Qatar Facilitates Release of Two British Nationals Detained in Afghanistan

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – September 19, 2025

The State of Qatar announced that it facilitated the release of two British nationals who had been detained in Afghanistan, stating that the detainees, Peter Reynold and his wife Barbie Reynold, have arrived in Doha and will depart for London later.  

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed, in a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the State of Qatar’s appreciation for the fruitful cooperation demonstrated by both the Afghan caretaker government and the United Kingdom.  

His Excellency also highlighted Qatar’s efforts and its continuous encouragement of direct dialogue, as well as its unwavering belief in multilateral cooperation to promote and uphold human dignity and protect rights. He emphasized in this context that Qatar always strives, through its mediation, to reinforce humanitarian values by safeguarding lives and ensuring rights.

Secretary-General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Copy of Credentials of German and French Ambassadors

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha|September 18, 2025

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, received on Thursday a copy of the credentials of HE Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Oliver Owcza and HE Ambassador of the French Republic to the State of Qatar Arnaud Pescheux.

HE the Secretary-General wished both Ambassadors success in carrying out their duties, stressing that they will receive full support to strengthen bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and their respective countries, in order to achieve closer cooperation across various fields.

Qatar Announces Conclusion of First Round of Mediation Between the Government of Colombia and the Self- Proclaimed Gaitanista Army of Colombia

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, 18 September 2025

The State of Qatar announces its mediation in the peacebuilding process between the Government of the Republic of Colombia and the self- proclaimed Gaitanista Army of Colombia or (a)EGC, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means, and to promoting peace and stability at the international level.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies that, at the request of the Government of Colombia, Doha hosted the first round of negotiations between the Colombian government and the self- proclaimed Gaitanista Army from 14 to 18 September, with the aim of advancing reconciliation and finding sustainable solutions to the chronic challenges posed by armed groups in Colombia, including disarmament and peacebuilding. It is noted that both parties have agreed to hold a subsequent round of talks in Doha at a further date.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the process aimed at building peace in Colombia progressed through organized phases, beginning with confidence-building measures and inclusive dialogue. In this context, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding human dignity, respecting human rights, adhering to the provisions of the law, and ensuring the participation of all relevant parties, including communities affected by the conflict.

His Excellency further affirmed Qatar’s commitment towards peaceful dialogue between disputing parties, standing in solidarity with the people of Colombia, supporting the country’s development efforts, establishing mechanisms to eradicate illicit economies, and contributing to the state’s monopoly on arms.

His Excellency the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Qatar, as a trusted partner in regional and international mediation efforts, will continue to support peaceful dialogue as a cornerstone for conflict resolution, providing a neutral platform for dialogue based on mutual respect, understanding, and international law.

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets ICC Deputy Prosecutor

Source: Government of Qatar

The Hague, September 17, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met Wednesday in The Hague with HE Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Nazhat Shameem Khan.
The talks addressed the Israeli assault on Qatar, which took place on September 9, in the context of international criminal law, where such acts constitute punishable offenses.
HE Al Khulaifi heads the legal team appointed by the Cabinet to pursue legal action against the attack that targeted residences of Hamas negotiators, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering commitment to international law and its firm determination to defend its rights through all legitimate legal avenues.

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets ICC President

Source: Government of Qatar

The Hague, September 17, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, who heads the legal team assigned by the Cabinet to pursue legal action against the Israeli aggression on the State of Qatar, met Wednesday in The Hague with HE President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Tomoko Akane.
Discussions centered on the facts of the Israeli attack on Qatari territory on September 9, considered crimes punishable under international criminal law, as well as on mechanisms for international criminal accountability under the auspices of the Court.
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the treacherous Israeli attack on the State of Qatar constituted a flagrant violation of its sovereignty.

Qatar Affirms that Enhancing Rights of the Elderly a National Priority for its Human Rights Efforts

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, September 17, 2025

The State of Qatar affirmed that promoting and protecting the rights of older persons is a priority in its national human rights efforts, emphasizing the great importance it attaches to this group as an integral part of Qatari families and society.

This came in a statement delivered by First Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission in Geneva Sara Abdulaziz Al Khater during the interactive dialogue with the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, held as part of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council.

Al Khater noted that the State of Qatar has directed all ministries and institutions to use the term people of “high standing” instead of elderly,” in recognition of their role and contributions to the country’s comprehensive development.

She added that the State of Qatar has taken numerous legislative and executive measures to safeguard their rights within social development policies guided by the country’s Permanent Constitution and Qatar National Vision 2030. The focus on older citizens, she said, is rooted in religious duty and cultural values that demand their respect and protection.

