Newspapers Highlight Qatar's Leading Role in Contributing to Peace Efforts

Doha, September 15 (QNA) - Qatari newspapers underlined on Wednesday the leading and significant role played by the State of Qatar in contributing to efforts to establish regional and global peace, through mediation diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes. In their editorials, the newspapers stressed that the human dimension represents an important and essential aspect of the State of Qatar's foreign policy and diplomacy. The papers also highlighted HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's meeting on Tuesday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the friendly Kingdom of Spain Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, who praised the State of Qatar's role in evacuating Spanish citizens, and its efforts in supporting the peace process in Afghanistan. Al-Watan daily noted that talks during the meeting dealt with friendship and cooperation relations between the two countries and prospects for enhancing them, in addition to the regional and international developments, especially the situation in Afghanistan. The paper added that HE the Spanish Minister conveyed the thanks and appreciation of HM King Felipe VI of Spain and HE Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to HH the Amir for the State of Qatar's role in evacuating Spanish citizens, and its efforts in supporting the peace process in Afghanistan. Moreover, the paper referred to HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani's affirmation in a joint press conference with his Spanish counterpart that boycotting Afghanistan is not the solution and that the only way to get Afghanistan out of the current situation is to hold a dialogue. HE, the paper said, called on everyone to have a dialogue with the Afghans, and called on the international community to work together to provide assistance to the Afghan people. HE also emphasized the importance of maintaining the freedom of transportation and travel to and from Afghanistan, and said that Qatar and Turkey have carried out technical repairs at Kabul Airport, and that negotiation on operating the airport are still ongoing, the paper added. In conclusion, Al-Watan stressed that Qatar has demonstrated an exceptional ability, both with regard to the Afghan file or other files, in which it mediated in order to find solutions to them away from any interests or agendas. In its editorial, Al-Raya newspaper said that the Qatari-Spanish relations have always been an example to be followed in the distinguished diplomatic relations in the whole world. The two countries, as affirmed by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, enjoy strong cooperation in all fields, the paper said. Spain is one of the State of Qatar's important partners in the investment and commerce fields, and there is a common desire between Doha and Madrid to push these relations to broader horizons in the interest of the two friendly peoples, the paper said, noting that the two countries are currently seeking to increase opportunities for mutual cooperation and investment in post-COVID-19 era, whether in the economic aspect or in the aspect of cooperation in development fields and various regional affairs that concerns both sides. In this regard, Al-Raya hailed the visit and talks held by HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Jose Manuel Albares Bueno Tuesday in Doha. It considered the visit an excellent opportunity to highlight the growing relations between the two countries, as the Spanish minister stressed his country's pride in the multi-dimensional relations with Qatar, and indicated that the State of Qatar is one of the most influential investors in Spain. The security and political developments in Afghanistan also took an important aspect of the Qatari-Spanish talks, as it was agreed that humanitarian aid for the Afghan people should not be politicized and not be linked to the position of the new Afghan government, the newspaper added. Al-Raya concluded by saying that the Afghan people need urgent assistance and that international efforts must be unified in this regard, pointing out that the Qatari position towards the situation in Afghanistan is based on the fact that Afghanistan cannot be isolated or boycotted and communicating with the Taliban cannot be stopped just because it got the power. For its part, Al-Sharq newspaper stressed that the human dimension represents an important and essential aspect of the State of Qatar's foreign policy and diplomacy. The paper said that the effective humanitarian roles played by the State in many regions of the world constitute relief for the needy and alleviate the suffering of those affected by crises, disasters and wars anywhere in the world without regard to religion, race, color or sect. The paper stressed that the State of Qatar places issues related to promoting sustainable development and enhancing humanitarian assistance in war and conflict areas, as well as supporting and consolidating efforts to reduce expected humanitarian needs in emergency and complex circumstances at the top of its foreign policy priorities. Al-Sharq referred to what was confirmed by HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in the joint press conference held on Tuesday with his Spanish counterpart when he was asked about the cost of the evacuations carried out by the State from Afghanistan, that the State of Qatar dealt with evacuation of civilians, Afghans and foreigners from a humanitarian perspective as it involves saving lives. In conclusion of its editorial, Al-Sharq explained that the Afghan crisis and its current developments demonstrated the humanitarian role of the State of Qatar, which did not delay in responding to the emergency situation in Afghanistan, as it carried out evacuation operations to transport civilians and nationals of friendly countries, provided temporary residence and hosted them before leaving for their final destinations, operated an air bridge corridor for humanitarian aid in support of the Afghan people, re-operated and opened Kabul Airport to the transfer of aid and international flights, and facilitated communication between all partners and parties concerned with the Afghan file. In turn, The Peninsula newspaper praised in its editorial the Qatari diplomatic efforts as top diplomats from across the world were visiting the country for talks with the leaders on several issues related mainly to the evacuation of their nationals and servicemen from Afghanistan and lately to address the issues stemming from the fluid political situation there. The newspaper stressed that the tools that Qatari diplomacy possesses, and the credibility it enjoys, eventually enabled it to bring peace to a country that has been exhausted by war for more than twenty years, and it is continuing on this path in order to spread security, stability and prosperity wherever needed, supported by its principled stances, based on achieving peace for the sake of a new world of harmony and stability. "Several countries were totally dependent on Qatar to facilitate safe evacuation of their people and Afghans who helped as translators and facilitators during the period before the Taliban blitz. The country, as a transit point, has been doing more than what was expected, providing housing, meals, health care and COVID-19 vaccines to the evacuees," the newspaper said. The newspaper added that Qatar was one of the first countries to raise the alarm about the impending humanitarian disaster in the war-ravaged Afghanistan if the international community failed to act in time, praising the role played by Qatar to work on the repair and restoration of the international airport in Kabul with the primary aim of allowing the arrival of humanitarian aid and relief materials. The newspaper pointed out that HE Minister of State for Foreign Affaris Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi told a Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan that Qatar has provided last week about 188 tonnes of urgent food and medical supplies adding that Qatars financial contribution and assistance to support Afghanistan will reach $50 million. The Peninsula newspaper concluded its editorial by saying that United Nations agencies warn that one third of the people in Afghanistan is marching towards starvation due to crop failure and the latest political situation, explaining that it is high time, the world listened to the cries raising from that country and act immediately to alleviate the pain. (QNA)