Source: Government of Qatar
New York, September 23, 2026
The State of Qatar participated in the high-profile ministerial-Level side event on reinforcing cooperation to achieve a secure and stable maritime domain on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi represented the State of Qatar at the event.
Speaking at the ministerial event, HE Al Khulaifi underscored the critical importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea amid the grave and growing challenges facing maritime security and strategic waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab El-Mandeb.
HE Al Khulaifi underlined that the State of Qatar has consistently emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles set forth in the convention, including those related to freedom of navigation.
He noted that the security and uninterrupted operation of supply chains are closely linked to the international community’s ability to deliver essential commodities and humanitarian aid during disasters and conflicts.
HE Al Khulaifi highlighted that the ongoing perils facing these critical waterways have implications that extend beyond the immediate region, with far-reaching consequences at both the regional and global levels.
More tellingly, these disruptions have a particularly worrisome and disproportionate impact on developing countries and vulnerable populations, His Excellency noted.
He reemphasized that ensuring maritime security is an all-encompassing priority and a collective responsibility that transcends narrow interests, given its importance not only to achieving regional peace and security, but also to bolstering the resilience of the global economy, ensuring the stability of energy markets and safeguarding the uninterrupted operation of global supply chains.
At a time when there is a substantial need for diplomatic resolutions to existing conflicts, HE Al Khulaifi stressed that disruptions to critical international waterways have a direct impact on global peace and security.
He asserted that the Security Council should play a strong and sustained role in protecting freedom of navigation, respecting international law, enforcing its relevant resolutions, and countering unlawful disruptions and attacks on commercial traffic.
HE Al Khulaifi added that the State of Qatar’s priority remains to contain the escalation and create space for diplomatic efforts. He said that Qatar, in its capacity as a party contributing to mediation efforts, will continue to pursue efforts to open or reopen waterways as soon as possible.
He remarked that these efforts are guided by Qatar’s conviction that the peaceful settlement of disputes, adherence to international law, commitment to dialogue, and the principles of good-neighborliness are the pillars for resolving crises and avoiding their fallout.