Former Panaman envoy launches ‘Warriors in Time of Sacrifice’ at DIBF
Sandoval served as ambassador of Panama in Qatar from 2017 to 2019
FORMER ambassador of Panama to Qatar, Oreste Del Rio Sandoval, officially launched his book ‘Warriors in the Time of Sacrifice,’ on the sidelines of the 30th Doha International Book Fair at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Sandoval served as ambassador of Panama in Qatar from 2017 to 2019.
This is his second book and has been published in both English and Arabic. His first book, ‘Letters on the Wall’, was a compilation of his 66 articles in Spanish.
An attorney at law and political science from the University of Panama, a black belt holder in martial arts and a politician by career, Sandoval served as Deputy Head of Mission & Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the Embassy in the UAE prior to his appointment to Qatar. In his capacity as Director General of Foreign Policy and International
Economic Relations, he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The 135-page book on fine quality paper has been published by Dar Lucille, Qatar, and the foreword is written by Prof. Mehran Kamrava, Director, Center for International and Regional Studies at Georgetown University, Qatar campus, a renowned author of a number of books.
In his preface, Prof. Kamrava says, “Oreste Del Rio Sandoval masterfully combines his expertise in diplomacy and academia to present a vivid and thorough picture of one of the most important countries in the Middle East. Here, we are gaining an in-depth understanding of Qatar and, at the same time, looking through a window to both future academic research venues and future policy options. In doing this, the author has done a great service to the worlds of both academia and diplomacy.”
In his opening remarks, Sandoval said the idea of the book came when he was preparing for a presentation on his diplomatic experience in Qatar during his visit to Camilo Jose Cela University in Madrid, Spain.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the launch of his book, the former envoy said that Qatar and Panama share a few common traits which include respect for the dignity and sovereignty of all countries and non-interference in policies. Also people from both these countries are friendly, which is another commonality.
“I feel a part of this community,” he said.
Sandoval said he was honoured to present the first copy of his Arabic book to the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, which will always be a moment of pride for him.
The former Panamanian envoy said he is working on a translation of the book in the Spanish language. He said the book comprises the history of Qatar, its culture, its legal structure, the planning of the World Cup 2022, etc.