Doha, Qatar: Mexico’s 216th Independence Day was celebrated in Doha on Tuesday with a gathering of Qatari officials, diplomats and members of the Mexican community, highlighting the growing friendship and cooperation between Mexico and Qatar.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai; Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhro; Director of the American Affairs Department Jassim Al-Asmakh; members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries attended the celebration hosted by Mexican Ambassador to Qatar H E José Guillermo Ordorica Robles.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the late Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and all those who lost their lives as a result of the tragic events affecting Qatar and the region.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ordorica highlighted Mexico’s commitment to inclusion, social justice and shared prosperity under President H E Dr Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president. “Under her leadership, we continue strengthening cooperation and solidarity among nations. And these are common certainties for Mexico and Qatar,” he said.
The ambassador also reaffirmed Mexico’s support for Qatar during what he described as a challenging year for regional peace and stability.
“The Government and people of Mexico firmly stand with Qatar in this challenging year, in which peace in the region is at stake,” he said, stressing the importance of diplomacy in promoting peace, stability and understanding.
Reflecting on Mexico’s independence struggle, which began in the early hours of September 16, 1810, Ambassador Ordorica said the annual celebration represented the resilience and diversity of the Mexican people.
“Our history has known difficult moments, but it has also taught us that challenges can be overcome when the people remain united and confident about the future,” he said.
He described Qatar as an important partner for Mexico and pointed to opportunities for greater economic cooperation, citing Mexico’s connectivity, skilled workforce, industries and access to international markets.
“No doubt that Qatar has established itself as an important partner for Mexico, under the leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,” he said.
The Ambassador announced that Mexico City would soon host the Third Meeting of the Bilateral Political Consultations Mechanism, which will be attended by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi.
“This high-level visit will provide an important opportunity to deepen our political dialogue, identify new areas for cooperation, promote economic complementarities, and encourage greater contact and reciprocal visits between our two countries,” he said.
Ambassador Ordorica also highlighted the Qatar–Mexico–Canada Year of Culture 2026, which he said would provide further opportunities to showcase Mexican culture in Qatar while celebrating the heritage. The evening featured the traditional Grito de Independencia civic ceremony, held annually on September 15 to commemorate the beginning of Mexico’s independence movement.
The programme concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting and a concert by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring Danzón No. 2, Suite Mexicana and La Bikina.
