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Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its joint invaluable mediation work to end the tragic war in the Gaza Strip.In a press statement, Guterres said he is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage in negotiations on the basis of the recent proposal presented by President of the United States of America Donald Trump.The UN Secretary-General urged all parties to seize the opportunity to end the war in Gaza and reiterated his consistent call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access.The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also thanked Qatar in particular and other Arab countries for their role in mediating a ceasefire in Gaza.In a post on X, she said: The US peace plan, already approved by Israel, supported by the European states, by many Islamic states, and by the Palestinian National Authority—thanks to the mediation of the Arab countries and in particular Qatar, which I wish to thank for its efforts—has also received an initial positive response from Hamas, which has first of all declared its willingness to release all the hostages within the framework of a ceasefire."We must all commit ourselves to ensuring that this extraordinary opportunity is seized."

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, made a field visit to several factories operating in the food and beverage manufacturing sector at the Small and Medium Industries Zone Saturday.The visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to monitoring developments in the national industrial sector and understanding its needs and future plans. During the tour, the minister was briefed on the factories’ key products, production capacities, processes, and latest technologies. He also reviewed their expansion and developmental plans.HE Sheikh Faisal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing the growth of the industrial sector, in line with the National Manufacturing Strategy and the Third National Development Strategy. He emphasised the ministry’s continued efforts to provide facilities and incentives for national factories, enhance the industrial business environment, streamline procedures, and engage with investors, thereby fostering high-quality investments and supporting the development of national industries.

HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani met with the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, on the sidelines of Qatar's participation as Guest of Honor at the Baku International Book Fair, held from October 1st to 7th, in the capital, Baku.During the meeting, the two sides discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries in cultural fields and ways to support and develop them.HE Sheikh Abdulrahman affirmed that Qatari-Azerbaijani cultural relations are strong and promising, considering Qatar's participation as Guest of Honor in the exhibition as a reflection of the great importance of cooperation between the two countries following the Qatar Culture Days in Azerbaijan, held from April 10th to 13th.For his part, the Azerbaijani Cultural Minister praised Qatar's valuable and rich participation in the exhibition, which greatly reflects the features of Qatari culture, affirming that this highlights the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The State of Qatar participated in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, held in New York under the theme: "Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being."The delegation of the State of Qatar was headed by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud.In his address, HE Al Mahmoud emphasised the importance of joint international efforts to confront the growing challenges of NCDs, strengthen mental health, and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one third.He noted that Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024-2030 prioritises the reduction of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, with a clear target of reducing NCD-related mortality by 36%.Drawing on the findings of the 2023 National STEPS Survey, HE Al Mahmoud highlighted the launch of nationwide campaigns on diabetes, obesity, and heart health, alongside innovative initiatives such as awareness programs linking oral health to the prevention of chronic diseases. He also underlined Qatar's continued investment in training healthcare professionals in collaboration with leading universities and institutions and the introduction of new care models, including AI-based applications and integrated treatments for mental health."Innovation lies at the heart of our vision," he said. "We employ AI-driven analytics to monitor diseases and advance precision medicine, through projects in personalised healthcare carried out in partnership between the Ministry of Public Health, the Qatar Precision Health Institute, and Sidra Medicine."He further stressed Qatar's collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council Health Council, and the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Qatar, HE Al Mahmoud added, has also expanded mental health services and rehabilitation centres, and looks forward to hosting the Sixth Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health.He affirmed: "The progress achieved by the State of Qatar reflects its firm conviction that health is a fundamental pillar of human and social development. We reaffirm our commitment to continue these efforts and to work hand in hand with our international partners for a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous future for all."The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening global and national commitments to address the challenges of NCDs and mental health through enhanced cross-sectoral cooperation, health system transformation, sustainable financing, tackling social, economic, commercial, and environmental determinants of risk and inequality, and accelerating a comprehensive, equitable, and high-quality response worldwide.

