Qatar Urges Diplomacy and Collective Security at Italy Forum on EU-GCC Relations

Source: Government of Qatar

Milan, May 8, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed Mohammed Al Ansari has called for greater international cooperation and renewed diplomatic engagement to address growing regional and global instability.

Speaking at a session in Milan titled “Bridging Stability: EU-GCC Cooperation in an Era of Fragmentation”, Dr Al Ansari said ongoing conflicts and geopolitical crises were placing increasing pressure on global stability and decision-making processes.

The event was organized by the Doha Forum and MED Dialogues in partnership with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) and the Center for International Policy Research (CIPR).

Dr Al Ansari warned that some actors were seeking to promote political narratives and approaches aimed at advancing their strategic interests amid intensifying competition for influence and shifting global power balances.
He stressed that political and military pressure did not necessarily lead to sustainable solutions or long-term stability, underlining the importance of mediation and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

Questioning the effectiveness of diplomacy, he said, reflected “a growing need for it rather than the opposite”.
The Qatari official also urged countries to continue working through dialogue and diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation and avoid deeper cycles of conflict.

He said the current war had affected international relations, including ties between Europe, the United States and countries in the Middle East, with wider consequences for energy security, the global economy, supply chains and international alliances.

Dr Al Ansari added that security and stability could no longer be achieved by individual states acting alone, but instead required collective cooperation and broader international coordination.

Concluding his remarks, he highlighted the growing interconnectedness between nations and the political, economic and security impact of current crises, calling for a shared vision to confront rapidly evolving regional and international challenges.

Qatar Warns of Global Impact of Strait of Hormuz Closure at UN Briefing

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, May 7, 2026

The State of Qatar has warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused significant economic disruption and risks escalating regional tensions into a global crisis.

The remarks were made on Thursday by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during a UN media briefing on a draft Security Council resolution related to the strategic waterway.

The media stakeout also featured Their Excellencies the permanent representatives of the United States of America and several Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait.

HE Sheikha Alya said the closure of the vital maritime passage since March has had major economic consequences across Gulf states and the wider world, particularly affecting global energy markets.

According to her remarks, around 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade has been disrupted, while supply chains have been fragmented and more than 20,000 seafarers remain stranded at sea.

Her Excellency warned that the situation threatens not only global energy security and economic stability but also worsens humanitarian conditions and undermines regional stability, posing a serious risk to international peace and security.

She stressed that ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait is not only a requirement under international maritime law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, but also a shared international responsibility.

The State of Qatar expressed its hope for continued engagement with UN member states to build support for the draft resolution aimed at safeguarding maritime routes and ensuring freedom of navigation.

Consultative Sessions on National Human Rights Action Plan Continue

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 07, 2026
Consultative sessions on the National Human Rights Action Plan (2026- 2030), organized by the committee tasked with preparing the plan, continued on Thursday under the chairmanship of HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.
The session, which forms part of the committee’s participatory approach to gathering views and exchanging perspectives to contribute to the development of a comprehensive and implementable national plan, was hosted by HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi.
Committee members and several specialists took part, discussing issues related to the responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice and reviewing proposals and approaches to support the development of the plan and ensure its alignment with national policies and legislation.
At the conclusion of the session, participants stressed the need of the National Human Rights Action Plan as a national framework that reinforces the protection of human rights.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Holds Phone Call with Pakistani Prime Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 07, 2026
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a phone call on Thursday with HE Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

The two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen it, in addition to the latest regional developments and Pakistan’s efforts to support de-escalation and promote security and stability.

During the call, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s efforts, along with other mediating parties, in facilitating the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar’s full support for mediation efforts aimed at resolving the crisis through peaceful means, stressing the importance of all parties responding constructively to create conditions for renewed negotiations leading to a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement. 

Qatar Takes Part in Euro-Mediterranean, Arab and Balkans Foreign Ministers Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 07, 2026
The State of Qatar participated on Thursday in a meeting of foreign ministers from the EU Mediterranean group (MED9), the League of Arab States, and Western Balkan countries, held via videoconference.
Qatar was represented by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
The meeting discussed strengthening food security and facilitating access to fertilizers. 

