The Hague - May 15, 2024
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held a ceremony on 15 May, at the Peace Palace in The Hague on the occasion of the presentation of a gift from the State of Qatar to the Court as a mark of appreciation and respect for its efforts to maintain peace and achieve justice
The event was attended by the President of the Court, a number of Judges members of the court and the Registrar, as well as a number of Ambassadors accredited to The Netherlands and guests from the diplomatic corps.
In his opening speech, HE Dr Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani, Qatar's Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, affirmed that “the State of Qatar deeply esteems the principal judicial organ of the UN- an institution that promotes and fosters international peace and harmonious coexistence. The Court undeniably holds an essential role in promoting the rule of law, advancing international legal norms, and upholding international peace and security. This role becomes all the more crucial in an era, where the demand for a peaceful mechanism for international dispute resolution is growing, particularly in light of the limitations of certain bodies, including the United Nations Security Council.”
H.E. Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the Court, delivered a speech in which he thanked the State of Qatar, on behalf of the Court and its members for the gift (Jalbut) presented to the ICJ and stated that "this beautiful Jalbut says a lot not only about Qatar’s history but also about its role of mediation in present times. The Boat id in a way, a dynamic bridge. And the sea, like justice, embodies balance and equilibrium."
The gift offered to the Court represents a model of a Jalbut which is a traditional sailing ship made of wood that embodies an integral part of Qatar's culture and heritage. It was used for fishing and pearl diving and one of the main means of transport, thus contributing to the country’s renaissance and economic welfare. The name “Jalbut” traces its origin back to the English naval “Jolly-Boat”.