By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: An Ecuadorian Naval School ship carrying a peace message, on Saturday, received diplomats and other dignitaries on board at Doha port.
The Flagship of the Ecuadorian Navy ‘Buque Escuela Guayas’ on a 10-month cruise around the world, arrived at the port on Thursday from Jeddah.
Qublan Abi Saab, Ecuadorian Ambassador to Qatar, and Captain Carlos Zumárraga, Commander of the ship, hosted a reception on board, and guests included Sheikh Hassan bin Khalid Al Thani; Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of Protocol, Foreign Ministry; and Dr Khlaid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara.
During its nine-month tour at sea, the ship is carrying some 130, sailors, officers, cadets and musicians. The Guayas is a beautiful three-masted barque used for training youngsters for a naval career. Built in Bilbao, Spain, it is named after the river on which the school is situated.
The ship is carrying a peace message to the world on harmony and coexistence. “This is a school ship that teaches about sailing and represents our country to the world. We have been sailing for more than 16,000 nautical miles, we have visited 14 countries, four oceans and four continents,” said Zumárraga.
The Guayas, with a steel hull that can display a sailing area of 1,410 square metres, sails to navigate and next year will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its construction. “The Guayas is a clipper ship that sailed around the world to convey the message of peace and tolerance worldwide,” said Abi Saab. “It has made 29 cruises visiting many places in the world. When making cruise, it is promoting Ecuador’s image around the world. This is the first time the ship is visiting Doha port, sailing more than 16,000 nautical miles,” he added.
The reception included live Ecuadorian music. Guests were given a chance to see around the vessel, and handicrafts and souvenirs from various regions of Ecuador. The Guayas left home base of Guayaquil, Ecuador, on May 12 and sailed. It leaves Doha port for Kochi, India, today.
It has visited ports, including in Belfast, Alesund Kristians and Normway; Aalborg, Denmark; Bremerhaven, Germany; Amsterdam, Holland; Lisbon, Portugal; and Alejandra, Egypt.
Its next ports include Petabuhan Kiang, Malasiya; Jakarta, Indonesia; Perth and Sydney, Australia; Wellington, New Zealand; Valparaiso, Chile; and Callao, Peru.
The cruise ends on March 1 after sailing 35,000 nautical miles.
The Guayas is affiliated to the Ecuadorian armed forces.
Meanwhile, Zumárraga honoured Dr Al Sulaiti.
“We are pleased to be honoured by the crew of Escuela Guayas, that crystallises the international role of the Cultural Village and vision in bridging gaps among cultures and strengthening ties of friendship and tolerance.
“Katara has been a melting pot for all cultures and we are keen to achieve our goals and convey our message,” said Dr Al Sulaiti.
Abi Saab praised the key role played by Cultural Village and said, “The visit of Escuela Guayas to Katara indicates the importance of this cultural edifice in disseminating the culture of openness between cultures and people.” During a visit, sailors toured Katara and were introduced to main facilities, including the amphitheatre, drama theatre and other venues. They also enjoyed Qatari folkloric marine songs on the beach.
The Peninsula
