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Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman on Monday received a verbal message from President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter. This took place during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of the Sultan of Oman Asaad bin Tariq Al Said and Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, Vice President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, during his current working visit to the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting reviewed the relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Swiss Confederation, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to develop them, particularly in the economic, commercial, and investment fields.

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information, observed annually on September 28, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, freedom of information, and fostering a culture of digital protection among its employees and partners. This celebration underscores QOC’s leading role in adopting international best practices that guarantee access to information for all segments of society. It also reflects Qatar’s position as a pioneering sports and institutional hub in good governance, knowledge management, and national capacity-building. Over the past years, QOC has launched several initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of information sharing. These include strengthening knowledge management systems in line with the international ISO 30401 standard, implementing effective digital archiving and document management policies, and offering specialized training programs on cybersecurity. Together, these measures ensure a responsible and sustainable work environment. QOC also places great emphasis on issuing regular reports on its strategy and sustainability efforts while making key data on its activities and projects available through official channels. This approach provides the public and stakeholders with direct, reliable access to the committee’s achievements and ongoing work. On this occasion, Eng. Fahad Ebrahim Al-Muhana, Director of Strategy and Sustainability at QOC, stated: "Our celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information reflects the QOC’s commitment to transparency and integrity, while empowering our national workforce with the tools of modern knowledge. We believe that reliable information is the foundation of sustainable development and strengthens institutional decision-making that serves both sport and society." “We will continue to adopt best global practices in knowledge management and data protection, in line with the Committee’s strategic vision and directions aimed at building a modern and secure institutional environment that can keep pace with global changes and strengthen Qatar’s position on the international sports map.” He added. This occasion highlights QOC’s institutional direction toward building a strong administrative culture founded on openness, transparency, and inclusivity. It also supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 by contributing to human, social, and institutional development. Through these efforts, QOC continues to play a central role in promoting sport as a positive force for spreading knowledge, strengthening accountability, and expanding access to information for the benefit of current and future generations. It's worth mentioning that QOC has received international certification in the Knowledge Management System ISO 30401 this year. This milestone makes QOC the first institution in Qatar and the first sports organization in the Middle East to receive this prestigious international recognition.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed a range of regional and international issues, with a particular focus on the situation in the Gaza Strip. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to a statement released Sunday by Egypt's Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty emphasized the urgent need to intensify efforts toward reaching a cease-fire agreement in Gaza and ensuring the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid. The Egyptian minister reiterated his country's rejection of any proposals involving the displacement of Palestinians or the dissolution of the Palestinian cause. He condemned the Israeli practices of killing and starvation, and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, which is essential for achieving stability in the Middle East. Abdelatty also praised the growing number of countries recognizing Palestinian statehood. He reaffirmed Egypt's full support for UN agencies operating in Gaza under difficult and dangerous conditions, particularly as Israel targets these agencies. He highlighted Egypt's ongoing support for Guterres and the UN, especially for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Abdelatty also announced Egypt's intention to host an international conference focused on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, in coordination with the United Nations, the Palestinian Authority, and international partners, aimed at mobilizing support for rebuilding efforts. The minister further outlined Egypt's position on Sudan, reaffirming support for the country's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He stressed the importance of preserving Sudan's national institutions and called for intensified efforts to lift the siege on the city of El Fasher and alleviate the humanitarian crisis there.

The Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) organized an event on Sunday to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information, with the participation of representatives of government entities and experts in the field. Held under the theme "Right of Access to Information," the event highlighted the importance of access to information as a pillar of transparency and accountability, and reviewed leading national practices in implementing related legislation. The event also honored participating entities, underscoring the importance of institutional cooperation in promoting a culture of transparency and strengthening accountability. ACTA stressed that organizing this event falls within its mandate to develop national policies in the field, provide technical and advisory support to government entities, and conduct workshops and awareness programs that contribute to fostering a culture of transparency and enhancing public confidence in state institutions. The Authority noted that these efforts are part of the implementation of the National Strategy to Promote Transparency and Accountability, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues during a phone call with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, particularly developments in the Gaza Strip and the need to halt the Israeli aggression and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid. During the call, President Erdogan stressed the need to stop Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prevent him from undermining peace in the region, emphasizing that the Israeli occupation government has demonstrated through its actions its lack of intention to achieve peace. Erdogan noted that the current session of the UN General Assembly witnessed significant steps toward implementing the two-state solution, stressing that Türkiye will continue its efforts to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

