His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, took part with His Excellency Jean-Marie François Guillaume II, Ambassador of Haiti to Qatar, and His Excellency Oscar Leon Gonzalez, Ambassador of Cuba to Qatar, in a special lecture on leading figures that shaped the history of the Latin and Caribbean nations.
Hosted by the Library, the lecture discussed the interconnected lives and influences of José Julián Martí Pérez, a Cuban nationalist turned national hero for his role in the liberation of his country from Spain, and Joseph Auguste Anténor Firmin, a Haitian barrister, philosopher, anthropologist, journalist, and politician whose work is still considered relevant today.
The lecture was attended by ambassadors and guests. The ambassadors of Cuba and Haiti also donated several books to the Library that shed light on the historical role that Pérez and Firmin played in shaping their countries.
“It is our pleasure to welcome His Excellency Mr. Guillaume II and His Excellency Mr. Gonzalez to the Library,” said His Excellency Dr. Al-Kawari at the event. “Today, we celebrate culture by honoring two key figures from Latin America and the Caribbean who symbolize culture through their thoughts, struggles and belief in their role in the liberation of man. We thank the embassies of Haiti and Cuba for their precious donation of a collection of books by these distinguished thinkers and activists, which will certainly enrich the collection at Qatar National Library and will promote cultural dialogue and its role in overcoming political, national and ideological barriers between peoples.”
His Excellency Mr. Guillaume II commented: “I would like to thank Dr. Al-Kawari for his support with this initiative. His Excellency the Ambassador of Cuba and myself are here today to hopefully accomplish two main objectives: the first one is to share some of our historical heritage by donating these books about our history, we sincerely hope that they will contribute to the Library’s rich and resourceful collection; the second is to express our reverence to Qatar National Library, for their accomplishment in building such an impressive literary structure.”
His Excellency Mr. Gonzalez said: “I would like to thank Dr. Al-Kawari for the support he and the Library have given us. Their unceasing cultural and pedagogical work fosters dialogue between different cultures, which is conducive to the promotion of peace, cooperation, and solidarity among people. Let this event serve as a celebration of culture, friendship, and cooperation. I hope that this meeting will make a modest contribution to the consolidation of the collaboration between Qatar National Library and the embassies of the Latin American and Caribbean countries accredited in Doha.”
