Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Qatar Evaluating Mediation to End War in Gaza, Rejects Attacks on Its Role
Doha, April 17 (QNA) - HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani reiterated Qatar's rejection of any defamation regarding its role in ongoing mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza, indicating that Qatar is assessing that mediation.
During a joint press conference today with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan, His Excellency said that negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of prisoners and hostages are at a sensitive and critical stage, and that the State of Qatar has been working since day one of the war to stop it and release the hostages. His Excellency added that the State of Qatar has seen the misuse of this mediation and its employment for narrow political interests, adding that this in turn has necessitated a comprehensive evaluation by Qatar of its role.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs added that the State of Qatar engaged in the mediation process out of humanitarian, national, and patriotic considerations to protect the Palestinians. His Excellency however lamented the political exploitation by some politicians with narrow interests, marketing their electoral campaigns through the defamation of Qatar's role.
His Excellency added that it was unacceptable and damaging for such statements to be made behind closed doors and publicly as they do not contribute positively. His Excellency stressed the State of Qatar's commitment to its role on humanitarian grounds, but noted that there are limitations to this role and the impact it can make, noting that the State of Qatar will take the appropriate decision at the right time regarding this.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said during the press conference that the meeting with HE Fidan discussed strategic partnership and bilateral relations between the two countries, confirming that this visit is part of continuous coordination between the two sides on regional and international issues, as it comes amidst escalating tensions and sensitive conditions in the region.
His Excellency added that the visit provided an opportunity for detailed consultations on regional escalation, emphasizing the need for parties to resort to de-escalation, reason, dialogue, and logical resolution of issues rather than resorting to the language of arms and violence.
His Excellency said that the State of Qatar has conducted intensive communications recently with all parties to try to contain the escalation, noting that coordination between Qatar and Turkiye is ongoing and continuous, expressing appreciation for the positions adopted by the sisterly Republic of Turkiye, especially in supporting the Palestinian brothers.
His Excellency added that he discussed with HE the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs the latest developments of the war in Gaza, the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, and the ongoing Israeli actions and assaults against the Palestinians in the West Bank.
In a resolute stance against the escalating violence perpetrated by the Israeli army targeting the Palestinian people, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has called upon the international community to fulfill its obligations and intervene decisively to quell the aggression.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, HIs Excellency underscored the persistent urgency of addressing the Palestinian plight, emphasizing the imperative of a just and comprehensive solution. He reiterated the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its rightful capital, in accordance with international resolutions.
Highlighting ongoing humanitarian efforts, His Excellency outlined discussions with the Turkish Foreign Minister on relief initiatives for brothers in Gaza, as well as negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of prisoners and hostages. Emphasizing Qatar's unwavering commitment to resolving the crisis and alleviating human suffering, he affirmed continued coordination with sisterly and friendly nations.
Expressing gratitude for Turkey's pivotal role in the region, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani stressed the importance of sustained collaboration to achieve positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Reflecting on Qatar's mediation efforts, the Foreign Minister acknowledged the significant challenges encountered in bridging the gap between conflicting parties. He highlighted Qatar's close partnership with the United States and Egypt in formulating constructive proposals, while emphasizing the inherent limitations of the mediator's role.
Responding to journalists' questions regarding the recent escalation, His Excellency disclosed ongoing diplomatic dialogue with both Iran and the United States, underscoring Qatar's proactive engagement prior to the outbreak of hostilities. He reiterated Qatar's persistent warnings about the destabilizing impact of the conflict on the wider region.
Tensions are rising after the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the subsequent loss of Iranian officials, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said calling on all parties involved to exercise restraint and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Addressing the alarming developments, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, highlighting that, thus far, statements from both sides suggest a reluctance to escalate the conflict further.
Furthermore, His Excellency underscored the critical importance of communication during this critical period, revealing ongoing dialogue between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab nations, and regional stakeholders. This concerted effort aims to navigate through the crisis and mitigate its potential fallout.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs echoed these sentiments, stressing the imperative of cohesive leadership and unified positions to avert the looming risks and perils that could engulf the entire region. With the specter of wider conflict looming, concerted efforts to halt hostilities represent the most viable path towards de-escalation and peace.
For his part, HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye affirmed his country's support for the State of Qatar's massive efforts to achieve a ceasefire and bring peace to the Gaza Strip.
During the press conference, Fidan stressed Turkiye’s unwavering support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the 1967 borders, and its contribution to achieve peace and make the Palestinian people access to their rights.
He added that the recent events in the region reinforce the importance of achieving unity among Palestinians and reaching just and lasting peace.
The Turkish Foreign Minister added that there is a joint coordination mechanism between the State of Qatar and Turkiye on the Palestinian cause at the political and institutional levels, especially with regard to ceasefire efforts, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and achieving stability in the Gaza Strip.
He pointed out that his current visit to the State of Qatar represented an opportunity to evaluate the joint future steps to support the Palestinian cause and heal the wounds of the Palestinian people, warning that the continuation of crimes committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip poses great risks that may lead to a regional conflict in the region.
The recent escalation witnessed in the region proved that there was a possibility for a regional war, he added.
The Turkish Foreign Minister stressed the need for Israel to implement the UN Security Council resolution regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, take the temporary measures approved by the International Court of Justice, achieve an urgent ceasefire and bring in humanitarian aid, in preparation for work on implementing the steps aimed at a two-state solution.
On the Qatari-Turkish relations, HE Fidan said that relations between the two countries have reached a high level during the past years, noting the institutional development of Qatari and Turkish relations. There is a strategic goal for both sides to have the volume of trade exchange reach USD 5 billion, he said, highlighting that the current visit tackled the possibility of further increasing joint cooperation between the two countries in the field of investment, tourism and energy.
The Turkish Foreign Minister pointed out that the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye ratified last February the trade and economic partnership agreement between Turkiye and the State of Qatar, explaining that this would accelerate the achievement of goals in economic and trade relations between the two countries.
His Excellency noted his country’s keenness to strengthen commercial and institutional relations with Qatar and the GCC countries. (QNA)