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 6, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call on Wednesday from HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Dr. Ayman Safadi.

During the call, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to further enhance them, in addition to regional developments, particularly the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region to strengthen security and stability.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of all parties responding to ongoing mediation efforts to address the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, UAE National Security Adviser

Source: Government of Qatar

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Wednesday in Abu Dhabi with HH Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and HH Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the meeting, they discussed the strong fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to further develop and strengthen them, in addition to a number of topics of mutual interest. 

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Co-Chair 7th Joint Supreme Committee Meetings

Source: Government of Qatar

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, co-chaired the seventh session of the Qatar-UAE Joint Supreme Committee, held Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

In his remarks, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the meeting carries significant importance in advancing relations between the two countries and their peoples across various fields in a manner that serves mutual interests. 

His Excellency underscored that this cooperation enjoys the full support and guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HH President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

His Excellency commended the preparatory committee and all working teams for their efforts in organizing the session and developing a roadmap to further strengthen bilateral ties.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that today’s meeting builds on previous sessions aimed at enhancing cooperation, reviewing achievements, and leveraging available opportunities between the two countries. It also provided a platform to exchange views on shared visions and positions amid a highly sensitive regional and international environment.

He highlighted the rapid developments and exceptional events in the Gulf region, pointing to the challenges posed by the Strait of Hormuz crisis and what he described as Iran’s aggressive military attacks on regional states, which have created unprecedented security and geopolitical challenges affecting regional stability and freedom of navigation.

HE the Prime Minister emphasized that the sensitivity of the current stage requires intensified consultation, unified positions, and strengthened joint diplomatic efforts to mitigate risks. He stressed the need for deeper integration across sectors to overcome challenges and promote security, stability, and prosperity for both countries and the wider region.

He concluded by underscoring the importance of continuing joint efforts to implement agreed outcomes in a way that strengthens the partnership and fulfills the aspirations of both nations.

For his part, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the convening of the seventh session reflects the deep-rooted and strong fraternal ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to close cooperation.

He affirmed the UAE’s aspiration to enhance strategic connectivity and economic integration, particularly in vital sectors such as oil, gas, and energy, to reinforce mutual interests, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open new avenues for cooperation and investment.

His Highness expressed hope that the outcomes of this session would yield tangible results that further consolidate the partnership and joint progress.

The meeting witnessed broad participation from senior officials of both countries. Discussions covered ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, education, culture, environment, health, sports, Islamic affairs, industry, transport, and other areas of mutual interest.

At the conclusion of the session, both sides signed the minutes of the seventh meeting of the Joint Supreme Committee. 
The two sides also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding, including an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed on behalf of Qatar by HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, and on behalf of the UAE by HE Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini.

A memorandum of understanding on agriculture and food security was also signed by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, on behalf of Qatar, and HE UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi.

An MoU on cooperation between the Doha Municipality at Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and the UAE Department of Municipalities and Transport was also signed. It was signed on behalf of the State of Qatar by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and on behalf of the United Arab Emirates by HE Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa.

In the same context, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates held a bilateral meeting to discuss the strong fraternal relations and explore ways to further enhance cooperation, in addition to addressing regional developments.

During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of renewed Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the UAE using missiles and drones, reaffirming Qatar’s full solidarity and support for all measures taken by the UAE to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

For his part, HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates expressed his thanks and appreciation to HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the UAE in the aftermath of the Iranian attacks.

Final Statement of 7th Session of Qatar-UAE Joint Supreme Committee

Source: Government of Qatar

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2026

The seventh session of the Joint Supreme Committee for Cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates concluded in Abu Dhabi in a fraternal atmosphere reflecting the deep-rooted historical ties, strong brotherly bonds, unity of destiny, alignment of visions, and integration of interests between the two countries.

The session was co-chaired by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the participation of senior officials and representatives of relevant government entities from both sides.

During the session, both sides affirmed that Qatar-UAE relations are steadily advancing toward a more integrated and cooperative phase, grounded in shared political will and a genuine commitment to expanding bilateral partnership in ways that serve the interests of both nations and their peoples, support Gulf cooperation, and enhance regional security, stability, and prosperity.

