The State of Qatar reaffirmed its readiness to work with the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and international bodies to resolve the Gulf crisis through unconditional dialogue, respect for the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, and non-interference in its internal affairs, expressing its full support for the efforts of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to resolve the crisis.

This came in a statement made by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikha alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani at the virtual dialogue session organized by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington in cooperation with the Stimson Center for research and studies on ‘Qatar's perspective of global and regional security in an age of uncertainty.’

HE the Ambassador indicated that the State of Qatar has played a pivotal role in the GCC since its establishment on May 25, 1981, which contributed to strengthening regional security and stability in the Gulf region and securing vital energy supplies to the entire world.

She added that on the eve of May 23, 2017, the meaning of unity in the GCC countries was broken and the council was dismembered, through a managed crisis by committing a state-sponsored cybercrime against the website of the Qatar News Agency (QNA) and falsifying statements to the leadership of the State of Qatar. She stressed that the seriousness of this cyber attack lies in the fact that this crime is state-sponsored.

HE the Ambassador pointed out that the attack took place days before the imposition of the illegal blockade on the State of Qatar, which began on June 5, 2017, and its repercussions still undermine the security and stability of the region and the opportunities for regional cooperation to face common challenges. She added that the blockade also violates the human rights and fundamental freedoms of thousands of people in the State of Qatar and other countries in the region.

Her Excellency pointed out that despite all that, the State of Qatar has confirmed on all occasions its willingness to work with the GCC states and other international bodies to resolve the current crisis through unconditional dialogue, respect for the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, and non-interference in its internal affairs and expressed full support for the generous efforts of HH the Amir of the State of Kuwait to resolve the crisis.

On the legal level, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikha alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani stated that the State of Qatar has taken the path of international law and filed many complaints in international courts and forums, including resorting to the International Court of Justice, as the main judicial organ of the UN, to protect the rights of Qatari citizens and residents who were negatively affected by the measures taken by the United Arab Emirates on June 5, 2017, noting that the UAE violated the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

HE the Ambassador said that after three years of the blockade and illegal measures against the State of Qatar, the State of Qatar is proud of the successes achieved and the external partnerships it has established with the countries that share the same respect for human rights, the rule of law and international cooperation. She expressed regret at the well-known forces of the region that work to prevent change, progress, and respect human rights and the rule of law, stressing that change is inevitable.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikha alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said that the urgent question that imposes itself: Why did the blockading countries target the State of Qatar, which maintains moderate regional and global policies, both in terms of hosting forums on international cooperation discussing various issues such as global trade, climate action, peacebuilding, and a pioneer in the unique approach to development and pushing the development of human experiences in the arts, architecture, sports, and other important fields.

How can the blockading countries simply ignore the principles and the Charter of the United Nations and international law that affirm respect for the sovereignty of states and the will of their people she asked. HE the Ambassador stressed that the UN principles and goals constitute the main pillars of the foreign policy of the State of Qatar and that the commitment of the State of Qatar to the UN is a strategic choice. She pointed out that the UN provides a major platform for a global multilateral cooperation, and that the need for it is more urgent today than ever, especially at a time when mankind is facing an unprecedented pandemic, which is a test for the leaders of the international institutions.

HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN pointed to Qatar's continued support to the UN multilateral action to enable it to promote international peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development, adding that the State of Qatar continues to strengthen the partnership with the UN to promote peace, security, and justice for all.

In this context, Her Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar has continued its pioneering efforts to address the challenges facing our planet due to climate change, pointing to the announcement of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in September at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit on Qatar's contribution of USD100 million to support the small island developing states and the least developed countries to deal with climate change and environmental challenges, and build their capabilities to face their devastating effects.

She pointed out that the State of Qatar continues to participate actively in the international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, not only through the security approach, but also through education, science, and technology tools, expressing the State of Qatar's firm belief in the success that can be achieved in reinvesting in the international institutions concerned with global governance and its modernization, and marking the 75 anniversary of the establishment of the UN by achieving that.

During the dialogue session, HE the Ambassador said that there is a close connection between achieving security in its various human dimensions, the existence of a security system based on justice and law, and the implications this on regional and international situations, saying that the state is the primary stakeholder in international relations.

Also, she said that the title of the discussion session is inspiring and extremely vital for the current stage of the world with challenges and tensions, especially the catastrophic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which confirms that the world is more interconnected world than ever before in human history.

HE the Ambassador added the world today faces a major threat that affects all countries, regardless of their size or capabilities, which is the COVID-19 pandemic. She continued that the elimination of this pandemic requires continuous cooperation between all countries and rejects the differences between them as the threat that it poses to all of us must be a catalyst for rapprochement in our region, to search for solutions to crises and tensions, and to facilitate access to humanitarian assistance.

In light of the seriousness of this pandemic, Her Excellency stressed the need for extensive regional coordination and cooperation to confront this threat, noting Qatar's support for international efforts in this regard, as the State of Qatar provided great assistance to the countries affected by the pandemic, and it set up urgent airlifts to transport medical and relief supplies to many countries.

In this context, HE the Ambassador indicated that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, at the 2020 Global Vaccines Summit held in London via video conferencing technology, announced a new pledge from the State of Qatar worth USD20 million to support the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), in addition, His Highness also called on the international community to work together to ensure justice in providing medicines and medical equipment for all countries and to enhance global preparedness for future infectious diseases.

At the end of her statement, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikha alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani reiterated the strong and firm belief of the State of Qatar in a shared responsibility at the international level to face common challenges and threats, adding that there are attempts to obstruct Qatar's significant contributions to global and regional cooperation to achieve security and justice for all. HE the Ambassador added that this increases Qatar's commitment and respect for international law and human rights, following the values and principles of the founders of the State of Qatar, the builders of its prosperous present, and the approaches of the leadership of the state represented by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in a manner that achieves prosperity for the citizens of the State of Qatar and building new bridges with other countries for the good of humanity. (QNA)



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