On the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirmed the State of Qatar's leadership role in advancing global dialogue and strengthening international cooperation, with the aim of identifying practical solutions to pressing challenges and driving inclusive development. Through a series of high-level discussions, QFFD brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, fostering constructive dialogue that contributes to collective action towards a more prosperous, just, and inclusive future. Highlighting its commitment to gender equality, QFFD partnered with Foreign Policy, as part of Her Power Forum under its Women in Conflict Zones initiative. The session "Women in Conflict Zones: From Marginalization to Mobilization." The discussion brought together global leaders to explore actionable strategies for meaningfully integrating women into peacebuilding and development processes, emphasizing their vital role in driving resilience and sustainable recovery. QFFD, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, co-hosted a high-level panel titled 'Global Development in Evolution: What's Next for the Future of Health, Food, and Education'. The session explored how geopolitical shifts, climate pressures, and demographic changes are reshaping development models, highlighting the importance of open dialogue, innovative financing, and strong partnerships to unlock resources for communities most in need and to advance global development that is inclusive, responsive, and effective. In parallel, QFFD joined forces with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Gates Foundation to host a high-level roundtable "Delivering Health for All: Scaling Immunization through Universal Health Coverage and Innovative Financing." The discussion emphasized the role of immunization as a cornerstone of global health and examined how Universal Health Coverage, policy reforms, delivery innovations, and innovative financing can expand equitable access to healthcare and strengthen resilience Kholoud Al Mohannadi, Head of Communications and Global Advocacy, at QFFD, stated: "Dialogue is the driving force of progress. It unlocks practical and innovative solutions that not only tackle today's most urgent challenges but also lay the foundations for lasting resilience. Working closely with our partners, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future that is just, inclusive, and sustainable for all". In addition to these platforms, QFFD also engaged in dialogues addressing youth employment, digital inclusion, and the eradication of poverty and hunger, underscoring its recognition of the vital interlinkages between these critical sectors and the integrated approach required to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Through these efforts, QFFD continues to advance Qatar's international cooperation agenda, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for meaningful partnerships, inclusive dialogue, and collective progress.

Qatar participated in the high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Director of International Organisations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman al-Thani.

Legal Perspective To promote international trade, there is a great need for financial guarantees to support exports and imports. In this respect, the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) “Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees” (URDG 758) and the United Nations Convention on Independent Guarantees and Standby Letters of Credit (ISDGP) are both giving international guidelines for guarantees. The UN endorsed the “URDG 758” in 2011 to promote a kind of clarity, predictability, sustainability and great harmonisation in international trade. Both are relating to guarantees, one for "demand" guarantees whereas the other for "independent" guarantees. While the URDG 758 rules have been developed and published by the ICC with the intention to promote and to specify rules for "demand" guarantees, needed for international trade purposes. With this understanding in mind, we say that the UN Convention is intended as an international convention for "independent" guarantees and standby letters of credit. To explain more, we take the opportunity to highlight some features of the URDG and the UN Convention. The URDG 758 rules govern demand guarantees, which are forms of financial security used in international trade to ensure performance or payment. The current edition, URDG 758, came into force on 2010. The UN endorsed the URDG 758 in 2011 with the aim of harmonising international trade law and at the same time to remove all legal obstacles to enhance international trade. The URDG 758 mainly aims to provide clarity, precision, and predictability in demand guarantee practices. Regarding the ISDGP, we can say that, this is an international convention created by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). The Convention, provides a legal framework for independent guarantees and standby letters of credit, which are also common in international trade frequent transactions. The UN Convention and the URDG often cover similar areas and are sometimes used in conjunction or in comparison to one another; the two resemble the two sides of the coin. Harmonisation is taken as a relationship and significance to both, the URDG and the UN Convention enable them to work towards harmonising trade practices and laws related to guarantees in their different shapes. The UN's endorsement of the URDG 758 signifies the clear support of the international community for these rules and their role in modernising trade. With reference to application, it is left for the parties to a guarantee who can choose which rules to apply. For the URDG, important to say, the guarantee itself expressly indicates it is subject to the URDG and for them to be applicable. The United Nations Convention on Independent Guarantees and Standby Letters as UCP and URDG are issued with the aim of developing different international trade relations. The UNICITRAL and the UN endorses ICC Demand Guarantee Rules the “URDG 758, and this endorsement reinforces the ICC mandate of removing legal different obstacles to international trade by actively and progressively modernising procedures and enhancing relative laws and regulations. International trade, deserves all support to promote international ties and peaceful relations between all parts of the world. An “independent” guarantee, like a “demand guarantee”, creates a primary direct obligation for the guarantor, separate from the underlying contract and requires payment upon presentation of a demand. The key difference is that a demand guarantee is a specific type of independent guarantee, where the payment is triggered by a simple written demand by the beneficiary, regardless of the underlying contract's performance. In contrast, other independent guarantees may have more specific conditions for payment that are tied to the main agreement. Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib is a corporate legal counsel. Email: [email protected]

