tag

The Global Institute for Strategic Research (GISR) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) concluded a high-level policy roundtable examining the implications of the Ukraine war for the Gulf region.Held at Education City’s Minaretein, the event titled “The Ukraine War Through a Gulf Lens” gathered experts, academics, and international observers to analyse critical intersections between the conflict and Gulf interests, particularly in food security, energy markets, and humanitarian diplomacy. The event was also attended by ambassadors and heads of mission from embassies based in Doha.The Ukraine war has created unprecedented global disruptions that resonate deeply across the Gulf region, which stands at the crossroads of global supply chain vulnerabilities and shifting geopolitical realignments. As major energy exporters and food importers, the Gulf states face both opportunities and risks as a result of this development.Additionally, Qatar's successful mediation efforts in various international crises uniquely position it to lead conflict resolution, particularly in addressing the humanitarian dimensions of family separation and civilian protection.Following opening remarks by ambassador Dr Mohamed Ali Chihi, executive director, GISR, proceedings moved on to a roundtable titled “Exploring Common Interests: Ukraine and the Arab States”. The session explored historical foundations and current Ukraine-Qatar relations, with a focus on Qatar's role as a mediator. It also analysed president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent diplomatic outreach on Palestine, Syria, and Sudan as a strategic bridge for engagement with Arab and Gulf states and mapping future areas for Ukraine-Arab collaboration. This was followed by a roundtable on “Lessons from Ukraine: Regional & International Security”.Dr Chihi stated: “This event holds particular significance as it reflects Qatar’s role as a major diplomatic actor, committed to advancing dialogue and peaceful solutions to some of the world’s most complex crises. In the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, it also reinforces HBKU’s position as a leading hub for public policy dialogue, championing independent analysis, engaging policymakers, and fostering a diversity of thought to address pressing global challenges through an Arab perspective and a forward-looking vision.”Another roundtable, “Regional Vulnerabilities: Energy Security in the Shadow of War,” spotlighted the impact of the war on global energy markets and implications for Gulf producers. It also assessed the geopolitics of energy infrastructure, examining the short and long-term impacts of primary and secondary sanctions on Russian oil and gas. A subsequent roundtable titled, “Regional Vulnerabilities: Food Security in the Shadow of War” assessed the impact of the war on global grain markets and Gulf food import strategies and explored regional cooperation mechanisms for crisis response.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today that East Timor has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a new member. According to the Malaysian News Agency (Bernama), the Malaysian Prime Minister described East Timor's admission to ASEAN as historic and a milestone that affirms ASEAN's shared destiny and the enduring spirit of regional kinship.He added that the inclusion of East Timor gives new meaning to the vision of a comprehensive and unified ASEAN. East Timor complements the ASEAN family, which affirms the common destiny and deep sense of regional interdependence, Prime Minister Ibrahim said. East Timor's development and strategic independence will find firm and lasting support.ASEAN was founded in 1967 and currently comprises 11 members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and East Timor.

North Korea announced that it had successfully tested two hypersonic missiles.The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the missiles were launched from the Ryokpho district of Pyongyang, heading northeast, and struck a target on Kwesang Peak in Orang County, North Hamgyong Province.KCNA described the tests, which took place yesterday, as part of a “significant new weapon system,” noting that the two advanced missiles enhance North Korea’s strategic deterrence.This marks the fifth ballistic missile launch by North Korea this year, with the previous launch taking place in May.

The 11th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee between Qatar and Turkiye was held on Oct 22, 2025 in Doha, under the chairmanship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with participation of the ministers responsible for the areas of co-operation stated in the Joint Accord on the Establishment of the Supreme Strategic Committee dated Dec 19, 2014.The session, held in a spirit of co-operation and brotherhood, reflected once again strong historical bonds, distinguished relations and the common understanding between the two countries as well as the willingness to further enhance their partnership in all fields.The two sides commended the success of the Supreme Strategic Committee as the highest institutional mechanism of co-operation between Qatar and Turkiye and its contributions to the achievement of exceptional relations between two countries. The two sides look forward to holding the first meeting of political consultations between them at a date to be agreed upon during the year 2026.The committee reviewed the progress in areas of co-operation referred to in the outcome documents of the 10th session and expressed their satisfaction with the level of ongoing co-operation.Both sides expressed their satisfaction with over 100 documents of co-operation signed in the framework of the previous 10 sessions. Here are excerpts from the discussion on many areas:Trade, Finance, Investment and EnergyTaking into account the potential of the two countries' economies and reiterating their goal to reach $5bn trade volume in near future; the two sides agreed to explore new opportunities to expand and diversify trade and economic relations.Culture and EducationThe two sides affirmed their desire to strengthen co-operation and exchange experiences in cultural fields at the bilateral level within the framework of relative international organisations. Qatar and Turkiye agreed to activate cultural, artistic and folkloric activities and events that reflect the rich culture and history of the two countries, and expand the horizon of cultural harmony between the peoples of the two sisterly countries.Media and CommunicationsThe two sides underlined their readiness to further develop cooperation in public diplomacy, media, communications and broadcasting between the two countries on the basis of mutual benefit. Furthermore, they emphasised their desire to exchange information and experience; as well as sharing of best practices. They also called for convening meetings, seminars, workshops, trainings and conferences so as to promote the exchange of visits between officials and experts in the aforementioned areas.Public HealthThe two sides affirmed their readiness to strengthen co-operation in the health sector by activating the executive program and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries through the establishment of a joint working group or committee. They also expressed their satisfaction with the co-operation and solidarity in the field of health and in supporting the Palestinian people in the context of the Gaza crisis.Youth and SportsThe two sides expressed their readiness to co-operate in the fields of youth and sports. The Implementation Programme between the governments of Turkiye and Qatar in the fields of youth and sports for the years (2025-2026), constitutes a concrete legal framework for strengthening cooperation in this field.Labour and EmploymentBoth sides expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and coordination in the areas of work and employment, affirming their mutual keenness to strengthen and develop this co-operation in a manner that serves the shared interests of both parties.DefenceThe two sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral co-operation in the area of defence, and expressed their strong will and determination to explore new opportunities in this field. The two countries agreed on developing future co-operation activities through implementing military programmes and initiatives, including joint exercises, training programmes, co-operation in the fields of armament and logistics support, and the follow-up of the progress and implementation of bilateral agreements.Research and InnovationThe two sides expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation in the field of science and technology development. Building upon existing frameworks of co-operation established during the 10th meeting of the Supreme Strategic Committee, the two sides aspire to continue working on developing key technologies together and upgrade their production capabilities with integrated production solutions.SecurityBoth sides expressed their will to increase their co-operation in the field of law enforcement training, security and required fields in accordance with the agreement of "Security Co-operation Protocol in Education and Training” signed on 2 December, 2015, and "Agreement of Security Cooperation” signed on 25 December, 2001. Furthermore, the two countries will jointly organise meetings for the purpose of exchanging knowledge, supporting training programmes and projects.Development, Humanitarian and ReliefThe Turkish side, as the host of the Fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC4) in 2011, commended all efforts made by Qatar in hosting the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which was held in Doha from March 5-9, 2023, and its financial contribution amounting to $60mn, of which $10mn is allocated to support the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action and $50mn to help build resilience in LDC countries. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to discuss and build effective plans and partnerships that would help the least developed countries overcome the challenges they face, meet their needs and priorities, support its efforts in realizing the right to development, and achieving sustainable development goals over the next decade.Qatar and Turkiye, as co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of the LDCs at the UN, renewed their continuous support to the sustainable development efforts of the LDCs.Environment and Climate ChangeThe two sides recognised the critical importance of addressing environmental challenges and combating climate change, prioritising these issues in their national policies. Both sides expressed their will to enhance their co-operation to preserve the environment and to combat climate change especially on a bilateral basis as well as on international platforms, without affecting the rights and obligations from conventions any side is a party of.Regional and International IssuesThe two sides expressed their satisfaction with the high-level dialogue, co-operation and co-ordination on regional and international issues.The two sides expressed mutual appreciation for each country's active mediation efforts in promoting peace and fostering reconciliation in some of the world's persistent and complex conflicts, as well as their effective leadership in other initiatives aimed at achieving these objectives.Qatar and Turkiye looked forward to the international community playing its role in creating the best possible conditions for the return of displaced persons to their lands and in preparing to launch the reconstruction process of Gaza, particularly in light of Egypt's intention to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.The two sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting the independence of the State of Palestine along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in a manner that ensures a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution.Both sides renewed their strong condemnation of Israel's violation of the sovereignty of Qatar through its treacherous attack that targeted a meeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation at the residence of one of its members, located in a residential neighborhood that includes schools and diplomatic missions.Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Qatar and Turkiye stressed the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and called for dialogue as the means to resolve the crisis.Qatar and Turkiye agreed to hold the 12th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee in Turkiye, in 2026, on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.President Erdogan expressed his profound appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the sincere welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Qatar.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan co-chaired Wednesday the 11th meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee at the Amiri Diwan. At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the Turkish president and his accompanying delegation, wishing them a pleasant stay in Qatar and wishing the strategic relations between the two countries continued development and growth across all areas of partnership to achieve the interests of the two fraternal peoples. He pointed out that the 11th meeting of the Supreme Strategic Committee reflects the strength of the relationship between the two countries, stressing his keenness to strengthen and develop relations to broader horizons. **media[372048]** For his part, the president of Turkiye voiced his thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, noting that bilateral relations between the two countries are witnessing remarkable development in various fields, and looking forward to strengthening them to achieve the supreme interests of the two fraternal peoples. During the meeting, they discussed strategic cooperation relations and ways to enhance and develop them across several areas, especially in defence, trade, investment, energy, and information technology. **media[372045]** They also discussed key regional and international issues and developments, as well as the current situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly those related to consolidating the ceasefire, supporting peace, and the flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, along with a number of ministers and senior offcials attended the meeting. **media[372534]** On Turkiye's side, the meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, along with a number of members of the official delegation accompanying the president. Earlier, His Highness the Amir and the president of Turkiye held a bilateral meeting, where they exchanged views on a number of topics and issues of common concern. **media[372532]** His Highness the Amir held a luncheon banquet in honour of the president of Turkiye and his accompanying delegation. President Erdogan was accorded an official reception ceremony upon arrival to the Amiri Diwan.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The two sides reviewed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership and enhance relations between the GCC and Lebanon across various fields serve common interests.Talks also addressed recent positive developments in Lebanon aimed at achieving greater prosperity and security for its people, as well as the latest regional and international developments.The GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the GCC's firm positions on Lebanon, including its continued support for the country's sovereignty, security, and stability, and its backing for the reform process and state-building efforts.Albudaiwi further underscored the importance of implementing UN Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, particularly Resolution 1701, as well as the Taif Agreement. He stressed that these steps are essential to restoring lasting security and stability, safeguarding Lebanon's territorial integrity and political independence, and ensuring the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territories.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on Monday designated Babil Province as the Industrial Capital of Iraq, citing its strategic location as a key factor behind the decision.In his speech, Al Sudani said that Babil, the city of civilization and history, has a new name added to it: the Industrial Capital of Iraq.He explained that the province enjoys advantages that support the integration of agriculture and industry, along with a bold and capable private sector able to establish factories producing goods for export to neighboring countries.The Prime Minister added that a range of projects are being planned and implemented as part of the new industrial hub, noting Iraq's qualitative and quantitative boom in the industrial sector, including the production of rebar, sugar, cooking oil, pharmaceuticals, and cement to meet local demand.Later, Al Sudani launched the implementation of a 960-ton-per-day plastic granules factory project in Babil Province, the first of its kind in Iraq and developed by the private sector.

The Qatar-US cultural and educational cooperation has been the epitome of the core pillars of the strategic partnership between the two nations for decades. Throughout recent years, this partnership has increasingly thrived in multiple educational, academic, research, and cultural fields, the Cultural Attache at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States, Nasser Mohammed Al Nuaimi, told Qatar News Agency (QNA). Al Nuaimi added that the US is one of the key global partners of the State of Qatar in the academic domain, with universities among the most advanced globally, including four among the world's top ten. This makes cooperation with them an imperative for realizing Qatar's aspirations to build a modern educational system that keeps up with global standards. The State of Qatar aspires to forge long-term partnerships with those institutions, which would benefit both Qatari students and American universities through sharing expertise, setting top-notch educational curricula, and launching training programs that hone the alumni' skills, he highlighted. Al Nuaimi further explained that the State of Qatar is working to boost these partnerships through its various institutions, foremost among them being the Qatar Leadership Centre, which positions itself as a quintessential model for collaboration with American academic institutions in the areas that advance leadership and build research capabilities. These efforts are diligently ongoing, in parallel with energized efforts to increase the number of Qatari scholarship students in US universities throughout the years ahead, through holding coordination meetings with US university administrations to explore their enrollment opportunities in a variety of disciplines, he outlined. He averred that bilateral cultural cooperation is embodied in outstanding initiatives under the superintendence of the Ministry of Culture and Qatar Museums, alongside US institutions, particularly Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), noting the annual technical exhibition VCU organizes to showcase the artworks of artists and students from VCU's branch campus in Doha for a broader US audience, which literally positions itself as a cultural bridge between the two communities. Al Nuaimi delved into the foremost educational projects currently ongoing, noting the existing cooperation between Qatar University (QU) and several US universities to implement joint student projects. He emphasized that Qatari and US students are working together on research and academic tasks, which are assessed as part of their educational curricula. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education regularly participates in prestigious academic conferences such as the NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo and the Washington Higher Education Council, which promote Qatar's presence in the academic and global arenas, he highlighted. Al Nuaimi stressed that Qatari cultural diplomacy represents a significant contributor to promoting dialogue among peoples, given the state of play in the region and the world, noting that the domains of education and culture offer broader opportunities to forge acquaintances and make overtures. He added that they contribute to pitching the Qatari mores in a framework of shared appreciation. The Qatari educational missions in the US would project an honored image of the Qatari and Islamic identity if this identity were correctly and systematically pitched, he underlined.Al Nuaimi further outlined that the Attache performs a significant role and operates to provide all kinds of support for scholarship students, in terms of the academic, social, or psychological levels, by helping them focus on their studies and accomplish the excellence that projects an honored image of their homeland.The Attache annually convenes students to regularly check on their situation, either via relaying monthly messages or by reaching out to them and the academic supervisors in US universities directly, to ensure that a supportive and integrated educational environment is in place, assured Al Nuaimi.Al Nuaimi averred that there are steadfast endeavors to enhance academic cooperation between Qatari universities and US ones as part of future plans, through creating practical training opportunities for students while they are on campus, in addition to connecting US universities with Qatari institutions that teach the Arabic language, namely QU and Qatar Foundation.These endeavors, he said, would contribute to broadening the apertures of cultural and academic cooperation, noting the preparation to host an international conference for higher education in Doha in collaboration with key US universities, something that would ultimately open new prospects for academic and research exchange.Finally, Al Nuaimi stressed that the State of Qatar considers investment in education and culture as investment in human capital, laying the groundwork for the national development path. He emphasized that academic and cultural partnerships with the US will remain a core pillar in supporting the Qatar National Vision and promoting its stature on the global stage.

The visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on Wednesday drew remarkable attention from various Jordanian media outlets, with extensive coverage of the visit featured on their pages, in their bulletins, and during their programs. Considered a strategic milestone, the visit affirms the strength of relations between the two countries and opens new horizons for bilateral cooperation in light of current regional developments. The Jordanian broadcast media closely followed the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the capital, Amman. They broadcast live the official reception ceremony upon His Highness's arrival at Marka Airport, where King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein welcomed him. The media emphasized the strategic importance of this visit, given that it comes after the Israeli attack on Doha. Jordan TV, Al Mamlaka TV, and Roya TV devoted extensive coverage to the welcome ceremonies and official meetings between the leaders of the two countries, and hosted numerous analysts in news bulletins and talk shows to discuss the visit and its anticipated outcomes. A Jordan TV report stated that Qatari-Jordanian relations have, for decades, been built on mutual trust and a shared vision. It added that on the political front, Jordan and Qatar have stood side by side on all issues facing the nation. From the Palestinian cause to supporting stability in the region, Amman and Doha have been united in their calls for a just peace, rejecting aggression and occupation, and affirming that Arab rights are not subject to lapse over time. In regional crises, the two countries have also played the role of wise mediators seeking solutions that preserve bloodshed and safeguard the stability