PM holds high-level meetings in Washington with Vice-President J D Vance, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Talks cover strengthening strategic co-operation, defence ties and global energy securityUS commends Qatar’s active diplomatic role in promoting regional stability HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani held high-level meetings in Washington with senior US officials, focusing on strengthening strategic co-operation, defence ties, and global energy security amid escalating regional tensions. According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), HE Sheikh Mohammed met with Vice-President J D Vance and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, where discussions centred on deepening bilateral relations and enhancing co-ordination across multiple sectors, particularly defence, in light of ongoing developments in the region. Both sides reviewed the close strategic partnership between Qatar and the US and explored avenues to reinforce co-operation that serve their mutual interests. The talks also addressed developments in global energy markets, with an emphasis on ensuring sustainable supply and maintaining the steady flow of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar to international markets. HE Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of safeguarding global energy security and preserving freedom of maritime navigation in accordance with international law, particularly as disruptions threaten key shipping routes. For his part, Vance lauded the strength of US-Qatar ties and commended Qatar’s active diplomatic role in promoting regional stability and contributing to global energy security. HE the Prime Minister also met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to discuss ways to further advance defence and security co-operation. The meeting focused on enhancing joint co-ordination to address regional challenges and reinforce stability. Both sides stressed the importance of continued co-ordination and consultation on regional issues to promote security and stability locally and internationally. The diplomatic engagements come against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf. On Wednesday, Qatar’s Cabinet renewed its condemnation of Iranian attacks targeting Qatar and neighbouring countries, calling for an immediate cessation. The region has been on edge since late February, when a US-Israeli conflict with Iran escalated into a broader confrontation, resulting in significant casualties across multiple countries. Iran has since launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states, asserting that US assets are its primary targets.Regional leaders, however, have warned that such actions endanger civilian populations and risk further destabilisation. The conflict has also triggered a severe global energy crisis, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by participating in the global Earth Hour 2026 initiative Saturday. Following the directive of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, encouraging individuals and institutions nationwide to observe Earth Hour by switching off lights and non-essential electrical appliances from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, LuLu outlets across Qatar turned off their external lights, including the prominent D-Ring Road location. The symbolic gesture underscores LuLu Hypermarket’s strong alignment with national sustainability goals and highlights its ongoing dedication to energy conservation and environmental responsibility. By participating in Earth Hour, the company continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting responsible and sustainable business practices. LuLu Hypermarket remains committed to supporting government-led environmental initiatives and advocating for eco-friendly practices, while inspiring communities to take meaningful steps toward a greener and more sustainable future.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the latest regional and international developments amid rising tensions in the region, including the ongoing Iranian aggression against Qatar and several regional countries, as well as updates on the Ukrainian crisis, during a meeting held Saturday at His Highness's office in Lusail Palace. **media[429841]**The Ukrainian president renewed his country's solidarity with Qatar, condemning the Iranian aggression and affirming Ukraine's support for measures taken by Qatar to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens. HH the Amir welcomed Zelensky and the accompanying delegation, expressing his appreciation for the president's sincere feelings and Ukraine's supportive stance. **media[429838]**Both sides emphasised the urgent need to immediately halt all military actions that could expand the scope of conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, warning of the repercussions of continued escalation on regional and international security, and stressed the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and work through diplomatic channels to enhance international peace and security amid accelerating challenges in the international system. **media[429842]**The meeting also addressed co-operation and friendship between the two countries and ways to develop them, particularly in technology, security, defence, and energy, to strengthen the bilateral partnership and open new avenues for cooperation. The meeting was attended, from the Qatari side, by His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, His Excellency Chief of Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, and a number of Their Excellencies senior officials. **media[429840]**Attending the meeting from the Ukrainian side were Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the President Sergiy Kyslytsya, and members of the delegation accompanying the president. Earlier in the day, Zelensky and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, and Ambassador of Ukraine to Qatar Andrii Kuzmenko. HH the Amir and Zelensky also held a bilateral meeting, exchanging views on current developments in the region and the world of mutual interest, and affirmed the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between the two countries, particularly in light of ongoing events and their impact on regional security and stability. Following the meeting, HH the Amir osted a luncheon banquet in honour of the president and his accompanying delegation.