Qatar's International Media Office has debunked claims that Qatar attempted to cultivate a relationship with Steve Witkoff through a lobbying programme, years in advance of his appointment to public office, including his later role as Middle East envoy.The International Media Office (IMO), in a statement said these claims are entirely false and so lacking in credibility that they can only be described as absurd.In response to false accusations carried by The New York Times, IMO said Qatari investment entities, both state and private, have maintained business relationships with Witkoff for many years, long before President Trump was elected."These accusations come from questionable sources and are intended to target Qatar and Witkoff as part of a coordinated effort to sow tension and division between Qatar and the United States, while undermining efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza. They serve the interests of bad actors who oppose the work our two countries are doing to advance international peace and stability."The New York Times chose to disregard key facts shared with them in order to manufacture a story - for example, that the hotel in question was not owned by Witkoff or his companies at the time of purchase."The IMO said Qatar always interacts with the United States government at an institutional level. "Our relations are built on decades of department-to-department co-operation across a range of shared interests, including diplomacy, security and economic partnership."Qatar's investment decisions are kept entirely separate from diplomacy. Strict governance ensures that one does not influence the other." The IMO said Qatar's investments in the United States are based strictly on long-term economic and financial criteria. "In cases where business and diplomatic interests overlap, safeguards are introduced to prevent any conflict of interest."

