Amir’s leadership rooted in empathy and peace: PM

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani affirmed that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is a rare model of leadership in today’s world, adding that His Highness does not merely govern, but feels, and devotes all his effort and soul to every duty, from meeting the needs of his citizens to supporting regional and international peace.In a speech delivered Tuesday at a ceremony held in the Republic of Ireland on the occasion of receiving the Tipperary International Peace Award, HE Sheikh Mohammed noted that His Highness the Amir sees the people of the region and innocent individuals around the world as his own children, grieves for every lost soul, and believes that peace is a legacy that must be preserved.In this regard, he added, words fail to express the extent of his pride in His Highness the Amir.HE Sheikh Mohammed stressed that he has had the honour of serving Qatar under His Highness the Amir's leadership for more than ten years, and will continue to be honoured for as long as he is able, mentioning that His Highness the Amir's wisdom, passion, and determination are a personal source of inspiration for him, and they are what drive him to continue.With all humility and gratitude, he stated, he accepts the Tipperary International Peace Award, not as a personal honour, but on behalf of Qatar, its people, its principles, and its leadership.His Excellency stressed that this award represents recognition of what Qatar has become today: a steadfast voice for peace, a defender of dialogue, and a nation that does not yield in the face of challenges.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said: "This gathering here today in Ireland, a country that has achieved peace through reconciliation and moral courage, holds deep significance," adding that Ireland's journey affirms what has always been believed in Qatar, that peace is not granted, but built.In this context, he recalled the words of the late John Hume: "The basis of peace and stability, in any society, has to be the fullest respect for the human rights of all its people." His Excellency confirmed that today, he doesn't speak about his own story, but about the story of the proud people of Qatar, adding that many often ask him about Qatar’s motives, from Gaza to Afghanistan, from Lebanon to Ukraine. "Some claim that what Qatar does is driven by self-interest. This could not be further from the truth," continuing that what Qatar does is not merely transactional, it is transformational. "It is not a tactical maneuver, but a reflection of the national identity, shaped by the culture, driven by the faith, enshrined in Qatar's constitution, and inspired by its leadership."HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs went on to say that this award comes at a critical moment, adding that just one week ago, Qatar was subjected to a direct missile attack, a clear response to recklessness that threatens peace and stability in the region.His Excellency added that while Qatar's air defences fulfilled their duty, its diplomats worked tirelessly to secure a ceasefire by dawn. That moment was not one of retaliation, but one governed by wisdom and restraint, he added.His Excellency clarified that Qatar chose restraint from a position of strength, not weakness, because it placed the stability of its region and the well-being of its people above fiery rhetoric and displays of force.His Excellency continued that Qatar has repeatedly warned of the dangers of regional conflict escalation, and that Israel’s reckless behavior could lead to an unbearable intensification of the conflict."The price of ignoring these warnings is not paid in Gaza alone, but across the region. Nowhere is this tragedy more evident than in Gaza. The images coming from there are unbearable, and the losses are beyond description. Yet, despite this devastation, His Highness the Amir has remained steadfast in his commitment to the people of Gaza, through continued aid, sincere efforts for peace, and defending their dignity in international forums."Their suffering weighs on the conscience, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned, but it also strengthens the resolve. "Even in the face of provocation, even under attack, Qatar remains committed to peace, not as a slogan, but as a duty."His Excellency added that Qatar's armed forces bravely protect the State's sovereignty, the diplomats quietly build bridges, and through it all, the people of Qatar stand united, mentioning Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) saying: "Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than prayer, fasting, and charity, It is putting things right between people."His Excellency addressed the next generation with a message, asking them not to think that peace is naïve, it is harder than war, but it is worth every effort. It is stronger than cynicism and louder than violence, as His Excellency described.On behalf of the people of Qatar, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, extended thanks to the Tipperary Peace Convention for this recognition, adding that on their behalf, he accepts it with humility and with renewed commitment that Qatar will remain a voice of calm, a partner in peace, and a friend to all who believe that dialogue must triumph over destruction, asking the world to remain faithful to this cause.