Emir holds phone talk with S Africa’s leader

QATAR  |  OfficialEmir holds phone talk with S Africa’s leaderHis Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday held a telephone talk with South African President Jacob Zuma. During the phone call, they reviewed bilateral relations and means of boosting them, besides discussing the latest regional and international developments of interest to both countries. Meanwhile, HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday held a telephone conversation with Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. They reviewed relations between the two fraternal countries and ways to develop them in all fields, besides discussing issues of common concern.QATAR  |  DiplomacyDoha hails lifting of US sanctions on SudanQatar has welcomed the US decision to lift economic sanctions on Sudan. In a statement yesterday, the Foreign Ministry expressed the hope that this decision would promote development, peace and stability in Sudan. The US has announced that it will lift the sanctions following “sustained positive action” by the government in Khartoum. The actions include maintaining a cessation of hostilities in conflict areas and improving humanitarian access throughout Sudan, the State Department said.QATAR  |  ReactionIraq congratulated on liberation of HawijaQatar has congratulated Iraq on the liberation of the city of Hawija from the hands of terrorist organisations. In a statement yesterday, the Foreign Ministry affirmed that the State of Qatar stands by Iraq in the face of terrorism and extremism. It reiterated Qatar’s firm stance against terrorism as well as its rejection and condemnation of all its forms and manifestations, regardless of causes and motivation.