Estonian Ambassador to Qatar, Maria Belovas, presented her credentials to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on September 11.
In the conversation that followed the credential presentation ceremony, Ambassador Belovas and Sheikh Tamim Al Thani discussed opportunities for enhancing relations between Estonia and Qatar, particularly in the areas of digital governance and technology. His Highness reaffirmed the strong ties between the two countries and expressed interest in closer cooperation and reciprocal high-level visits.
Belovas highlighted the shared priorities of Estonia and Qatar regarding technological development and economic revitalization, and expressed readiness to share Estonia’s experiences in becoming a digital society. The Emir recognized Estonia’s success in this area and noted that small countries have much to learn from each other.
Additionally, discussions touched upon the relationship between the European Union and the Gulf States, as well as education.
On the sidelines of the credential visit, the ambassador met with the President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, Abdulaziz Al-Khalifa, the Head of Investor Relations at Invest Qatar, Jeroen Nijland, and the ambassadors of the USA, European Union, and member states residing in Doha.
Before arriving in the Gulf States, Maria Belovas served as Estonia’s Consul General in San Francisco. From 2018 to 2023, she worked as the Head of Press and Public Diplomacy and Spokesperson at the European Union Delegation in Washington, DC. From 2016 to 2018, she led the communication department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Belovas has been with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2008. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Tartu and a master’s degree in behavioral and organizational psychology from London Metropolitan University. The ambassador resides in the United Arab Emirates and has also been appointed as ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