Al Khater explained that older persons in Qatar are free to choose their living arrangements to suit their needs and have access to all essential services, including health and psychological care, legal protection, social security, housing, and opportunities for active participation in public life. They are also enabled to share their expertise across different fields to ensure they enjoy a dignified life within their community.

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Dutch Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

The Hague, September 17, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met Wednesday in The Hague with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands David van Weel.
The meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to strengthen and promote, in addition to the latest regional developments, particularly the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Doha.
HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and preserve its sovereignty.
For his part, HE the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar, stressing that the Israeli attack constituted a violation of Qatar sovereignty and international law. 

HRC60: Qatar Reiterates Condemnation of Israeli Attack, Urges Accountability and Mediation Support

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, September 16, 2025

The State of Qatar participated Tuesday in an emergency session within the 60th United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC60), regarding the treacherous Israeli assault that targeted Doha.
The Qatari delegation to the session was headed by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.
In Qatar’s statement during the session – joined by over 75 countries – Her Excellency extended genuine thanks to the Human Rights Council for its swift response in convening this emergency session. She noted that scu a response reflects the Council’s pivotal role in safeguarding human rights and promoting international peace and security.
She also praised the positions of member states that supported the convening of this session during this critical time.
Her Excellency stated that the September 9 attack targeted a densely populated civilian area in the heart of the capital, Doha, near diplomatic missions, schools, kindergartens, and mosques – an area home to about five thousand people, including Qatari families as well as families of residents, children, and women, she added.
She explained that this attack resulted in martyrs and injuries, including the martyr Corporal Badr Saad Al-Dosari, 22, and 18 wounded. This is not only a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar and the integrity of its territory, but also a grave breach of fundamental human rights, the right to life, security, and the protection of children and education, as enshrined in international covenants, primarily the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
HE the Minister stressed that this attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law by targeting a purely civilian area, and represents an assault on a fully-fledged member state of the United Nations, amounting to state terrorism and posing a direct threat to regional and international peace and security.
She added that what makes the crime even more dangerous is that it targeted a state playing a mediating role in coordination with the United States and the Arab Republic of Egypt to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. Targeting the mediating state is an attack on the principle of negotiation itself and a deliberate sabotage of peace efforts.
Her Excellency explained that Qatari mediation had previously contributed to tangible results, including the safe release of 135 hostages, which restored reassurance to hundreds of Israeli families.
Qatar also played a prominent role in achieving the truce agreement that gave civilians in Gaza a chance to breathe, and the humanitarian mediation allowed the entry of food aid for children suffering from starvation and bombardment, deprived of their most basic rights.
Her Excellency noted that these experiences confirm that Qatari mediation was never a symbolic act, but a genuine practice that saved lives, restored rights, and instilled hope in the possibility of reaching peaceful solutions to conflicts. Therefore, targeting the mediating state not only undermines the negotiation process but also diminishes the chances of saving more lives and achieving peace.
HE the Minister stated that this attack was not an isolated incident, but part of a broader campaign aimed at distorting Qatar’s role and obstructing its diplomatic efforts. This was confirmed by statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who clearly announced continued threats to other countries, in a dangerous escalation that threatens to drag the region and the world into systematic violations of international law. She pointed out that what happened in Doha could be repeated in any other capital if the international community does not act responsibly.
Regarding the Arab, Islamic, and international stance through the Security Council meeting, Her Excellency referred to the Emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha, which unanimously condemned the brutal aggression and rejected any attempt to justify it.
The summit considered it a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, reaffirmed the concept of collective security and shared destiny, and emphasized that international legitimacy and UN resolutions are the fundamental reference for achieving security and peace.
Unfortunately, Her Excellency continued, peoples have become accustomed to news of death, attacks, and starvation surrounding the world today. She further questioned what the world is waiting for if humanity fails to stop hostility, hatred, and violence through international treaties.
Her Excellency underscored that if the rule of law is absent, the logic of force prevails at the expense of justice, and the world turns into a battlefield without controls, eroding trust in laws, treaties, and mechanisms. Therefore, she added, the world relies on the HRC to activate its international mechanisms and ensure that aggressors do not escape punishment, preserving the dignity of the law and the humanity of individuals.
HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized that the State of Qatar reaffirms its unequivocal condemnation of the treacherous Israeli aggression and its resulting targeting of civilians and blatant violation of international law, calling on the Human Rights Council and the international community to take practical steps to hold the aggressors accountable and prevent their impunity, warned of the danger of targeting mediating states and considered it a precedent that threatens negotiation and peace efforts, and stressed the need to explore international mechanisms to protect the role of mediation.
She also renewed Qatar’s commitment to the path of mediation and working for peace, despite this aggression, stemming from its moral and legal duty.
Her Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar is confident that the Human Rights Council will not accept any violation of human rights principles and will not tolerate this grave violation. The Council prioritizes the protection of international law for the sake of stability and safeguarding the role of mediation as a key tool to end conflicts and ensure that peoples enjoy their rights and freedoms in security and peace. 

