Speaking at a reception to commemorate the 1918 Armistice’s 100th anniversary at his residence in Doha, the envoy stressed that Qatar is a strong supporter of international order based on multilateralism.
“The views of Qatar are key for all of us who, in Doha, know better the challenges our friends are facing, but also because of Qatar’s dedication to international law, multilateralism, dialogue and mediation; and given her active role on the international scene in support to development, humanitarian aid and disaster relief,” the envoy said.
He lauded Qatar and its institutions for taking part in the Paris Peace Forum debates this year with 10,000 participants from various countries.
The opening of the forum, held at the Grand Halle de la Villette, was attended by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
“It is an honour for us to host His Highness the Amir in Paris to show that the concerns of the world are not only among those who are involve in the world war but also to friendly countries like Qatar who play a very important role in the world,” Gellet added.
“So it is important that Qatar, being associated to the conference, expresses some ideas about how to prevent the repetition and extension (while qualified as regional) of such conflicts to a wider scope,” he pointed out.
The envoy said the blockade on Qatar could also be raised, like other regional and global
issues, at the forum.
The aim of such a meeting, he added, was to ensure people are aware of the risks involve in conflicts, while regional in scope, but could possibly expand to the rest of the world.
“Should I remind you as we are talking about World War I, originally it was a conflict limited to only few European countries, and yet it extended to all 74 countries in the world,” Gellet stressed.
“It is important that we all make sure we are aware that there is always a threat and we have to remain vigilant that conflicts should be resolved so it won’t extend elsewhere,” he said.
About Qatar-France bilateral ties, the envoy noted that the two countries have elevated their political relations to the level of strategic relations.
“This means that in the coming weeks and months we will have specific level of exchanges that we don’t have with all countries that is very specific to Qatar and France, which underline how close we are,” he pointed out.
Gellet said Qatar and France hold consultations regularly on all aspects of the regional situation not only about the Gulf
issues but also broader.
“There are many challenges in the region and France has been interested from I would say ever about what is going on in the region,” he added.
