Qatar's foreign minister sees criticism from German politicians of the host of the World Cup as double standards. "On the one hand, the German population is misinformed by government politicians, on the other hand, the government has no problem with us when it comes to energy partnerships or investments," Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. But: "If we are hosting a soccer World Cup, want to enjoy this moment and celebrate together with the German team, then other standards suddenly apply," said the Gulf State's foreign minister
Most recently, before the visit of the Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, who is also responsible for top-class sport, there had been discord in Qatar because the SPD politician had criticized the awarding of the world championship to the Arab country and, among other things, had demanded security guarantees for the LGBTQ community. "With all due respect, these were not necessary at all," al Thani said of Faeser's statements. "We have repeatedly repeated from the highest level that everyone is welcome and that nobody is discriminated against."
The World Cup in the emirate has long been criticized for human rights violations and the treatment of workers from other countries. Homosexuality is punishable in the Arab country.
Foreign Minister al Thani said Qatar's government had launched a series of reforms, including labor law. "It's an ongoing process that never stops - and it won't stop after the World Cup," he said. But it is unfair to always point to Qatar's government. "If there is a problem in a European country, for example with safety at work, then the companies are criticized," said al Thani.
In Qatar, companies, including European ones, have a duty to implement the new rules and standards. "If companies still don't comply, that's not the government's fault," emphasized the Foreign Minister.
He described the criticism from Europe of the situation in Qatar as "very arrogant and very racist". Nevertheless, the awarding of the World Cup is "a blessing" for his country. "We're very proud of it and we're very confident that this World Cup will be one of the best you've seen," said al Thani.
