Emir thanks people of Qatar during UN address

HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani took the opportunity to thank the people of his country, including the expatriate population, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly today.

The remarks come as Qatar is facing a seemingly lengthy blockade by its neighboring countries, which has brought the expat and local communities together in defending the sovereignty of the nation.

HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim thanking the people of Qatar for support during ongoing illegal blockade by neighbors. #UNGA #lifttheblockade pic.twitter.com/zkys2XW3td

— Mohd Noor (@MohdNoorudeen) September 19, 2017

In his speech, the Emir also called for contructive dialogue between the Gulf nations and Iran to put an end to the ongoing crisis.

The Emir also stressed that the blockade put pressure on Qatar's people through shortages in foodstuff and medicines, and the separation of families.

The Emir went on to add that the goal of the neighbors is "to force (people) to change their political affiliation and destabilize a sovereign country. Isn't this one of the definitions of terrorism?"

Emir of #Qatar doesn't mince words when speaking of "betrayal" and "disgraceful" acts by "schemers" against his country

— Marwan Bishara (@marwanbishara) September 19, 2017

Besides the Gulf crisis, the Emir also addressed issues that the Rohingya in Myanmar are currently facing and urged the international community to show compassion.

"Lately there is a growing sense that people under repression are facing their fate alone," he said.