Hamad International Airport has signed a significant Sister Airport agreement with Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), reinforcing Qatar-China ties and further expanding passenger and cargo connectivity between the Middle East and China. The MoU was signed at Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong by Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, and Chen Fanhua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group and Board Chairman of Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd. The agreement, signed between MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and Shenzhen Capital Group, operator of Shenzhen Bao'an, establishes a strategic framework for collaboration. Focus areas include exchanging market insights, coordinated route planning, and technology adoption, leveraging their shared strength as innovation hubs, to strengthen connectivity for passengers and trade flows between China, the Middle East, and beyond. Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport said: "By linking Doha and Shenzhen, with shared values in technology and service excellence, we are creating smarter, more sustainable journeys for future travelers while advancing stronger economic and cultural ties between our nations." Chen Fanhua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group, said: "Hamad International Airport is a leading hub in the Middle East, and partnering with it represents a meaningful step in Shenzhen Airport's journey toward internationalization. As one of the gateways of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen Airport is committed to expanding its global network and enhancing its hub functions. Through this partnership, we will work hand in hand with Hamad International Airport to provide passengers with more seamless and convenient travel experiences, open new opportunities for trade and tourism, and deliver sustainable value to passengers, airline partners, and the broader economies of both regions." Hamad International Airport connects to nine Chinese cities, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu as well as Hong Kong. These cities are connected to more than 120 global destinations through Doha. From January to August this year, Qatar's airport has served over 1.1 million passengers from these Chinese cities. At Routes World, the global aviation summit for route development and connectivity, Hamad International Airport engaged with airline partners best positioned to strengthen Qatar's global network, enhance passenger and cargo flows, and drive demand for Doha as a destination. The airport showcased its robust hub performance and its point-to-point passenger growth, reinforcing its position as a strategic connector between Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Recent milestones underscore the momentum of Qatar and China's successful aviation partnership. In October 2024, Shenzhen Airlines launched thrice-weekly Doha-Shenzhen flights, its first Middle East route and Doha's ninth Chinese destination. A testament to growing ties between Qatar and China, Qatar Airways recently announced the expansion of its codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines. Starting 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will share code on China Southern's three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its "CZ" code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. China Southern will further extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities of Chengdu, Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, subject to Chinese government approval. This latest agreement between Hamad International Airport and Shenzhen Bao'an builds on its recent Sister Airport MoU with Beijing Daxing International Airport, further strengthening Qatar's strategic aviation links with China.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with the Secretary of State for International Development of Canada Randeep Sarai on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has announced Qatar has won the bid to host the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. The decision was made during the FIVB Board of Administration meeting held Friday in Philippine’s capital, Manila.Qatar officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 edition of the Men’s World Championship, which received high praise after thorough review and evaluation by the FIVB. The FIVB officially confirmed Qatar’s selection to host the event, marking a historic milestone as the tournament will be held in the Middle East for the first time in its 70-year history.The decision reflects Qatar’s modern infrastructure, world-class sports facilities, advanced transport networks, and its unwavering commitment to the development of sport in general and volleyball in particular. It also highlights Qatar’s accumulated expertise, human capital, and cultural and organisational legacy in hosting major international sporting events across multiple disciplines.The World Championship is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions on the FIVB calendar, bringing together 32 national teams from around the world. The tournament enjoys global acclaim due to the high level of competition and the participation of the world’s top volleyball stars, cementing its position as one of the sport’s marquee events.On this occasion, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, said: “Qatar’s hosting of the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship reaffirms our country’s prominent position on the global sporting map as a key and active partner in the Olympic Movement, and a preferred destination for international federations that trust in our organisational capabilities. Over the years, Qatar has proven its ability to successfully host major international championships, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, ideal environment that provides all the conditions for success, and the highly qualified national workforce with extensive experience in organising top-tier sporting events.”He added: “This milestone represents another step toward fulfilling Qatar’s sporting vision. We continuously strive to expand our partnerships with various international stakeholders, further reinforcing Qatar’s position as a strong contender to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036. This reflects our unwavering commitment to Olympic values, youth empowerment, and investment in sport as a means to foster unity among nations and drive sustainable development.”Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, expressed pride in Qatar’s successful bid, describing it as a testament to FIVB’s confidence in the country’s organisational capabilities.“We are confident that this edition of the Championship will be the best in the tournament’s history,” he said. “Qatar’s victory in securing the hosting rights once again affirms its global leadership in organising major sports events to the highest international standards. We are committed to delivering a unique sporting experience for all participants and fans that reflects Qatar’s prominent position in the global sports landscape.” He added.He also stressed that the Championship would contribute to advancing sustainable development efforts in alignment with the QOC’s Strategic Plan 2023–2030.He also confirmed that preparations for this major global event would begin immediately in coordination with all concerned entities, emphasising the importance of collective efforts to deliver an exceptional edition befitting Qatar’s stature in the world of sports.He concluded by thanking the FIVB for its trust, promising to create the best possible conditions for the participating teams, guests, and fans, and to deliver a world-class event that meets the highest international standards.Fabio Azevedo, President of the International Volleyball Federation said: “The 2029 Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Qatar will mark another major milestone in the upwards trajectory of volleyball. Through this host decision, which marks another first-time host for our flagship competition, we are partnering with a nation that understands volleyball’s ability to bring communities together, inspire young people and celebrate the positive power of our sport. We look forward to working ‘Together as One’ to help build a powerful legacy through our sport for Qatar and the wider region.”Ugo Valensi, CEO of the Volleyball World said: “The Middle East is one of the most dynamic growth markets for volleyball, and we are proud to bring the World Championships to the region for the first time in 2029. Qatar has proven itself as a world-class host of major sporting events and has a passionate volleyball fan base. This tournament is a unique opportunity to deepen that connection, attract new fans, and set new benchmarks for our sport in innovation, presentation and fan experience”Qatar has an impressive track record of hosting major international sporting events, having organised 18 World Championships over the past 20 years. These include the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which was successfully hosted as the first edition in the Middle East and was widely hailed as the best in the tournament’s history, the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, the 2014 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), the 2015 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship, the 2016 UCI Road World Championships, the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships, the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games in 2019, the 2023 World Judo Championships, the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, and the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships.Doha is also preparing to host other upcoming global events, such as the 2026 World Shooting Championships, the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the 2030 Asian Games. Qatar’s successful bid to host the championship further strengthens its ambitious track record in organising major international sporting events. It also aligns with the country’s active participation in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee regarding its bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036. Through this endeavour, Qatar reaffirms its deep commitment to promoting Olympic values, empowering youth, and leveraging sport as a bridge between cultures—drawing on its strong sporting legacy, world-class infrastructure, and extensive organisational expertise.