Qatar, Belgium discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations

Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, met Wednesday in Brussels with Director-General of Bilateral Relations Brigitte Stevens, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Region Directorate Francois Cornet d'Elzius, and Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Marc Pecsteen, at the Belgian foreign affairs ministry; and Deputy Chief of Cabinet and Diplomatic Adviser to the King of Belgium, Eugene Crijns.During the meeting, held at the Belgian foreign affairs ministry, the two sides discussed the cooperation between the two countries and explored ways to support and enhance it, particularly in the political, economic, and energy sectors. Both sides expressed their eagerness to elevate bilateral relations to new heights that meet the aspirations of both nations and serve their common interests.The meeting also covered several regional and international issues of mutual concern, most notably the situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of continuing joint efforts to end the ongoing war and humanitarian suffering, and ensuring the unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip in accordance with humanitarian principles and international law.Regarding Syria, the two sides underscored the importance of assisting the Syrian people amidst the escalating economic challenges, especially following the European Union's decision to lift sanctions on certain sectors, and the need to ensure that financial and humanitarian aid reaches those in need.On the Iranian issue, both sides reaffirmed their support for all international efforts aimed at de-escalation, highlighting the importance of ongoing mediation efforts to bring closer the positions of Iran and the US. Concerning the Great Lakes Region, the Belgian officials praised Qatar's pivotal role in mediating between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expressing Belgium's readiness to support these efforts and contribute to enhancing the prospects for peace and stability in the region.The Belgian side also commended Qatar's constructive role in the joint mediation efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and its success in reuniting several children with their families, as part of its ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The meeting was attended by Qatar's Ambassador to Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Khalid bin Fahad al-Hajri.