the event prepared paella at a live cooking station, while guests sampled traditional dishes from different regions of Spain.The art display included Qatar’s edition of La Menina, created by Spanish artist Antonio Azzato and painted by Qatari artist Muna Al Bader. Inspired by Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas, its maritime design and wave motifs bring together Spain’s artistic heritage and Qatar’s relationship with the sea.History, tribute and gratitudeAmbassador Zalba reflected on Spain’s cultural legacy and its role in connecting communities across continents, describing the country as a bridge between Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Arab world.The ambassador paid tribute to the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, recalling the transformative leadership that shaped Qatar’s development and international standing.In the interview with Doha News, the Spanish envoy explained the historical significance of Spain’s National Day, tracing it to 12 October 1492 and Christopher Columbus’s voyage under the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabel I de Castilla and King Fernando II de Aragón.“It’s a very significant date,” the ambassador said, describing the voyage as ushering in “an unprecedented era of global interconnections.”The ambassador also thanked Doha News, praising its journalists for their professionalism and commitment to covering issues that matter around the world while delivering high-quality news to audiences in Qatar.The reception concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony led by the Spanish ambassador alongside the guests of honour, closing an evening centred on cultural exchange, diplomacy and community.