Category: Qatar

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Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Participates in Washington Forum

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, September 16, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari participated today in the Washington D.C. Forum, organized by Concordia in partnership with the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States of America.

During his remarks at the forum, Dr. Al Ansari stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen Qatar-US relations and further developing areas of cooperation between the two countries in a manner that serves their mutual interests and supports regional and international security and stability.

The forum dealt with the partnership and strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States, as well as the most prominent regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The forum provided an opportunity to exchange views on several current issues and to underscore the importance of dialogue, cooperation and international partnerships in addressing shared challenges.

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JOINT STATEMENT ON THE THIRD MEETING OF THE QATAR–SINGAPORE IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING MECHANISM IN DOHA, QATAR

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | September 17, 2026

The Implementation Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) of the Qatar–Singapore High-Level Joint Committee (HLJC) held its third meeting on 16 September 2026 in Doha, Qatar.

The meeting was co-chaired by His Excellency Sultan Bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, and His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, with the participation of His Excellency Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Singapore. 

The co-chairs reaffirmed the warm and longstanding relations as well as the growing cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Singapore. They welcomed the exchange of high-level visits, including the State Visit by Her Excellency Halimah Yacob, then-President of the Republic of Singapore, to Qatar in June 2023 and the visit by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, to Singapore in August 2023. More recently, His Excellency K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, and His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made separate working visits to Qatar in February and May 2026 respectively. His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar, and His Excellency Dr Ali Bin Saeed Al Marri, Minister of Labour of the State of Qatar, also made separate visits to Singapore in May and July 2026 respectively.

The Singaporean side reiterated its condolences on the passing of His Highness the late Father Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, and recalled his distinguished contributions to bilateral relations, most notably the establishment of the HLJC in 2006.

The co-chairs reaffirmed the importance of the HLJC as the main platform for providing strategic direction to bilateral relations, while underscoring the value of the IMM in facilitating regular follow-up and translating key decisions and agreements into practical outcomes.

The co-chairs reviewed the cooperation within the six Technical Working Committees (TWCs) established under the IMM in the areas of Information and Communications Technology, Security, Business, Legal, Sustainability and Social Development. 

The co-chairs agreed on the importance of elevating cooperation between Singapore and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), including through an upgrade of the existing GCC–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA).  They welcomed Qatar’s admission as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner in July 2026 and looked forward to the upcoming ASEAN–GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York City in September 2026, which will be co-chaired by Singapore as ASEAN’s coordinator for ASEAN–GCC relations and Bahrain as the GCC President. Both sides looked forward to enhancing trade and investment flows between ASEAN and the GCC, including through the ongoing discussions on an ASEAN–GCC FTA as called for in the ASEAN–GCC Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation adopted at the second ASEAN–GCC Summit in May 2025. Both sides also looked forward to strengthening cooperation between their respective regions at the third ASEAN–GCC Summit during Singapore’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2027.

The co-chairs expressed serious concern over the situation in the Middle East, particularly the renewed hostilities involving the US and Iran. They underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict, and commended Qatar’s sustained diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation in the region. The co-chairs also expressed concern over continued threats to maritime security and international shipping in the region, including attacks by the Houthis on vessels in the Red Sea, which have disrupted trade and threatened the safety and freedom of navigation. They agreed that navigational rights and freedoms must be respected and upheld in accordance with international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the safety of seafarers and ships must be ensured in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). In this regard, they also underscored the importance of restoring safe, unimpeded and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz, a Strait Used for International Navigation.

The co-chairs noted the common interests and perspectives that Singapore and Qatar share as fellow small states, including through their active participation in the Forum of Small States (FOSS) and the Global Governance Group (3G). Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to being active, responsible, and constructive members of the international community, and to uphold a rules-based international order and an open multilateral trading system.

At the close of the meeting, the co-chairs expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved and agreed to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the third meeting of the IMM through diplomatic channels and the respective TWCs. Both sides agreed for the fourth meeting of the IMM to be held in Singapore in 2027.

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JOINT STATEMENT ON THE THIRD MEETING OF THEQATAR–SINGAPORE IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING MECHANISM IN DOHA, QATAR

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | 17, september 2026

The Implementation Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) of the Qatar–Singapore High-Level Joint Committee (HLJC) held its third meeting on 16 September 2026 in Doha, Qatar.

The meeting was co-chaired by His Excellency Sultan Bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, and His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, with the participation of His Excellency Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Singapore. 

The co-chairs reaffirmed the warm and longstanding relations as well as the growing cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Singapore. They welcomed the exchange of high-level visits, including the State Visit by Her Excellency Halimah Yacob, then-President of the Republic of Singapore, to Qatar in June 2023 and the visit by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, to Singapore in August 2023. More recently, His Excellency K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, and His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made separate working visits to Qatar in February and May 2026 respectively. His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar, and His Excellency Dr Ali Bin Saeed Al Marri, Minister of Labour of the State of Qatar, also made separate visits to Singapore in May and July 2026 respectively.

