Category: Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Jeddah, August 25 

The State of Qatar took part Monday in the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to consider the continuing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, led the State of Qatar’s delegation to the session.

In the State of Qatar’s statements before the session, His Excellency said the Palestinian cause remains central for the Islamic nation, which grapples today with dire challenges and threats, triggering this emergency convention amid the unprecedented escalation of the Israeli aggression against the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Over a million humans face systematic starvation crimes and a tight blockade, amid the announcement of an Israeli plan to militarily take over the entire Gaza Strip to impose a new forced reality that reconsolidates the occupation in unconscionable breach of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy, Al Muraikhi added.

He stressed that the State of Qatar confirms its flat-out rejection and condemnation of all the Israeli unlawful practices, in terms of any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their territories whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or the occupied Jerusalem, along with the policies Israel pursues to expand settlement, and cautions against the menacing consequences of these kinds of policies and plans on regional and global security.

Al Muraikhi reiterated the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the latest crime to displace the Palestinian journalists operating in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in killing six of them, among them five who were working for Al Jazeera network.

It is no doubt that targeting media practitioners represents an egregious violation of international humanitarian law and a deliberate attempt to muzzle the voice of truth, which, at the end of the day, exposes the Israeli occupation’s crimes, His Excellency underlined.

Al Muraikhi further expressed the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the assaults on medical personnel and paramedics who operate in profoundly tough humanitarian conditions to save lives, since this move constitutes a double crime against humanity that requires holding the perpetrators to account and ensuring full protection for those medical practitioners.

The unabating Israeli military transgressions and disregard for humanitarian and legal principles are emboldened by inaction on the part of the international community to uphold its responsibilities and encourage impunity, His Excellency underlined.

Accordingly, His Excellency said, there is a desperate need for immediate and effective international action to bring the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the entire occupied Palestinian territories to an end, lift the unjust blockade imposed on Gaza immediately, allow the unhindered and unconditional flow of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel, ensure protection for civilians and infrastructure, and enable relief organizations to undertake their duties based on international humanitarian law.

In addition, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s undertaking to diligently continue its efforts alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States to reach a lasting ceasefire, ensure the release of hostages and prisoners as a springboard for a serious political path toward the two-state solution, culminating in the establishment of the independent Palestinian State on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Al Muraikhi underscored the importance of executing the outcomes of the High-Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, convened in New York and co-chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic.

Finally, His Excellency added that the State of Qatar reiterates its commendation and welcome of the decisions taken by the nations that declared their recognition of the Palestinian statehood, as positive steps that align with international legitimacy and support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to have their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 21, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Coordination Council for the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, held on Thursday in Doha.

At the outset of the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed his Uzbek counterpart and the accompanying delegation, conveying the sincere wishes of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for the success of the Council in further expanding the multifaceted relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan.

His Excellency underscored that relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan have advanced to a solid strategic partnership, stemming from the shared will and genuine determination of the leadership of both countries, as reflected in the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Bilateral Strategic Partnership in 2024.

His Excellency further noted that the roots of their political relations extend over more than two decades, constituting a solid foundation for constructive cooperation and reflecting the depth of the ties between the two nations and their continuous commitment to developing them across diverse fields in a manner that serves mutual interests and meets the aspirations of their peoples.

His Excellency stated: “Within the framework of our two countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, and in the belief that the strategic partnership represents a key pillar for a sustainable path of integration, this partnership opens broader horizons for political consultation and regional and international coordination on issues of mutual concern, building upon the solid foundations of Qatari-Uzbek relations, particularly in recent years, in the areas of development, trade, investment, and energy. It reflects the keenness of both countries to continue advancing joint cooperation in line with their shared interests and the aspirations of their peoples.”

His Excellency further highlighted that the impact of this partnership is manifested in the strengthening of economic relations between the two countries, noting that the volume of trade exchange in 2024 reached approximately USD 1.8 million, with a shared ambition to grow and enhance this exchange through the expansion of commercial and investment cooperation.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also pointed out that recent years have witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in multiple fields, which underscores the robustness of bilateral relations and reflects the firm determination of both sides to elevate them to more comprehensive and profound levels, in a manner that serves their mutual interests and meets the aspirations of their two friendly peoples.

His Excellency also welcomed the convening of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand from Oct. 30 to Nov. 13, 2025, as well as the second GCC-Central Asia Summit in Uzbekistan in 2026.

For his part, HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to the Uzbek delegation. He conveyed the greetings of HE President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, along with his firm commitment to strengthening and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.

His Excellency also welcomed the selection of Doha as the host city of the Second World Social Summit from Nov. 4-6, 2025, and the announcement by the State of Qatar of its candidacy to host the Olympic Games in 2036.

In the course of their discussions, both sides focused on enhancing political dialogue, expanding trade and investment, enhancing academic, scientific, and cultural exchanges, promoting youth and sports development, improving connectivity in the field of transport, and addressing environmental sustainability and climate change.

The two countries also affirmed their interest in strengthening comprehensive bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and pragmatism, emphasizing that regular high-level exchanges and intensified delegation visits would contribute significantly to consolidating and expanding their strategic partnership.

Both sides further underscored the importance of deepening cooperation within international and regional organizations, coordinating positions on political and security issues of common concern, and exploring opportunities for mutual support of candidacies in international fora in a manner that serves the interests of both countries.