Qatar Condemns in the Strongest Terms the Large-Scale Ground Offensive Launched by the Israeli Occupation to Seize Control of Gaza

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha| September 17, 2025

The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the large-scale ground offensive launched by the Israeli occupation to seize control of Gaza. It considers this an extension of the war of genocide against the brotherly Palestinian people and a flagrant violation of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that the Israeli occupation is seeking to undermine the prospects for peace in the region through systematic plans that pose a threat to both regional and international peace and security. These include its brutal genocidal war on Gaza, as well as its settlement, colonial, and racist policies based on a logic of arrogance, aggression, and treachery. This situation requires decisive international solidarity to compel it to comply with international legitimacy resolutions.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm and permanent position in support of the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people. This position is based on international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit Affirms Solidarity with Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 16, 2025

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, affirmed that the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, held in Doha yesterday to address the Israeli aggression, was a clear demonstration of Arab and Islamic steadfastness, as well as solidarity with the State of Qatar.

He stressed that Qatar highly values these firm positions and extends its profound appreciation to Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies, the leaders who responded on such short notice to participate in the summit.

In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly briefing, Dr. Al Ansari stressed that the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha sent an unequivocal message that any attack on the State of Qatar is unacceptable to the Arab and Islamic nations as a whole.

He pointed out that the statement issued by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at its extraordinary session in Doha yesterday included clear measures to address the Israeli attack. He added that this message of solidarity was significant and resonated internationally — not only in Qatar and across Arab and Islamic countries, but also worldwide.

He noted that the statement explicitly referred to one of the Council’s established mechanisms, which is activated when any of its member states is subjected to aggression. Accordingly, the extraordinary session was convened in Doha in solidarity with the State of Qatar, marking an important step in reaffirming the GCC’s firm stance against attacks on any of its members by external parties. Dr. Al Ansari reiterated that the State of Qatar deeply values this position, and that measures at the executive level will be implemented in the coming days.

In response to a question regarding the imminent signing of a joint defense agreement between the State of Qatar and the United States, and the related statements made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Dr. Al Ansari noted that the matter has been under discussion between the two countries for a long time and is currently in preparation.

He emphasized that the defense partnership between the State of Qatar and the United States has always been robust, particularly in recent years, and continues to grow significantly, representing a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. However, he clarified that he did not have technical details at this stage concerning the potential defense agreement between the two countries.

In this context, Dr. Al Ansari praised the strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States, particularly in the field of defense, noting that these ties have witnessed steady growth across various sectors in recent years. He affirmed that the State of Qatar is continuing its efforts to conclude this defense agreement, which was among the topics discussed during the US Secretary of State’s visit to Doha today.

Meanwhile, Dr. Al Ansari stressed that Qatar does not address its strong bilateral relations with the United States through media reports, but rather through official channels. He noted that the US administration has issued clear statements in this regard, and that close communication between the two sides is ongoing.

In this regard, he stressed that the official US position on bilateral relations with Qatar is well known to all. As for individual media reports, Qatar neither engages with them nor builds upon them in the context of bilateral relations. He noted that the statement made yesterday by US President Donald Trump was not the first of its kind.

Dr. Al Ansari added that this was not the first occasion on which President Trump had emphasized this matter; he had also reaffirmed this position during his call with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the time of the Israeli attack on Qatar.

He continued that this is a clear message that the US position is firm regarding any attack on a country that is a strategic ally of the United States, and there is no doubt that communications are ongoing in this regard.

In response to a question about the Israeli Prime Minister’s statement yesterday that the attack on Qatar had not failed and that it conveyed a message, Dr. Al Ansari said: “We are accustomed to the Israeli Prime Minister attempting to justify his failures after every setback resulting from his reckless policies. That is why his message came in this form.”

He added: “We also want to send him a message — that the reckless violation of international law cannot continue, and that targeting a state acting as a mediator is in itself a clear indication that he has no respect for the international community or the principle of mediation. It also demonstrates that he does not even consider the return of his own citizens held hostage in the Gaza Strip to be a priority. His message, therefore, was clear to the international community, which responded through the UN Security Council meeting, as well as through the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit held yesterday in Doha.”

Regarding Qatar’s mediation to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Al Ansari said that it does not seem realistic at the present time, especially since the Israeli Prime Minister seeks to assassinate anyone negotiating with him and to target the mediating country with attacks.