The Singaporean side reiterated its condolences on the passing of His Highness the late Father Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, and recalled his distinguished contributions to bilateral relations, most notably the establishment of the HLJC in 2006.

The co-chairs reaffirmed the importance of the HLJC as the main platform for providing strategic direction to bilateral relations, while underscoring the value of the IMM in facilitating regular follow-up and translating key decisions and agreements into practical outcomes.

The co-chairs reviewed the cooperation within the six Technical Working Committees (TWCs) established under the IMM in the areas of Information and Communications Technology, Security, Business, Legal, Sustainability and Social Development. They welcomed the good progress made since the second IMM in Singapore in August 2019 and encouraged the relevant agencies on both sides to accelerate their efforts to ensure a substantive slate of deliverables in areas such as energy resilience and sustainable development for the upcoming Official Visit of His Excellency Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, to Qatar in October 2026 and the State Visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to Singapore in the near future. 

The co-chairs agreed on the importance of elevating cooperation between Singapore and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), including through an upgrade of the existing GCC–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA).  They welcomed Qatar’s admission as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner in July 2026 and looked forward to the upcoming ASEAN–GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York City in September 2026, which will be co-chaired by Singapore as ASEAN’s coordinator for ASEAN–GCC relations and Bahrain as the GCC President. Both sides looked forward to enhancing trade and investment flows between ASEAN and the GCC, including through the ongoing discussions on an ASEAN–GCC FTA as called for in the ASEAN–GCC Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation adopted at the second ASEAN–GCC Summit in May 2025. Both sides also looked forward to strengthening cooperation between their respective regions at the third ASEAN–GCC Summit during Singapore’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2027.

The co-chairs expressed serious concern over the situation in the Middle East, particularly the renewed hostilities involving the US and Iran. They underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict, and commended Qatar’s sustained diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation in the region. The co-chairs also expressed concern over continued threats to maritime security and international shipping in the region, including attacks by the Houthis on vessels in the Red Sea, which have disrupted trade and threatened the safety and freedom of navigation. They agreed that navigational rights and freedoms must be respected and upheld in accordance with international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the safety of seafarers and ships must be ensured in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). In this regard, they also underscored the importance of restoring safe, unimpeded and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz, a Strait Used for International Navigation.

The co-chairs noted the common interests and perspectives that Singapore and Qatar share as fellow small states, including through their active participation in the Forum of Small States (FOSS) and the Global Governance Group (3G). Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to being active, responsible, and constructive members of the international community, and to uphold a rules-based international order and an open multilateral trading system.

At the close of the meeting, the co-chairs expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved and agreed to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the third meeting of the IMM through diplomatic channels and the respective TWCs. Both sides agreed for the fourth meeting of the IMM to be held in Singapore in 2027.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Singaporean Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 16, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Wednesday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed the latest regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts and joint coordination aimed at de-escalation and the promotion of security and stability in the region.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar’s support for all diplomatic efforts to ensure freedom of maritime navigation and help pave the way for a comprehensive agreement that would bring lasting peace to the region.

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Houthi Attacks on Holy City of Makkah

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | September 16, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemns Houthi drone attack targeting the holy city of Makkah Al Mukkaramah, describing it as a violation of religious, moral and humanitarian principles.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that Doha condemns in the strongest possible terms any attempt to threaten the sanctity of the holy city and its Masjid Al Haram, Islam’s holiest mosque.

The Ministry describes the attack as a “shameful” act of aggression and a “blatant” provocation of the sentiments of more than a billion Muslims around the world.

It further stresses that the sanctity and security of the holy sites and the safety of those visiting them must not be targeted, threatened or used in conflicts.

The Ministry warns that actions endangering Makkah and the Islamic holy sites would constitute a grave escalation and disregard their religious and spiritual significance to Muslims.

The State of Qatar expresses full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and says it supports measures taken by Riyadh to protect its security, territory, Islamic holy sites and pilgrims.

The Ministry also reaffirms Qatar’s categorical rejection of attacks on civilians and holy sites, and calls for respect for the sanctity of religious sites and for them to be kept away from the consequences of regional conflicts and escalation.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Copy of Credentials of Turkish Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha| September 16, 2026

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received on Wednesday a copy of the credentials of HE Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to the State of Qatar, Yakup Caymazoglu. 

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished HE the Ambassador success in his duties, emphasizing utmost support to enhance bilateral relations and foster closer cooperation in various fields.

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Qatar and Republic of Naoero Sign Agreement to Establish Diplomatic Relations

Source: Government of Qatar

New York | September 16, 2026

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Naoero signed an agreement Wednesday to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries at the headquarters of Permanent mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in New York. 

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani signed the agreement on behalf of Qatar, while HE Permanent Representative of Naoero to the United Nations Lara Erab Daniel signed on behalf of Naoero.

