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The State of Qatar confirms its continued efforts with the "United Nations Friends of Civilizations" to build bridges and achieve peace

New York - 29 September The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, said in a statement at a meeting of the Friends of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations held at the United Nations in New York to discuss "building bridges: using soft power to promote a culture of peace", that the State of Qatar reiterate its will to continue with its efforts with the United Nations Friends of Civilizations group to build bridges between all and achieve peace. He stressed that his country, in its belief in peace and the importance of promoting understanding and dialogue among civilizations and promoting the values of tolerance and cooperation between religions and cultures, has established institutions to spread the culture of peace, acceptance of each other, fight extremism and renounce violence, to combat extremism and renounce violence, such as the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue and the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, in support of international efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between religions. In this context, he referred to the "National Committee of the Alliance of Civilizations", which plays an active role in promoting a culture of dialogue and peace at the national level, where the Committee cooperates with institutions and organizations in the State to implement the objectives of the Alliance. The State of Qatar has pledged this year to support the eighth Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, to be held at the United Nations in New York on November 19, with a sum of 1.5 million dollars, as sponsor of the Forum. The State of Qatar has followed a creative, neutral and credible foreign policy through the soft means it has adopted in its international relations, to bridge relations between the parties, to reduce tensions and to achieve sustainable reconciliations, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations relating to the peaceful resolution of disputes. He recalled his country's role in the progress achieved in achieving the sixteenth goal of the United Nations Plan for Sustainable Development, believing that international law and the rule of law were a source of stability, security and peace for the international community. The minister added that education is one of the most important means to build peace and that his country's authorities have launched many educational initiatives at the national, regional and international levels that benefited millions of children and young people. He cited the institution "Education Above All" in partnership with UNICEF and more than 80 international partners, to provide quality education to 10 million children in more than 50 countries around the world, especially the areas of armed conflict, an initiative that has been announced by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser, President of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. He also referred to Qatar Investment Authority's efforts to promote stability and peace in developing countries facing development challenges, and to Qatari charities operating in many conflict areas. He noted Qatar's hosting of the 2022 World Cup as a means of promoting communication and rapprochement between peoples.


Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Syria's developments call for redoubling efforts to ensure accountability for the heinous crimes.

New York - September 27 HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on the special occasion on the sidelines of the general debate of the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York, on the international mechanism for prosecuting those responsible for crimes committed in Syria, that the escalation of violence and the potential for chemical weapons attacks, calls for a doubling of efforts to hold accountable for the heinous crimes. He said that the State of Qatar had fulfilled its $ 1 million contribution to the international mechanism and thanked those countries that had provided material support to the mechanism. He said that the international community calls for a political solution in Syria in accordance with Security Council Resolution No. 2254. However, the judicial system in Syria does not have the will to prosecute any party committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. He believed that the success of the international mechanism depends on several factors, most importantly political commitment and reflection on the ground. He urged Member States to cooperate with the Mechanism, The Minister welcomed the fact that the International Mechanism had done so in coordination with the International Independent Investigation Commission for the purpose of exchanging information and evidence. He stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination with civil society organizations, in order to document violations. He also welcomed the signing of a cooperation protocol with 28 organizations last April in Lausanne, which would contribute to the common goal of ensuring accountability and fairness for victims. He expressed the hope of the State of Qatar to activate the activity of the mechanism or reach tangible results, which contributes to the achievement of justice and sustainable peace in Syria.


Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: The speech of His Highness the Amir before the United Nations stressed the need to overcome crises in accordance with international law