He reiterated that Qatar is currently fully focused on defending its national sovereignty, responding to the treacherous Israeli attack, taking all necessary measures to ensure that it is not repeated, and holding those responsible accountable. “All other political considerations are now secondary to the situation we are dealing with today,” he stressed.

He said that Qatar fully understands the United States’ appreciation of its role in mediating and assisting in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. In this context, he welcomed the extensive cooperation between the two countries on many issues — not only in Gaza but also globally.

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari indicated at the beginning of the media briefing that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met Tuesday in his office at the Amiri Diwan with HE Secretary of State of the friendly United States of America Marco Rubio and the accompanying delegation on the occasion of their visit to the country.

During the meeting, they discussed the strategic relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them, especially in the defense fields, in addition to the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest, foremost among them the repercussions of the treacherous Israeli attack on Doha.

He stated that the meeting, attended by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani also addressed the future of joint diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages and detainees, and the de-escalation of tensions in the region in general.

Dr. Al Ansari also discussed the outcomes of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit inaugurated yesterday by HH the Amir to discuss the treacherous Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar, with the participation of Their Majesties, Excellencies, Highnesses, and leaders of delegations from Arab and Islamic countries, 57 states in total, who expressed their full solidarity with the State of Qatar and their condemnation of the treacherous and blatant Israeli aggression against its sovereignty.

He said that HH the Amir held, on the sidelines of the summit, a consultative meeting with his brothers, Their Highnesses and Excellencies, leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and heads of delegations. His Highness also met, on the sidelines of the summit, with a number of Their Majesties, Excellencies, Highnesses, and leaders of delegations.

Dr. Al Ansari noted, in a related context, that HH the Amir also held a virtual meeting alongside HM King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and HE President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, with HE President Emmanuel Macron of the friendly French Republic, HE Prime Minister of the friendly United Kingdom Keir Starmer, and HE Prime Minister of the friendly Canada Dr. Mark Carney.

He explained that the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit was preceded by a preparatory meeting of foreign ministers, during which HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani expressed in his opening remarks Qatar’s deep appreciation for the broad solidarity from brotherly Arab and Islamic countries and friendly nations in the international community against the barbaric Israeli attack on Qatar.

He pointed out that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs met with a number of ministers and officials on the sidelines of the summit.

His Excellency also met last Sunday with HE British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, and Commander of the United States Central Command Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper.

He also noted that HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi headed the Qatari delegation last Thursday at the 8th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue Between the GCC and the Russian Federation in Sochi, Russia, where His Excellency met on the sidelines of the meeting with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.

He explained that within the framework of the preparatory ministerial meeting for the Arab-Islamic Summit, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdel Aati.

Her Excellency also met with HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov.

Last Thursday, Her Excellency met with HE Minister of International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of Sweden Benjamin Dousa, and received a phone call from HE Minister for International Development of Australia Anne Aly.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the weekly media briefing, pointed out that an emergency session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) was held Tuesday in Geneva regarding the attack on the State of Qatar, during which HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad delivered Qatar’s statement.

She affirmed that Israel deliberately targeted the State of Qatar (the mediator) to sabotage peace efforts, and that Israel’s targeting of peace efforts disrupts the opportunity to save lives in the Gaza Strip.

She stated that the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar is part of a broader campaign aimed at undermining and discrediting its efforts.

Her Excellency also affirmed Qatar’s commitment to mediation efforts and the promotion of peace, and stressed Qatar’s unequivocal condemnation of Israel’s aggression against it and its demand for measures to prevent impunity.

On the humanitarian aid level and in continuation of Qatar’s efforts to support the brotherly Syrian people, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the State of Qatar, in cooperation with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, sent humanitarian aid last Thursday to the Syrian Arab Republic.

He mentioned that this humanitarian aid, provided by the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) and Qatar Charity in cooperation with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), included 24 trucks carrying essential food supplies and medicines to various regions in brotherly Syria.

He affirmed that this aid reflects the State of Qatar’s keenness to contribute to meeting the humanitarian and health needs of the brotherly Syrian people and to enhance joint humanitarian work to stand by them.

Regarding Afghanistan, he pointed out that a tenth aircraft belonging to the Qatari Amiri Air Force arrived in the capital, Kabul, carrying urgent medical aid provided by the QFFD to support the health sector, as part of the air bridge operated by the State of Qatar to help alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Afghan people following the earthquake that struck the eastern part of the country.

He said that this aid included essential medicines, intravenous solutions, and a number of vital materials necessary to save lives, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of hospitals and frontline health facilities to meet urgent needs.