The session featured a comprehensive review of all aspects of bilateral cooperation, with both sides emphasizing the importance of translating the committee’s outcomes into actionable programs and initiatives that deliver tangible results and open new horizons for economic and developmental integration.
In the economic field, both sides stressed that integration between the Qatari and UAE economies represents a cornerstone for enhancing global competitiveness, diversifying growth sources, and supporting sustainable development. 

They underscored the need to continue improving the business environment, encouraging mutual investments, and fostering high-quality partnerships between the public and private sectors, thereby strengthening both countries’ positions as leading regional and international economic and investment hubs.

The two sides welcomed progress in financial and investment cooperation, including efforts to draft a memorandum of understanding between the ministries of finance in both countries, ongoing procedures related to the double taxation avoidance agreement, and discussions on potential collaboration between the Qatar Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Company in areas of mutual interest.

They also highlighted the strategic importance of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement as an advanced legal framework that enhances investor confidence, ensures a stable and transparent investment environment, supports mutual investment flows, and paves the way for broader economic partnerships.

In the trade sector, both sides emphasized strengthening cooperation between chambers of commerce and industry, encouraging reciprocal trade delegations, promoting investment opportunities, showcasing national products, and regularly exchanging economic data and statistics to support the business community and facilitate the flow of trade and investment.

The two sides placed particular importance on cooperation in future economic sectors, especially artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, recognizing these as key drivers of productivity, capacity-building, and economic readiness for the future.

In this context, they stressed the importance of exchanging expertise in developing digital policies and strategies, digital government services, digital infrastructure, and AI applications, thereby enhancing technological and knowledge integration and supporting the transition toward innovation-driven economies.

They also discussed opportunities to enhance logistical connectivity and integration in air, maritime, and land transport, as well as ports, to facilitate trade flows, strengthen supply chain resilience, and improve connectivity between ports and industrial and economic zones. 

Both sides emphasized the importance of developing effective communication channels and exchanging data and information to address challenges and support decision-making.

In the area of food security and supply chain sustainability, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, exchange expertise in the agricultural and livestock sectors, support strategic reserves, and ensure the availability of essential goods during crises, reflecting a shared understanding of the importance of building resilient economic systems capable of addressing regional and global challenges.

The session also addressed cooperation in health, labor, education, culture, sports, media, Islamic affairs, standards and metrology, social development, and humanitarian work. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued institutional coordination, exchange of expertise, and adoption of best practices to enhance the developmental and humanitarian dimensions of bilateral relations.

The two sides welcomed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding during the session, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation frameworks. These included the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments, two MoUs on cooperation in agriculture and food security between Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and an MoU on municipal cooperation between Doha Municipality and the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport.

At the conclusion of the session, both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to implementing the agreed outcomes and activating the committee’s results through relevant channels to ensure practical achievements that meet the aspirations of the leaderships and peoples of both countries, and to advance Qatar-UAE relations toward broader horizons of cooperation, integration, and strategic partnership.

The minutes of the seventh session were signed by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on behalf of the Government of Qatar, and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on behalf of the Government of the UAE, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Both sides also agreed to hold the eighth session of the Joint Supreme Committee in the State of Qatar, with the date to be determined through diplomatic channels.

Advisor to Prime Minister and Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Urges Stronger Global Cooperation for Security

Source: Government of Qatar

Milan, May 06, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari participated in a session titled “Which Security Tomorrow?” as part of the NEXT Milan Forum, organized by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies.

In his remarks, Al Ansari stressed the need to strengthen international collective action and support institutional frameworks capable of managing dialogue, contributing to building a more stable and secure future.

He said the current international landscape is marked by increasing complexity, amid declining trust among global actors, which directly impacts prospects for tangible progress in addressing ongoing issues and conflicts. 

He noted that divisions within societies, compounded by the growing influence of media and political narratives, further complicate the situation and hinder pathways to resolution.

He underscored the importance of sustaining the role of mediation, diplomacy, and international institutions at this stage, describing them as essential tools for fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue and bringing relevant parties to the table, thereby advancing efforts toward viable solutions.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also highlighted the rise of global pessimism, particularly among youth, driven by the escalation and persistence of conflicts without clear prospects for resolution, noting that several of these conflicts have extended over long periods without definitive solutions.