Qatar participated in the high-level ministerial meeting launching the Global Autism Alliance, held at the UN headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansour bin Ibrahim al-Mahmoud and HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi.The meeting announced the establishment of the alliance as an international platform aimed at fostering understanding, coordinating efforts, and expanding global initiatives to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.In his opening remarks, HE the Minister of Public Health emphasised the importance of launching the Global Autism Alliance to strengthen joint efforts for sustainable improvement and to provide necessary support to individuals with autism and their families worldwide. He underlined that Qatar attaches great importance to health as a means to achieve a more just, secure, and humane world, and that autism remains a key priority in both public health and social development.He noted that in 2017 Qatar launched its first National Autism Plan, a comprehensive strategy covering awareness, early diagnosis, medical intervention, inclusive education, and lifelong support. He added that the plan is reinforced by large-scale awareness campaigns and strong partnerships with families and communities.He also said that Qatar’s integrated, rights-based approach demonstrates a firm commitment to ensuring that every individual with autism can reach their potential and actively contribute to society.For her part, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family reaffirmed Qatar’s ongoing commitment to promoting social inclusion and achieving health, education, and social equity for individuals with autism. She stressed that this commitment stems from Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s comprehensive, rights-based approach to supporting the most vulnerable. She also praised international partnerships that strengthen this initiative.She highlighted that the initiative reflects the vision of Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who played a pivotal role in advancing dignity and inclusivity for people with autism and in helping the UN General Assembly adopt Resolution 62/139 in December 2007, which designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.Al-Nuaimi further explained that the Global Autism Alliance is an important step toward advancing international co-operation and knowledge-sharing through research and innovation, with the aim of increasing the impact of global efforts. She stressed the importance of making innovation central to the initiative, particularly in reimagining social systems, supporting families, and fostering community participation to ensure equal opportunities for all.She noted that the alliance represents a qualitative leap in co-ordinated international efforts to raise awareness about autism and improve services provided to individuals with autism, through collaboration among governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector.The event was organised in partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the World Health Organisation, Unicef, and Autism Speaks.As part of its commitment to supporting children with autism, Qatar continues its efforts under the Qatar Foundation Strategy 2025-2035, which provides comprehensive support in education, health, and innovation, while strengthening social inclusion. These efforts include early intervention programs offering therapeutic and rehabilitation sessions for children aged 3 to 14, as well as autism-friendly hospitals such as Sidra Medicine, which provides suitable medical environments for children during treatment. Qatar also continues to raise awareness through World Autism Day activities and focuses on inclusive education by integrating specialised programmes for children with autism into both public and private schools.

His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, met separately with the Foreign Minister of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Mapy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Chadians Abroad of the Republic of Chad Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe Prof. dr. Amon Murwira, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the US, Michael Kozak, EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Christophe Bigot, and Member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, Lord Tariq Ahmad, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The discussions focused on cooperation relations, ways to support and enhance them, and issues of mutual interest.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the interim Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Sushila Karki, on the occasion of the Constitution Day.

The Attorneys’ Admission Committee held a meeting chaired by HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi.The committee reviewed its agenda, during which four new lawyers took the legal oath before the committee. They were enrolled on the roll of practising lawyers after completing their training at the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at the Ministry of Justice and receiving practical training in Qatari law firms.The committee also discussed applications from professionals with equivalent qualifications to register on the practising lawyers’ roll. It approved the applications of three new lawyers under training, in addition to transferring the registration of two lawyers to the roll of practising lawyers before the Court of Cassation. The committee reviewed a number of procedural matters and regulatory controls for the legal profession, including the minutes of the subcommittees, and took appropriate decisions regarding them. During the meeting, HE the minister congratulated the new lawyers, stressing the Attorneys’ Admission Committee’s commitment to creating an appropriate environment to enable lawyers to perform their noble duties in serving the community and strengthening Qatar’s legal and judicial system.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent on Tuesday a cable of congratulations to the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea James Marape on the anniversary of his country's Independence Day.

The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Monday to participate in the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by His Excellency Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani and Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the State of Qatar Dr. Muhammad Ejaz.

The Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Iraq Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani arrived in Doha Monday to participate in the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled to be held in Doha today.Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani and Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the State of Qatar Mohammed Jaafar Al Sadr.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thanisent sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega Saavedra on the anniversary of his country's Independence Day.