Speaking at a news conference in Berlin following the signing of an energy partnership between Germany and Qatar, Emir of Qatar was questioned about the controversy surround LGBTQ+ fans at the upcoming World Cup.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani said: "Everybody is welcome in Doha. We do not stop anyone from coming to Doha with any different backgrounds, or any different beliefs. Qatar is a very welcoming country.
"We have millions of people that come and visit our country and the World Cup is a great opportunity for people from different parts of the world to come and experience our culture. We will not stop anybody from coming.
"Everyone can come and enjoy the football. But I also want everybody to come and understand and enjoy our culture. We welcome everybody, but also we expect and we want people to respect our culture."
Homosexuality remains illegal in Qatar with a punishment of up to three years in prison and a fine, along with the possibility of a death penalty for Muslims.
Although Wales have secured their place in the upcoming tournament, a portion of the country's LGBTQ+ fans have vowed to boycott the event in November.
