Category: Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, July 23

The State of Qatar foreign policy gives the highest priority to the peaceful settlement of disputes, particularly through mediation. This commitment is reflected in a track record of successful mediation efforts that have contributed to enhancing security and stability across various regions of the world, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani stated.

Delivering Qatar statement before the Security Council s high-level open debate on Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes at the UN Headquarters in New York, Her Excellency highlighted the tripartite summit held last March in Doha, during which HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani hosted HE the President of the Republic of Rwanda and HE the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The summit contributed to creating favorable conditions for de-escalation, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles between representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and representatives of the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement, last Saturday in Doha. This declaration complements the peace agreement signed last month in Washington, D.C., between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda under the auspices of HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump, and supports the path toward a comprehensive peace agreement facilitated by the State of Qatar.

On the situation in Afghanistan, Her Excellency reaffirmed that the State of Qatar will continue its mediation efforts to support the country in facing major challenges to achieving peace and stability. This includes hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which aims to fully reintegrate Afghanistan into the international community.

Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, Her Excellency stated that the outbreak of war in Gaza in 2023 posed a serious challenge to the international community. In line with its unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, the State of Qatar initiated intensive mediation efforts in cooperation with the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America. Despite the complexities, these efforts led to tangible outcomes, including a ceasefire agreement that improved humanitarian conditions and increased access to aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the exchange of hundreds of prisoners and detainees. Mediation efforts are still ongoing to achieve a final ceasefire agreement that would bring an end to the war and its resulting humanitarian catastrophe.

Her Excellency emphasized that Qatar has spared no effort in working with regional and international partners to prevent the further escalation and regional spread of the conflict, while consistently warning of the grave consequences of regional destabilization. Nevertheless, despite repeated international warnings, the Israeli military escalation has persisted, not only in Gaza but also targeting Lebanese, Syrian, and other territories in the region, leading to heightened tensions and threatening the stability of the entire region, culminating in a peak last June.

She noted that the escalation on June 23 resulted in a direct missile attack on Qatari territory. However, Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted the missile, preserving the country s territorial integrity.

Her Excellency further stated that Qatar was among the first countries to warn of the dangers of regional conflict escalation and the consequences of continued Israeli military actions. She reiterated Qatar s call for prioritizing diplomatic solutions, upholding the principles of good neighborliness, and exercising restraint over escalation. She also welcomed the ceasefire reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, expressing hope that both parties would adhere to it and that it would serve as a foundation for meaningful dialogue and diplomacy, paving the way toward sustainable peace and stability.

In conclusion, Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s emphasis on the need for the Security Council to maintain its commitment to advancing peaceful processes and political solutions to avoid further human suffering and promote global stability. She called on the Council to assume its responsibilities in preventing conflicts and addressing violations of international law by enforcing its resolutions, ensuring respect for international norms, and ending impunity. 

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 19, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, affirmed that the responsibility for implementing the agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement lies with both parties. His Excellency emphasized that this achievement represents a firm foundation upon which to build a more secure and stable future for the region.

Speaking at a press conference following the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the Government of the DRC and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement in Doha today, His Excellency described the declaration as a critical step toward strengthening peace and stability in eastern DRC. It marks the beginning of direct negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace that addresses the root causes of the conflict. He expressed confidence in the commitment of both parties to uphold the agreement.

HE Dr. Al Khulaifi underscored the State of Qatar’s role as a neutral and effective mediator, highlighting its efforts to bring the parties closer together and build bridges of understanding. He praised the sense of responsibility demonstrated by both sides in reaching this declaration and expressed appreciation for the trust placed in Qatar to facilitate the process.

His Excellency commended the substantial support of HE President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, for the peace process, as well as the constructive approach of the Congolese government’s negotiating delegation. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Bernard Bisimwa, Vice President of the Congo River Alliance/M23 Movement, and the movement’s delegation during the talks.

HE Dr. Al Khulaifi noted that Qatari mediation efforts began in March, when HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani hosted HE President Tshisekedi and HE President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, in Doha. During that meeting, President Tshisekedi expressed his readiness to engage in dialogue with the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement.

Since then, Qatar has hosted direct negotiations between the parties, which were marked by a positive and responsible spirit, grounded in a shared belief in dialogue as the primary path to conflict resolution. These efforts culminated in the signing of the Declaration of Principles.

Dr. Al Khulaifi stated that the leaders’ meeting in March served as a launching point for this process, leading to a series of positive developments, including the signing of the Washington Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda on June 27, 2025, an agreement that paved the way for today’s declaration.

He emphasized that the Declaration of Principles is not solely focused on ending violence but also provides a practical roadmap for national reconciliation. It marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation among various societal components in the DRC, including armed groups that have chosen the path of peace. The declaration also outlines a significant role for the international community in supporting peacebuilding and sustainable development.

His Excellency noted that the two parties demonstrated a genuine determination to break the cycle of violence and build mutual trust through concrete actions, such as the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the restoration of state authority, and the dignified return of displaced persons and refugees.

HE Dr. Al Khulaifi expressed the State of Qatar’s gratitude to the African Union and acknowledged the support of the United States of America, particularly the efforts of HE US Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Massad Boulos. He also commended the contributions of HE Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Additionally, His Excellency recognized the constructive roles played by the Republic of Rwanda, the French Republic, the United Kingdom, and the Consultative Dialogue Group, as well as the engagement of all regional and international partners backing the process.

HE Dr. Al Khulaifi affirmed that this initiative reflects Qatar’s steadfast commitment to mediation as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. The State of Qatar remains dedicated to supporting peacemaking efforts, advancing sustainable development, and empowering communities to achieve long-term stability grounded in justice, inclusiveness, and mutual respect.

He expressed hope that the Declaration of Principles will represent a meaningful step toward lasting peace and sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider region.

For his part, HE Massad Boulos, the US Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for African Affairs, praised Qatar’s vital role in facilitating the agreement, stating: “The State of Qatar is known for its pioneering role in resolving conflicts around the world, and we thank it for its essential efforts in this matter.”

HE Boulos noted that the conflict in the DRC has displaced more than eight million people, and that past initiatives have largely failed to yield results, making the Doha agreement a rare and valuable opportunity to achieve peace.

He further highlighted Qatar’s diplomatic leadership over the past two decades in facilitating complex peace processes, from Darfur in Sudan, to the Lebanese crisis, the Afghanistan negotiations, and now the DRC.

HE Boulos emphasized that while the Declaration of Principles marks only the first step, it is a critical one. It addresses core issues such as the immediate and permanent cessation of violence, prisoner exchanges, the restoration of full state authority, and the safe, dignified return of displaced persons and refugees. He called for the launch of direct negotiations to address the roots of the conflict and reach a comprehensive peace agreement, while urging international support for national reconciliation and development in conflict-affected areas.

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar