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 Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari held a meeting with Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Mergen Gurdov and his accompanying delegation in Lusail Wednesday.The meeting, held in the presence of Qatar Chamber board member Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohamed, discussed bilateral economic and trade relations and ways to enhance them. Both officials also reviewed co-operation between both chambers, as well as efforts to activate an agreement signed in 2010 to establish the Qatari-Turkmen Joint Business Council.The council aims to strengthen ties between the business communities in both countries and to empower the Qatari and Turkmen private sectors to play a greater role in advancing economic co-operation.Al-Kuwari lauded the strong relations between the two countries, expressing the Qatari side’s keenness to learn about the investment climate and opportunities available in Turkmenistan, as well as the promising sectors suitable for Qatari investors.He affirmed that Qatar Chamber supports strengthening co-operation between the private sectors of both countries and encourages Qatari businessmen to forge trade partnerships with their Turkmen counterparts.Gurdov expressed hope that co-operation between the two chambers will further develop and have a positive impact on co-operation between the business communities in both countries. He also invited Qatari businessmen to visit Turkmenistan and explore investment opportunities available there.Al-Mohamed stressed that the private sector always encounters challenges that may hinder its work, but joint business councils play a critical role in addressing such obstacles whenever they arise. He stressed that establishing the joint business council will bring business communities closer, enable the study of available investment opportunities, and contribute to building stronger economic integration between the two nations. 

The Film Committee at Media City Qatar has signed a landmark agreement with Company 3, the award-winning global post-production and visual effects powerhouse, to establish a dedicated post-production and VFX studio in Doha.This agreement - signed during the Doha Film Festival 2025, marks a pivotal milestone in Qatar's creative industries development and underscores Qatar's growing reputation as the Middle East's emerging media capital, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class talent, and a progressive creative ecosystem.HE Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and Chairman of Qatar Film Committee, Hassan Al Thawadi, said that "this partnership embodies Qatar's vision to support the very best creators in Qatar, the region and the Global South.""With Company 3's world-renowned expertise in visual storytelling and our commitment to building advanced creative infrastructure, Doha is poised to become a destination for world-class post-production and visual effects," His Excellency added.As part of the agreement, the Film Committee and Company 3 will jointly research, explore, and evaluate the development of a post-production and visual effects studio operated by Company 3 in Qatar. This will be the first phase of a long-term partnership.Company 3 will provide technical, creative, and operational guidance to shape the foundation for a high-end post-production environment in the region. The Film Committee will support the collaboration through a structured funding and facilitation framework, reflecting Qatar's ambition to become the production and post-production hub for the Middle East and Africa.For his part, CEO of Company 3, Stefan Sonnenfeld, expressed his anticipation for cooperation, saying, "The Film Committee's forward-thinking approach to developing a sustainable creative ecosystem aligns perfectly with our mission to empower storytellers through technology and artistry.""This partnership represents the foundation for a new era of post-production excellence in the Middle East," Sonnenfeld added.Through this collaboration, the company will bring its global expertise and technical excellence to the region, helping to design creative workflows, develop local and regional talent, and provide access to world-leading infrastructure and tools.The Film Committee will coordinate with local stakeholders and government partners to ensure the project contributes to the nation's broader creative economy goals. Responsibilities include logistical coordination, operational support, and a funding framework for the exploration phase - ensuring that the partnership between QFC and Company 3 delivers meaningful outcomes across creative, technological, and training dimensions.The collaboration also includes consultation on the creation of a local production and post-production rebate scheme, part of Qatar's broader ambition to attract leading studios, streamers, and filmmakers to the country.

Qatar's pavilion at the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), held in Belem, Brazil, has organised a panel discussion entitled "National Communications in Support of Climate Action."The discussion featured a number of international experts and specialists in climate reporting and transparency systems. The session aimed to highlight the vital role of national communications and climate reports in enhancing transparency and improving countries' readiness to develop effective policies for mitigating and adapting to climate change, as well as aligning national efforts with the commitments of the Paris Agreement.The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change presented an overview of Qatar's efforts in updating its national reports and enhancing its readiness to comply with the requirements of the enhanced transparency framework under the Paris Agreement.The ministry emphasised the importance of exchanging experiences among countries to improve the quality of climate reports and support global climate action. During the session, participants discussed the importance of preparing national communications and periodic reports for States Parties, the role of accurate data in supporting decision-making, and highlighted the relationship between national communications, nationally determined contributions and national adaptation plans.They also reviewed the challenges related to capacity building and strengthening transparency systems in developing countries, and international cooperation mechanisms for developing climate reporting capacities.

Greece signed a deal with Ukraine Sunday to supply US-origin liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the war-battered country whose energy infrastructure has been crippled by Russian strikes.The agreement came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Athens at the start of a European tour aimed at shoring up his country's defences and energy supply, as it enters another gruelling winter nearly four years into Russia's invasion.Exhausted and outnumbered Ukrainian troops are struggling to fend off Russian forces, and both sides have been attacking each other's energy infrastructure power stations and oil refineries as the war drags on with no sign of peace talks.Greece's national gas company DEPA Commercial and its Ukrainian counterpart Naftogaz announced the deal, which will run from December 2025 until March 2026, following a meeting between Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.The agreement "marks an essential step in strengthening regional energy cooperation and European energy security", according to a joint statement.The deal, signed at a ceremony attended by US ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, will make it possible to "support Ukraine in the midst of a difficult winter", Mitsotakis and Zelensky said.Guilfoyle visited Zelensky at the Ukrainian embassy in Athens Sunday, the state-run ERTNEWS tv channel reported."Relations between our countries are taking on a crucial new dimension: that of a new secure energy artery, stretching from south to north, from Greece to Ukraine," Mitsotakis said.He called the deal a "decisive step toward definitive energy independence from Russian gas" — a key goal for Europe, which has struggled to wean itself off imports.Most European Union countries recently approved a ban on imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027, a decision aimed at hitting Russia's funding for the war.Mitsotakis also pledged Greek support for Ukraine's postwar reconstruction and to deepening defence cooperation, according to a joint declaration.They plan on "enhancing security in the maritime domain, including cooperation on the development and deployment of maritime (sea) UAVs, joint exercises and training related to unmanned maritime systems, and enhanced information-sharing on maritime threats."The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump "for the fact that we will be able to receive natural gas not only from Greece, but also (US gas) via Greece".Zelensky, who is to visit France and Spain on his tour, called the agreement a "significant part of the comprehensive energy package we have prepared for this winter".The approaching winter poses "a huge challenge... for the Ukrainian people", he said."Practically every night now, the Russians are striking our infrastructure, especially our energy infrastructure," he said."Most of Ukraine's power plants, our gas production facilities and our thermal power plants have become targets."Zelensky's first visit to Greece since 2023 follows the recent announcement of major energy projects in Greece, supported by the United States.Greek authorities plan to cooperate with US companies to increase the flow of American liquefied natural gas to Greek terminals.Greece is "the natural gateway for American liquefied natural gas to replace Russian gas in the region," Mitsotakis said at a conference this month in Athens hosted by the United States.The recent launch of a Trans-Adriatic pipeline connecting Greece and Bulgaria has enabled the country to contribute to a "vertical" corridor delivering gas towards Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia.The opening of storage infrastructure at the port of Alexandroupolis, near the Greek-Turkish border and where American LNG arrives, has also helped undermine Russia's market in the region.

In a significant step forward for the peace process, the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) was signed Saturday during a special ceremony at the Sheraton Doha.The signing took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His Excellency Dr al-Khulaifi affirmed that the framework agreement represents an important milestone in efforts to consolidate peace and stability in eastern DRC.**media[381877]**He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to supporting the peace process until a comprehensive and lasting settlement is achieved for the Congolese people. Speaking at a press conference alongside Massad Boulos, US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, His Excellency the Minister highlighted the genuine political will and responsible engagement demonstrated by both parties, noting that these qualities made the agreement possible.**media[381882]**He also expressed appreciation for their confidence in Qatar’s role in facilitating and advancing the peace efforts. His Excellency Dr al-Khulaifi recalled that Qatar’s mediation efforts began when His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hosted President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Doha, and when President Tshisekedi subsequently opened the door for dialogue with the AFC/M23 movement.This latest agreement marks a new and important milestone in the ongoing peace process led by Qatar, building on the progress made with the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on 19 July. The Framework reaffirms the parties’ shared commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict through structured dialogue, confidence-building measures, and a phased approach to de-escalation and stabilisation.**media[381878]**It emphasises the protection of civilians, respect for human rights, the safe and dignified return of displaced persons, and the promotion of national reconciliation and unity.Serving as the foundational reference document for the broader peace process, the Doha Framework sets the stage for a series of forthcoming protocols, annexes, and technical arrangements that the parties have agreed to develop.**media[381880]**These instruments will address operational details such as ceasefire consolidation and verification, troop disengagement modalities, humanitarian access, reintegration mechanisms, and support for national dialogue.Once adopted, these protocols and annexes will form an integrated and harmonised part of the Doha Framework for Peace, ensuring coherence, clarity, and phased implementation. Qatar commended the constructive engagement of both parties and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of regional and international partners supporting the process.**media[381881]**In particular, Qatar acknowledged the contributions of the US, Togo, and the African Union Commission, whose sustained support has played a key role in advancing the peace efforts.

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed $1mn grant agreement with the ITF Enhancing Human Security (ITF) to support the Palestine Hospital in Harmalah - Bethlehem, with the aim of strengthening the healthcare system in the sisterly State of Palestine.The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Chairperson of QFFD Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, and signed by Director General of QFFD Fahad bin Hamad al-Sulaiti, and Director of ITF Ambassador Tomaz Lovrencic.This contribution will enable ITF to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to respond to emergency medical needs by covering the procurement of raw materials and improving access to essential healthcare and rehabilitation services for populations affected by conflict, including those from Gaza. On this occasion, Fahad bin Hamad al-Sulaiti, stated: "Access to quality medical care is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of sustainable development.Through this partnership with ITF, we aim to strengthen hospitals as pillars of resilience, capable of responding to crises, safeguarding lives, and restoring the well-being of communities affected by conflict.This agreement embodies Qatar’s steadfast solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people and reaffirms our shared commitment to addressing their urgent needs amid humanitarian circumstances.” Ambassador Tomaz Lovrencic, Director of ITF, stated: "The needs of Palestinian victims of explosive remnants of war require an urgent action. Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, need appropriate medical attention, including prosthetic care and psychosocial support." The partnership between QFFD and ITF underscores a joint commitment to advancing equitable healthcare, enhancing resilience, and promoting human security in conflict zones.It also comes as part of Qatar's steadfast support for the brotherly Palestinian people, aimed at securing essential services and building a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and stable future.

The Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber and the Community Service and Continuing Education Center at Qatar University (QU) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at establishing a framework for institutional collaboration between the two parties in implementing specialised training programs in arbitration, conciliation, and mediation.This partnership seeks to enhance the efficiency of arbitrators and promote professional awareness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.The agreement was signed at the QICCA headquarters by QICCA Vice Chairman, HE Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al-Thani and Head of Strategy and Development at QU, Dr. Muna Al Marzouqi.On this occasion, HE Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al-Thani affirmed that the signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in QICCA's journey, emphasizing that it aims to promote and strengthen the culture of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Qatar.He also noted that this partnership aligns with QICCA's strategy to enhance academic cooperation with leading educational institutions, both locally and internationally, based on the belief that such collaboration is a key pillar in developing and advancing the arbitration environment in the State of Qatar.For her part, Dr. Muna Al Marzouqi said that the agreement with QICCA aims to enhance the legal capabilities of companies and institutions, enabling them to manage their contractual relationships effectively and safeguard their rights in line with best legal practices.Al Marzouqi noted that, under this agreement, a series of joint training courses will be implemented in coordination between the two parties, covering areas such as commercial law, local and international arbitration, conciliation and mediation, and dispute management.She added that the agreement also includes a programme for the preparation and qualification of arbitrators.The 'Qualification and Preparation of Arbitrators Programme' is a comprehensive professional training designed to prepare national and Arab professionals to serve as certified arbitrators. It enables participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative and institutional frameworks governing arbitration, as well as the procedures for forming arbitration panels and issuing and enforcing arbitration awards.The programme comprises five sequential training stages, combining theoretical and practical components in various aspects of commercial arbitration.These include drafting arbitration agreements, managing arbitration hearings, and preparing rulings and legal memoranda.Since its launch in 2016, in partnership with QU, the programme has graduated more than 320 participants, most of whom are Qatari professionals working in the field of arbitration, who have significantly contributed to enriching the arbitration landscape in the State of Qatar.

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company signed an investment partnership agreement with Egypt's New Urban Communities Authority to implement an integrated urban tourism project according to the highest international standards, in the Alam El Roum area on the North Coast of Matrouh Governorate.The project extends over an area of ​​around 4,900 acres and along 7.2km of Mediterranean beaches, with total investments estimated at more than $29.7bn.The signing ceremony was attended on the Egyptian side by Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Finance Dr Ahmed Kouchouk, and Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Sherif El Sherbini.On the Qatari side, it was attended by His Excellency Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatari Diar Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al- Attiyah, CEO of Qatari Diar Ali Mohammed al-Ali, and Chief Development and Project Delivery Officer — Asia and Africa at Qatari Diar, Sheikh Hamad bin Talal al-Thani.The project aims to transform Alam al-Roum into a comprehensive tourism and investment destination, encompassing residential, tourist, commercial, and service areas. It will feature upscale residential complexes and neighbourhoods, tourism and entertainment projects, open artificial lakes, golf courses, and a marina for yachts, including one international and two inland local marinas. The project will also include a complete infrastructure, such as a service free zone, electricity distribution and water desalination and treatment plants, hospitals, schools, universities, and several government offices.Stretching along a 7.2 km waterfront, the project is expected to be one of the largest development projects in the region and is anticipated to attract investments, boost economic growth, and create both direct and indirect job opportunities.The agreement includes a cash price of $3.5bn and an in-kind consideration of 396,000 square meters of built-up area, the sale of which is expected to generate revenues of at least $1.8 bn. In addition, 15 % of the project's profits will be allocated to the New Urban Communities Authority after the company recovers its full investment costs. These profits include the output of the company and its subsidiaries.The land use within the project is distributed as follows: residential land constitutes approximately 60 % of the total area, 15 % is allocated to service areas, and 25 % to roads, squares, and open green spaces. The project land will be delivered free of any encumbrances in two main phases and several sub-phases.In this context, Dr Mostafa Madbouly emphasised that this agreement represents a major investment partnership reflecting the depth of the fraternal relations between Egypt and Qatar. He said that it is an important step in strengthening economic and investment cooperation between the two countries, given the distinguished relationship between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. He added that the partnership embodies the vision of both leaderships for integrated economic cooperation that contributes to supporting sustainable development and attracting high-quality investments to the Egyptian market.He noted the government's commitment to removing any obstacles facing investors and its keen interest in partnering with Qatar on this project, which is one of the largest Arab investments in the real estate and tourism development sector and reflects investor confidence in the Egyptian economy.For his part, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al- Attiyah said that the project represents a strategic step toward enhancing the status of Egypt's North Coast as a comprehensive global destination, and embodies Qatar's commitment as a partner in supporting the Egyptian government's efforts to achieve sustainable development and year-round operation of coastal areas.The project represents one of the most prominent investment ventures in the region, with a total investment of approximately $29.7 bn, he said, noting that this is expected to provide more than 250,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.HE Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatari Diar added that the project also reflects Qatari Diar's confidence in the strength of the Egyptian economy and its belief in the value of investing in Egypt's unique geographical location.Speaking to Qatar News Agency following the signing of the deal, CEO of Qatari Diar Ali Mohammed al-Ali emphasized that the "Alam al-Roum" project represents a new step in developing luxury destinations in Egypt, as part of a series of strategic investments targeting high-value tourist destinations. He added that the project will be a landmark in the development of the North Coast and a global destination that will redefine tourism standards on the Mediterranean through development spanning more than 20mn square meters and boasting over 4,500 hotel rooms.He indicated that the project will be implemented by a special-purpose project company wholly owned by Qatari Diar, in coordination with the New Urban Communities Authority to ensure the design adheres to the highest international standards.

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty held talks in Cairo with his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger, focusing on regional developments — particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip — as well as ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.During the discussions, Minister Abdelatty emphasized the importance of fully implementing the agreement to end the war in Gaza and of initiating early recovery and reconstruction efforts.He also stressed the need to ensure the unimpeded delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip to meet the urgent needs of its population.In this context, Abdelatty expressed hope that Austria would actively participate in the upcoming international conference on early recovery, reconstruction, and development in Gaza, to be hosted by Egypt later this month, in a way that meaningfully supports the Palestinian people.Regarding bilateral relations, the Egyptian Foreign Minister reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to enhancing all aspects of cooperation with Austria and to strengthening coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The Israeli occupation army has continued to violate the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, launching new bombardments and artillery shelling on multiple areas across the enclave on Sunday.Palestinian sources reported ongoing artillery shelling targeting the eastern areas of Rafah and Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, accompanied by intense gunfire from armored vehicles and tanks positioned along the eastern border, striking Palestinian homes and agricultural lands.In the north, Israeli occupation vehicles stationed east of Tuffah, Shujaiyya, and the Jabalia refugee camp opened heavy fire, while artillery units bombarded the eastern parts of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.Field sources also confirmed that Israeli forces continue to carry out large-scale demolitions in eastern Gaza, causing loud explosions as they destroy residential neighborhoods and homes located within the so-called “yellow line” along the separation barrier between Gaza and the Israeli-occupied territories.The violations also include the continued targeting and killing of civilians, renewed shelling across several areas of Gaza, and the ongoing closure of the Rafah border crossing, which prevents the evacuation of the wounded and sick for treatment and hinders the entry of humanitarian aid in the agreed-upon quantities and mechanisms.The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel came into effect on October 10, as part of the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s initiative aimed at ending the war on Gaza.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said that everyone has been following over the past twenty-four hours the challenges in Gaza and the violations that have occurred to the ceasefire agreement, adding that what happened yesterday was a major event that drew the attention of the media, but in reality, this was something expected during the ceasefire period, and it is something they have witnessed in their previous experiences with ceasefire agreements.His Excellency said, during a session on the State of Qatar's regional and international role and its joint mediation efforts to end the war on the Gaza Strip, organized by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, that they have been engaging with both parties to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire, and the American engagement has, of course, been an essential element in this. He believe that what happened yesterday constitutes a violation, and they expect there would be a reaction to it, adding that fortunately, all the main parties recognize the need to preserve the ceasefire and adhere to the agreement.His Excellency affirmed that what happened yesterday in Gaza was disappointing and deeply frustrating, stressing that they are trying to contain it and immediately mobilized their efforts afterward, in full coordination with the United States. He pointed out that they have seen that the United States is also committed to the agreement.HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the need to ensure that Palestinians live in safety, as well as Israelis, adding that the main objective of the disarmament process, is to end armed activity, create a political horizon for the Palestinian people, and establish a unified Palestinian entity that is the sole legitimate authority to bear arms.His Excellency stressed the importance of addressing the core issue and the root causes of the conflict itself, noting in this regard that they must create a political horizon and an appropriate political environment for both Palestinians and Israelis that enables them to reach an understanding and agreement on coexistence. This is what they are striving for, he said, stressing that they are seeking a two-state solution that puts an end to the suffering of both sides.Regarding the treacherous Israeli attack on the State of Qatar, His Excellency said this attack was shocking, adding it was not only shocking for them in Qatar, but for the entire world. If you look at where and how the attack took place, you will find that it occurred in a well-known residential neighborhood where negotiations usually take place, surrounded by schools, embassies, and other buildings, he explained, adding that the psychological impact of this attack on the Qatari people was very significant. He stressed that they still bear the responsibility as a state to protect citizens and ensure there are adequate security guarantees for them, in addition to ensuring that Qatar's role continues to have impact in ending the conflict and remains unaffected. He pointed out that Qatar has always taken the high road and consistently chosen diplomacy over any other option.His Excellency added that they have used all legal and diplomatic channels to ensure that this attack is not repeated and to protect Qatar and its people, after which they resumed the negotiations. What many people do not know is that the day after the attack, when His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani was speaking with the President of the United States of America Donald Trump, the President noted that this could represent an opportunity to put an end to the war in Gaza. His Highness the Amir was very optimistic about this possibility. Despite all the communication with the Israeli side at that time, Qatar remained engaged with the United States to ensure a resolution was reached, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said.His Excellency stated that they deeply value and appreciate the relationship that binds the State of Qatar and the United States, adding that the President, the Vice President, and the Secretary of State affirmed that they had no prior knowledge of the attack. His Excellency said that they respect what the US said and understand that this decision was made solely by the Israelis, but the idea that an ongoing mediation effort would be targeted in itself feels like a betrayal. On the very day of the attack, negotiations between Colombia and other parties were taking place only a few hundred meters from the site, as well as talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.His Excellency went on to say that the occurrence of this attack in Qatar, on Sept. 9, shocked the world. For a country engaged in so many mediation efforts to come under attack was something no one could have imagined, he said, adding that he believes the American side felt the same shock, and the President personally assured that he would not allow such an event to happen again, and that he would ensure all the security guarantees Qatar needs to continue its role."His Excellency added this attack clearly affected how the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) now views Israel. When the GCC countries witnessed this attack on one of their own members, the impression was clear - any country could be the next target.Regarding the State of Qatar's ongoing mediation efforts, His Excellency explained that they have found that Qatar's ability to act quietly and away from the spotlight gives them an advantage in contributing to the resolution of conflicts, and sometimes in preventing them, through calm diplomatic channels and behind closed doors. He emphasized that Qatar has become a responsible player in this field, and for them, mediation is not merely a political option but a deeply rooted principle in the constitution. Since the founding of the State by Sheikh Jassim, who always called for peace, communication, and dialogue, this has been Qatar's legacy. His Excellency said that they are proud that today Qatar is recognized as a global mediator, not only in the region, but also internationally. The trust Qatar has built over the years through its regional mediations has given its efforts a global dimension. They see this extending from Latin America to Africa and Asia, His Excellency added.On Afghanistan, His Excellency said that there is a camp within Afghanistan that wants to see the country open up to the world and build better relations with all its neighbors. He believe that, in the end, those who want to build a state that has a normal relationship with the international community will prevail. Fundamentally, efforts to change the situation in Afghanistan must be made by the international community in an encouraging, rather than punitive, manner. He explained that Qatar's approach is that instead of saying, 'Because you do this, I will punish you,' it should be the opposite when it comes to Afghanistan - 'If you do this, I will reward you for it.' This approach needs to change within the international community, His Excellency explained, adding that only then they might be able put Afghanistan on the right track.Regarding relations with the United States of America, His Excellency said that Qatar's interest lies in building and strengthening a strong relationship with the United States, noting that they have a solid economic partnership, a strong security and defense partnership, and a close partnership in the energy sector. These multifaceted partnerships are a priority for Qatar and must be maintained and protected, His Excellency said, adding that all their focus is on how to preserve the relationship between the State of Qatar and the United States, because it is an important country for Qatar, just as Qatar is important to the United States. Qatar hosts the largest US air base in the region, and in the energy sector, both of sides are among the world's largest suppliers of liquefied natural gas, His Excellency noted.Regarding Iran's role in the future of the region, His Excellency said Iran is a neighbor, and Qatar share with it the largest gas field in the world, in which it hold the majority. For Qatar, the stability of Iran is essential, he said, explaining that it is very important for Iran to be stable. To ensure this stability, they must think diplomatically about how to reach a solution through diplomacy, while also ensuring that the region remains free of nuclear weapons, while granting Iran the right to develop its peaceful nuclear program for energy generation or any other purpose within international law.His Excellency adding in this regard that they are sometimes concerned by the escalatory statements coming from either Israel or Iran, and they are working to engage with both the United States and Iran to ensure that talks between the two countries return to the right track. He believe that once serious negotiations between Iran and the United States begin, they can reach an agreement that would be better for everyone.

US President Donald Trump affirmed the strength of relations between his country and South Korea, noting that Seoul is a valued friend and ally of Washington. Trump made this statement during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, held in Gyeongju, South Korea.The US president indicated that a trade agreement with South Korea would be finalized very soon, amid reports that negotiations over the details of the agreement had reached an impasse.For his part, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung asked his US counterpart to allow South Korea access to fuel for its nuclear-powered submarines and pledged to increase defense spending to bolster the country's military capabilities.The South Korean president made these remarks at the start of their summit talks in Gyeongju, southeast of Seoul, where Seoul is seeking to amend the bilateral nuclear energy agreement with Washington to gain greater flexibility in reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and uranium enrichment.The visit marks the US President's first trip to South Korea during his second term in office. The two-day state visit began today as the President arrived in the South Korean city of Busan.