New York - September 28 HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference held in New York City that HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presented in his address to the UN General Assembly at its 73rd session many issues, such as crisis management, or the pursuit of comprehensive and just solutions guided by international law and standards. He also referred to his country's agreement with the United Nations to support development projects to combat cholera in Yemen. He said that His Highness participated with the Prime Minister of Canada in hosting the "Leaders' Dialogue on Education for Girls in the Context of Conflict and Fragile Conditions". He stressed that the election of the State of Qatar by the General Assembly of the United Nations as Vice-President is evidence of the active role of the State of Qatar in the international community, pointing to the participation of the delegation of the State of Qatar in raising the issue of combating terrorism. During the bilateral meetings, the Qatari delegation discussed issues, such as the Palestinian issue. The delegation participated in the special meeting of the UN Relief Works Agency of the Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He said he had met both his Afghan counterpart and the US delegation on Afghanistan. Regarding the Syrian crisis, he pointed out that the State of Qatar participated in the meeting organized by the European Union. In addition, the State of Qatar and Liechtenstein hosted a meeting on "The Independent International Mechanism for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for War Crimes in Syria". On the preparation of the constitutional committee in Syria, he expressed his support for the efforts of the UN envoy to Syria. Developments in Somalia were also discussed, where the State of Qatar confirmed the support of the Somali government. On Iraq, he said that discussions with the United States of America to consider addressing the problem of water suffered by residents of the city of Basra. The Minister also held a meeting with the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the High Representative of the European Union. On the meeting held between the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United States of America, Egypt and Jordan, the Minister said that the United States has succeeded in gathering the GCC. He stressed that one of the most important principles of the Alliance is respect for the sovereignty and independence of States. On Yemen, he drew attention to the report of the experts of the Human Rights Council, which carried terrible facts against civilians. As for the position of the State of Qatar from Yemen, His Excellency stressed that it is based on the decisions of the Security Council, the Gulf Initiative and the outputs of the national dialogue, and that there should be a Yemeni-Yemeni direct and constructive dialogue.


The State of Qatar affirms its commitment to provide all forms of support to achieve the objectives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The State of Qatar affirmed its support for achieving the objectives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the need for the Organization to be the home of all Muslims, calling on the Organization to abide by its duties and not to enter into artificial differences, thus dispersing its efforts to play its role in crucial issues. This was the statement made by His Excellency Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, at the annual coordination meeting of the OIC foreign ministers held on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Minister of State explained that a vision should be devised with clear operational mechanisms to solve the crises and schemes of attrition, marginalization, fragmentation and regional and sectarian conflicts that plague Muslim countries. He stressed the importance of strengthening the bonds of cooperation and brotherhood between the members of the Organization and the strengthening of its role, wondering "Is it acceptable to put obstacles to prevent the participation of the delegations of the State of Qatar in the meetings held at the headquarters of the Organization ?!" He said that serious consideration should be given to ways to strengthen its role in meeting the growing challenges in the Muslim world. He also called for recalling the reasons and justifications that led to its establishment nearly five decades ago. It was hoped that the organization would become a strong and successful international bloc, expressing regret that the Islamic Organization was unable to play its role. He stressed the need to reform the organization and raise its capabilities, to serve the Islamic peoples and issues of the Islamic world, and called on those who conduct their work to keep away from any position contrary to its objectives, and damage its credibility, so as to bring the positions closer and not deepen the differences and crises. He also referred to the Palestinian issue, which continues to occupy the greatest interest of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The issue of Jerusalem is one of the goals for which the Organization was established. He reiterated Qatar's support for all efforts aimed at the peace process, the Israel's withdrawal from all Palestinian and Arab territories to the pre-1967 borders, support for a two-state solution, and Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. With regard to the Syrian crisis, he said that the time had come to end the suffering of the Syrian people, in order to reach a political solution in accordance with the Geneva Declaration 1 and to implement Security Council resolutions. In his capacity as Chairman of the Contact Group on Somalia, the State of Qatar is coordinating the holding of the next meeting in Mogadishu, in support of Somalia and the implementation of the Organization's resolutions.


Qatar receives 2019 Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) chairmanship New York - September 27

In his speech at the ACD Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted Qatar's acceptance of the 2019 Asian Platform to develop the objectives of Asian consensus and cooperation, and to develop joint action mechanisms during this period, and promote trade and economic partnerships and enhance the economic competitiveness of Asian countries on world markets. Beside the integration of the Asian countries in various fields and the establishment of partnerships with other regional blocs and organizations, in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. Since its establishment in 2002, the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) has played a vital role in promoting cooperation and interdependence in all fields and facing the common challenges it faces, in light of the rapid changes in our planet and the common goals of the international community, in the field of development, the promotion of human rights and the maintenance of international peace and security. He said that the Asian continent has all the potential to push the development of human resources and economic wealth, especially as the economies of many countries of the continent are experiencing rapid growth rates in the past few years. He stressed that the State of Qatar was honored to host the sixteenth ministerial meeting of the States members of the Forum. The State of Qatar will host a workshop on education and culture as well as a forum for businessmen, which will contribute to the expansion of trade and financial markets. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its successful presidency of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue in 2018. He thanked the Secretary-General and the Working Group for their keenness to communicate with the members of the Asian Forum Common.