of peoples. The report noted that this partnership extended beyond the realms of economics and politics to include cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The two countries supported educational initiatives and charitable projects, and jointly pursued plans that place people at the heart of development.It concluded that after decades of joint work, it can be said that Jordanian-Qatari relations have become a model to be emulated in the Arab world, a model based on mutual trust, a sincere desire to serve people, and a deep commitment to the values of Arab solidarity. In an interview with Jordan TV, former Jordanian Ambassador Ziad Al Majali emphasized the importance of relations with Qatar and stressed that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Kingdom is an opportunity to build new inter-Arab relations. Al Majali said that the Jordanian King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein and His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar see the current circumstances as a favorable opportunity to build new Arab relations, which Jordan has been working to establish for some time. He emphasized that the visit supports this goal despite the current political and security dimensions. Al Mamlaka TV reported that at the political level, the visit is of great importance at a sensitive time, as the region is witnessing rapid developments. It comes just two days after the Arab and Islamic summit held to discuss the Israeli attack on Qatar, and just days before King Abdullah II's participation in the UN General Assembly. For his part, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ghad newspaper Makram Al Tarawneh told Al Mamlaka TV that the timing of the visit, coming after the Arab and Islamic summit that was convened following the Israeli attack on Qatar, is extremely significant, as it reflects the extent of coordination between the Jordanian and Qatari sides during the complex circumstances facing the region.Al Tarawneh said economic issues were inevitably present in the discussions between the two sides, but political issues overshadowed those discussions, as they sought to coordinate common positions between Qatar and Jordan on how to support the Palestinian cause and confront Israel.In turn, Awni Al Daoud, an economic writer and analyst, praised the strength of economic and trade relations between Jordan and Qatar, stressing that Qatari investments in Jordan are distinguished in both quantity and quality.He said that economic and trade relations between the two countries have witnessed increasing growth rates in recent years. Therefore, the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will pave the way for a new phase of economic relations between the two countries.He added that economic and trade relations reflect the depth of relations between countries. This was reflected in the volume of Qatari investments in Jordan, which has reached more than 4.5 billion Jordanian dinars in various sectors, including education, health, tourism, energy, electricity, and financial markets. Trade exchange between the two countries also increased by 5.6 percent in 2024 compared to previous levels.He pointed out that among the most significant leaps in economic relations between the two countries is that Qatari assistance to Jordan amounting to $500 million, directed toward specific development investments, and Qatar's pledge to employ thousands of Jordanians.He added that the private sector in the two countries is very active at the level of chambers of commerce and industry and relations between businessmen, pointing out that there are 50 direct Qatari investments in the real estate sector, and Qatari investments in the Amman Stock Exchange, representing approximately 2.5 percent of the stock exchange's total market capitalization. Meanwhile, exports from Jordan to Qatar during the past six months alone reached 58 million Jordanian dinars, while imports amounted to approximately 60 million Jordanian dinars.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi participated Tuesday as a speaker in the high-level session titled ‘Sustaining Peace In A Shifting Global Order’, as part of the Bled Strategic Forum held in the Republic of Slovenia.In his speech before the session, HE Dr al-Khulaifi affirmed that Qatar will remain committed to its role as a trusted mediator and will continue investing in promoting a culture of dialogue, mediation, and preventive diplomacy, in a way that enhances opportunities for sustainable peace and fulfils the aspirations of peoples for security and development.He stated that successful mediation requires a set of fundamental principles, including neutrality and building trust, communication and engagement with all parties, humanitarian motivation, patience, and perseverance. He added in this context that no mediation process can achieve its objectives if the conflicting parties do not view it as impartial and free from political agendas.HE Dr al-Khulaifi explained that Qatar has earned its reputation in this field through openness and engagement with various actors, including parties that major powers may avoid communicating with, while maintaining distinguished relations with its partners, the United Nations, and regional and international organisations.He emphasised that starting with humanitarian steps, such as the release of prisoners, the exchange of detainees, medical evacuation, or even opening humanitarian corridors, helps build trust between the conflicting parties and creates a more favourable environment for moving to major political issues related to the conflict.He also pointed out that successful mediation is not achieved overnight; rather, it is a long process that requires cumulative steps to build trust and keep dialogue channels open. In this regard, HE Dr al-Khulaifi outlined a set of essential elements to make agreements more sustainable and effective, including strengthening the provisions of agreements to ensure practical implementation and prevent loopholes that parties may exploit later, establishing precise and enforceable follow-up mechanisms to ensure all parties fulfil their obligations, and incorporating clear provisions for resolving potential future disputes during implementation.Those essential elements also included involving regional actors for their direct interests and ability to positively influence the parties, and linking agreements to humanitarian and development projects that enhance the benefits of peace and deliver tangible outcomes for the lives of people.HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the organisers of the Bled Strategic Forum, noting that the convening of this forum amidst the increasing challenges facing the international system reflects the urgent need to strengthen multilateral dialogue and develop new approaches to resolve conflicts and consolidate security and stability.