The two sides also stressed the importance of continuing active efforts to bolster economic cooperation, including investment and trade, through the exchange of information on commercial opportunities, joint measures to increase the volume of bilateral trade, and the organization of trade exhibitions and forums. They also agreed to convene the second meeting of the Qatari-Uzbek Coordination Council for the Strategic Partnership in the city of Samarkand.

The two sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on investment cooperation between Qatar Mining Company and the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In conclusion, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this meeting represents a pivotal step towards the implementation of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Strategic Partnership between Qatar and Uzbekistan and reflects the shared commitment to developing and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

His Excellency added: “The understandings and outcomes reached during this meeting will be closely followed up by our side to translate them into clear and effective practical steps that serve the interests of our two countries and peoples. We look forward to continued future meetings that will enhance the course of cooperation and understanding and further consolidate the bonds of strategic fraternal relations between our two friendly countries and peoples.”

His Excellency also expressed the anticipation of both sides for convening the second meeting of the Council next year in Samarkand, to build upon today’s achievements and follow up on the implementation of the outcomes.

The Coordination Council, established under the Bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement of 2024, serves as a platform to ensure the effective implementation of high-level agreements and to explore new prospects for cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields. 

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 19, 2025

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari confirmed that the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has informed the mediators of its approval of the new proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. 

He said that this proposal represents the best possible option to spare the blood of brothers in the Strip, especially in light of the ongoing military escalation and the plans announced in the media.

Dr. Al Ansari said during the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the new proposal includes a path to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war. 

It includes a temporary ceasefire for 60 days, during which a number of prisoners and hostages will be exchanged, along with the repositioning of Israeli forces and the intensification of humanitarian aid entry according to the terms of the agreement.

He added that Hamas’ response was very positive and largely aligns with what was previously approved by the Israeli side, but the mediation is still awaiting an official response from Israel.

He also said that the region is going through a critical humanitarian moment, and if an agreement is not reached now, all will be facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, pointing out that the State of Qatar continues its efforts in cooperation with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and other international parties to push for a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid.

Regarding the timing of the Israeli response, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that there was no specific timeframe, but discussions are ongoing on the Israeli side.

He expressed hope that the response would be swift and positive, noting that about 98% of what was previously approved by Israel is included in the current proposal that Hamas has accepted.

He indicated that the mediation is still in the stage of exchanging responses, and if an agreement is reached between the two parties, a technical phase will begin to discuss implementation details. 

He stressed that the anticipated agreement will be under international sponsorship and guarantees, primarily from the United States of America, but previous experiences have shown that commitment from both parties remains the true guarantee.

Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani was in direct contact with the American envoy, and that the language of the proposed draft was formulated by the American side in a previous one. He also affirmed the existence of daily and direct contact between the State of Qatar and the US administration to advance the negotiations.

The Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the positive response from Hamas was an important indicator, but the resolution depends on the Israeli side’s reply, pointing out that there are other elements related to the peace plan concerning the exchange of hostages and the mechanism for implementing the agreement once reached. 

He expressed hope that these efforts would succeed, unlike previous attempts that were not implemented on the ground.

Regarding the visit of American envoy Steve Witkoff to Doha or Cairo, Dr. Al Ansari said that there are currently no confirmations, but communication continues on a daily basis with the American envoy. 

As for Netanyahu’s conditions regarding ending the war in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Al Ansari said that the mediation is concerned with official responses to the proposed draft, not with media statements issued by various parties.

He emphasized that the primary goal is to reach the fastest possible ceasefire to spare lives, in light of the daily humanitarian losses in the Gaza Strip due to bombing, food and medicine shortages, and the deterioration of the health sector. 

He confirmed that the proposal accepted by Hamas includes a clear plan to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war.

Regarding Arab and Islamic coordination, Dr. Al Ansari referred to the statement issued mid-month by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, which condemned the Israeli Prime Minister’s statements about what is called Greater Israel.

He said that there is near-daily coordination between foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries and their counterparts in friendly countries to unify positions regarding Israeli escalation.

Dr. Al Ansari underlined that Israeli officials are now presenting positions that go beyond the occupation of Gaza or the West Bank or the isolation of Jerusalem, to include talk of occupying sovereign Arab countries, which constitutes a clear violation of international law.

He confirmed that the State of Qatar has repeatedly condemned these practices, including the settlement plan to separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank, stressing that such policies will not bring security to Israel and will not lead to calming the situation in the region.

The Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the US-Russia summit that brought together US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. 

He expressed the State of Qatar’s hope that these efforts would contribute to reaching a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, reiterating Qatar’s position calling for peaceful solutions.

He said that the State of Qatar initiated humanitarian solutions, most notably the reunification of children affected by the war with their families, confirming that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, continues to follow up on this file with the concerned parties.

Dr. Al Ansari also referred to the continued efforts of the State of Qatar in supporting the peace process in the Republic of the Congo, noting that HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi is in constant contact with the concerned parties, and that Qatar is working to facilitate negotiations despite the complexity of the situation, with a commitment to finding constructive solutions and supporting the will of the parties to reach a sustainable agreement.

At the beginning of the media briefing, Dr. Al Ansari reviewed the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the week, including the meeting of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani with HE President of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi during which bilateral cooperation relations and developments in Gaza were discussed, along with joint efforts to reach a ceasefire.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also participated in ceasefire negotiations in El Alamein, Egypt, as part of joint efforts with Cairo to advance the negotiations.

In Doha, His Excellency met with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan, and received a phone call from HE Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Dr. Dick Schoof, which addressed bilateral relations and efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue through peaceful means and the implementation of the two-state solution. (QNA)