Speech of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Amir of the State of Qatar At The General Debate of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Below are the most important issues in the speech: • My country and people are subjected to an ongoing unjust blockade imposed by neighboring countries • The people of Qatar stood up to the siege and refused to dictate with dignity and pride • I am proud of my people and residents on the land of Qatar of different nationalities • Qatar runs its life successfully thanks to the existence of other borders than these under the control of the countries of the blockade • States of siege have been treacherous and have not retreated from their crime and seek economic and social impact against Qatar • destabilizing a sovereign state. Is not this a definition of terrorism? • Those who planned the blockade were aiming to undermine the will of Qatar and wanted it to surrender to their total guardianship • Illegal blockade violated the most basic human rights in employment, education and mobility • The countries of the blockade have harassed their citizens and residents on their territory simply because of their sympathy for Qatar • We refused to obey the dictates of pressure and siege and our people do not accept less • I thank the brotherly and friendly countries and the sincerest mediation of the Amir of Kuwait • I renew the call for an unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty • Piracy was carried out for political purposes, followed by dictates affecting the sovereignty of Qatar • Qatar fought terrorism and the international community as a whole witnessed that, and continues to fight it • We call for dialogue between the GCC and Iran on the basis of common interests • We refuse to deal with double standards of terrorism by the identity of perpetrators or linked to religion • Serious work is needed to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that goes beyond international interests • Qatar has spared no effort in providing support and assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Syrians • I call on the Government of Myanmar to take the necessary measures to stop the violence against the Rohingya • We support the efforts of the Al-Wefaq government in Libya to achieve stability and the unity and sovereignty of the country • We are keen on Yemen's unity, ending the war and supporting the efforts of the United Nations • Qatar will continue to respond to the growing humanitarian needs in the world • I appeal to the Palestinian brothers to complete reconciliation and unify positions • The Israeli government continues its intransigence and stands in the way of achieving peace


The State of Qatar welcomes the agreement to establish a demilitarized zone in Idlib, Syria

Doha - September 18 The State of Qatar welcomes the Russian-Turkish agreement to establish a demilitarized zone in the Idlib province in north-west Syria, between the Syrian armed opposition forces and the Syrian regime. The State of Qatar believes that this important agreement contributes to the avoidance of bloodshed of innocent people, and saves the region from a major humanitarian disaster. The conclusion of this agreement demonstrates the potential for concerted international and regional efforts to try to resolve the existing conflict, and lay the foundations for a just peace between the conflicting parties in the Syrian war. Finally, the State of Qatar reaffirms its full support for all efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis, on the basis of the Geneva Declaration 1 and the relevant Security Council resolutions to meet the legitimate aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people.



The State of Qatar condemns the terrorist attack on the Libyan National Oil Company

Doha - Media Office - 10 September The State of Qatar strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Libyan National Oil Company, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of many people, and appealed to all Libyans to stand united against terrorism and tampering with the lives of people and the fate of the Libyan people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement today that preserving the sources of wealth in Libya, being the Libyan Oil Company the most important one, is a moral duty and a national duty. "The State of Qatar appeals to all factions of the Libyan people to stop fighting and to give priority to the national interest and to cooperate with the United Nations Mission in Libya and the international community to reorganize the Libyan house to establish the foundations of stability in the Libyan homeland as a whole."


Qatar warned of the serious humanitarian consequences of the attack on Idlib in northwestern Syria.

The State Department said in a statement today that the State of Qatar is following with great concern the escalation of events in and around the city of Idlib, towards a military escalation that threatens an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the twenty-first century. The statement added that the State of Qatar joins the voice of countries that have warned of the consequences of this attack, which its first victims will be innocent civilians, especially women, children and old people, who have nothing to do with the conflict between the conflicting parties in Syria, pointing out that the moral and humanitarian duty of the international community and the forces of war in Syria must move to stop this catastrophic attack before it is too late. "If this abhorrent attack threatens the lives of thousands of innocent people and destroys thousands of families, the consequences of this far-reaching attack will last for years. The containment of the consequences of this potential catastrophe will be impossible, in light of the devastation in all areas of Syria, and the inability of the international community and the continuation of the Syrian regime in its hostile policies against its people.