Both sides affirmed their desire to promote mutual understanding and strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries, guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly respect for and the promotion of international peace and security, equality among states, and full respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Fatah Central Committee Secretary General

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 15, 2026

HE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met today with HE Secretary-General of Fatah Central Committee Jibril Rajoub, who is currently visiting the country.

The meeting dealt with discussing bilateral cooperation and the means to enhance them, in addition to discussing developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, and several subjects of joint interest.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed during the meeting the State of Qatar’s permanent support for the Palestinian people and their just cause, stressing the importance of ending division and enhancing Palestinian unity to secure the legitimate national rights led by establishing an independent state based on the borders of 1967 with East Jerusalem as the capital. 

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Qatar Stresses Support for Dialogue and Diplomacy to Solve Hormuz Crisis

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, September 15, 2026

Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi stressed the State of Qatar’s support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of maritime navigation, emphasizing the importance of reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves sustainable peace in the region.
During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly media briefing, Al Hashmi said that the State of Qatar supports reaching an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the current priority is for all parties to reach a consensus on a solution to this crisis.
He emphasized that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is vital for all nations, affirming that the State of Qatar is working tirelessly with its regional and international partners to reach a consensus on this matter and to advance dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive solution to this challenge.
The Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the closure of maritime and waterways should not be treated as a routine matter – let alone be considered acceptable – by either the State of Qatar or the international community, urging the entire world to unite against any measures that would disrupt freedom of navigation.
He said that the world is already suffering enough from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and therefore cannot bear the cost of closing the Bab Al Mandab Strait as well. He warned that disrupting navigation in both straits would have catastrophic repercussions for the world.
Al Hashmi emphasized that the State of Qatar is advancing dialogue and diplomacy to reach a peaceful resolution to such conflicts. He added that this is neither a difficult nor an impossible task, and that the only ultimate solution lies in negotiations – something the State of Qatar is currently working tirelessly to achieve.
He added that efforts are ongoing and will not cease; this crisis affects the entire world, and therefore, one cannot stop – even for a moment – searching for a possible solution.
He noted that a Qatari delegation would participate in the proceedings of the UN General Assembly, and that discussing this crisis would be at the top of the delegation’s agenda during the meetings.
Regarding the attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi affirmed the State of Qatar’s solidarity with the Kingdom regarding all measures it may take to safeguard its security and territorial integrity.

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Qatar Urges Further Global Efforts to Eliminate Nuclear Weapons

Source: Government of Qatar

Vienna, September 15, 2026

The State of Qatar has called for intensified international efforts to completely eliminate nuclear weapons, describing the goal as both a humanitarian responsibility and a moral imperative amid rising armed conflicts, nuclear arms competition and the growing use of force in international relations.

Speaking at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi said multilateral action was needed to address growing threats to international peace and security.

His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar’s support for the IAEA’s independent and professional work to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, strengthen nuclear safety and security, and maintain an effective safeguards system to prevent nuclear proliferation.

He highlighted increasing geopolitical divisions and armed conflicts, including the ongoing Israeli military actions against the Palestinian people, the crisis in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, and the accelerating nuclear arms race.

Qatar called for stronger international support for arms control and disarmament mechanisms, with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty serving as a cornerstone of the global system. It also reaffirmed its support for efforts to establish a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons.

Dr. Al Hammadi stressed that nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards and dedicated exclusively to peaceful purposes are protected under international law, the UN Charter and the IAEA framework. He said Qatar rejected attacks on, or threats to attack, such facilities, warning that such actions would undermine regional and international peace and security.

Qatar also welcomed the IAEA Board of Governors’ unanimous decision on Sept. 9, 2026, to remove the item concerning implementation of the safeguards agreement in Syria from the board’s agenda.

The decision, he said, would allow Syria to restore its normal status within the agency and make greater use of peaceful nuclear applications to support development, reconstruction and stability.

Qatar further highlighted a USD 600,000 agreement signed through the Qatar Fund for Development to support IAEA projects under its Rays of Hope initiative, including efforts to strengthen radiotherapy capacity in Syria.

HE Al Hammadi said Qatar remained committed to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, describing the IAEA as a key partner in expanding peaceful nuclear applications and strengthening nuclear and radiological security.

He also outlined Qatar’s technical cooperation programs with the IAEA, which include strengthening regulatory oversight, improving radioactive waste management, developing national radiation monitoring capabilities including PET-MRI scan and researches aimed at combating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and enhancing food safety.

Qatar signed an agreement with the IAEA in February 2026 to update its national policy on radiation and nuclear security and strengthen the country’s legal and regulatory framework.

Dr. Al Hammadi concluded by reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to a strong and sustainable partnership with the IAEA, saying the agency had a crucial role in advancing international cooperation and developing legal frameworks aimed at ensuring a safe and sustainable future for nuclear energy and achieving the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.