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Syrian Presidential Adviser for Media Affairs, Dr Ahmed Muwaffaq Zidan, has affirmed that the Syria-Qatar relations are far more rock-solid than ever, pointing out that the key challenge now is how to elevate these ties to new heights and build full integration between the two brotherly nations.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), he clarified that the Syrian people will never forget Qatar's historic position in standing with their cause in multiple stages.It was the country that embraced the Syrians and provided them with political and humanitarian backing until the last moments. Also, Qatar was visited by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as part of the political overture Syria has recently witnessed, Zidan underlined.Zidan further indicated that the Qatari support for Syria has not stopped even for a single day, whether at the political, economic, or humanitarian levels, with the Qatari companies undertaking a leading role, particularly in the energy sector.Preparation is currently underway to forge new agreements with Qatar in connection with reconstruction and infrastructure.The Qatari side has persistently contributed to supporting the education and health sectors and has had a preeminent presence in reconstruction programs, Zidan pointed out.Zidan emphasised that the Qatari helping hands have never been absent in Syria even for a day, as every single economic support Qatar provides today fully undergirds the Syrian statehood and its Arab renaissance project.Syria's return to the Arab fold, and the Arab fold's return to Syria, embodies an integration realised through investments, grants, and infrastructure development, setting the wheels of the economy in motion as a central driver of social, political, and economic life, Zidan stressed.Zidan pointed out that the provision of natural gas for power generation or contributing to reducing unemployment and creating job opportunities are strategic support that is squarely reflected on Syrians' lives and helps them integrate with their brothers in the Arab Gulf.He asserted that Syria's success is reciprocally a success for Qatar as long as their bilateral relationship is rock-solid and unshakable.Regarding upcoming international engagements, he revealed that President al-Sharaa will head to New York to participate in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly later this September, marking the first visit by a Syrian president to the UN in many years.This participation will usher in a new era of political and civic overture for Syria, providing the opportunity for the president to address the international community and meet the Syrian community, as well as UN officials, something that would break the isolation the erstwhile regime had imposed on Syria and return the global presence to the nation, Zidan said.He added that this visit will pave the way for broader co-operation prospects between Syria and the world, entrenching the image of the people of Syria.Regarding the repeated Israeli assaults on Syrian territories, Zidan highlighted that the Syrian statehood is strong by its people and allies, notwithstanding its weak military capabilities following the decades-long devastation it had incurred.He clarified that Syria's ceiling on this issue is a return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement under international mediation and with the presence of UN forces, calling on the Israeli occupation to comply with this agreement.The American position plays a positive role in this direction, alongside the critical role undertaken by the Arab Gulf nations, foremost among them Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as Turkiye, to tighten the screws on the Israeli occupation to halt its incursions, Zidan highlighted.He revealed that all dialogues, whether in Baku, Paris, or through other mediation channels, focused on returning to the 1974 Agreement as the primary reference on this issue.On Syrian national media, Zidan confirmed a plan to reorganise the national narrative and political discourse, making it more comprehensive and inclusive for all Syrians, at home and abroad, in coordination with Syria's Ministry of Information.He added that while the discourse exists, it needs restructuring and a stronger, more prominent presentation, with results expected to become clear over the next two years.The mammoth investment projects, especially in Damascus, are underway based on meticulously learned plans to determine the image of the future city, and this requires time and effort, but cooperation with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and several western allies will accelerate the construction engine, even though Syrian statehood is still in the making after emerging from accumulated crises, Zidan clarified.Zidan further explained that the war has left 1mn killed, millions of orphans and widows, and 14mn displaced, in addition to the decimation of thousands of schools, hospitals, and homes, making development and economic reconstruction an utmost priority.He emphasised that the recent launch of the Syrian Development Fund represents a key lever for the economic process and will spare the country many burdens imposed by global banks, noting that the participation of friends and brotherly countries in this fund will bolster its effectiveness and impact.Finally, Zidan assured that Syria today is moving forward toward development and reconstruction with the support of Arab brothers, with the State of Qatar at the forefront, which has been providing an advanced model in backing Syria at a variety of levels.He expressed confidence in the upcoming phase, which will usher in a new era of the Syria-Qatar relationship for the interests of the two peoples and strengthening stability in the entire region.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a phone call on Friday from the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali.During the call, the Ethiopian PM affirmed his solidarity with the State of Qatar and his deep concern over the Israeli attack that targeted Qatar, stressing that it is a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and a serious threat to the security of the State of Qatar and the countries of the region.He hailed the role of His Highness the Amir and the State of Qatar in resolving conflicts and mediating efforts around the world. Dr. Ali. also offered his condolences to His Highness the Amir for the martyrs who were killed in the treacherous attack.For his part, His Highness the Amir affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to protect its security and territorial integrity, and to maintain its sovereignty in the face of the treacherous Israeli attack.His Highness the Amir expressed his gratitude to the Ethiopian Prime Minister for his sincere feelings and his country's solidarity with the State of Qatar and its people.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held a meeting at his office in Lusail Palace Friday with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the Hungarian prime minister and his accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure with the visit, which reflects the depth of relations between the two countries.For his part, the Hungarian prime minister expressed his country's support for the sovereignty of Qatar following the Israeli attack, stressing the strong ties between the two countries.During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them in different fields, in addition to discussing the latest regional developments and efforts to achieve peace and stability for the benefit of the peoples of the region.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy summoned Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Abu Dhabi David Ahad Horsandi, and conveyed the UAE's strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant and cowardly Israeli aggression that targeted the State of Qatar, as well as the aggressive statements made by the Israeli occupation Prime Minister.The UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation affirmed that this reckless attack constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, a grave breach of international law and the UN Charter, and an irresponsible escalation that threatens regional and international security and stability.She stressed that the security and stability of the State of Qatar is an integral part of the security and stability of the GCC states, and that any aggression against a Gulf state represents an aggression against the collective Gulf security system.She affirmed that the continuation of this aggressive and provocative approach undermines the chances of achieving stability, pushes the region towards extremely dangerous paths, and entrenches a reality that cannot be ignored or accepted.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Friday expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the aggressive statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister against the State of Qatar.In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its solidarity with the State of Qatar in its measures, stressing that these aggressive statements and practices by the Israeli occupation authorities and their grave and serious violations of international laws and norms require the international community to continue taking effective measures to put an end to these destructive Israeli policies in the region.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto left Doha on Friday evening, after a working visit to the country.Subianto and his accompanying delegation were seen off at Doha International Airport by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the State of Qatar Ridwan Hassan. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto held a meeting at his office in Lusail Palace on Friday. Discussions during the meeting dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries, and means to strengthen them in various fields.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a meeting at his office in Lusail Palace on Friday with the President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame, during which they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and means to strengthen them in various fields. The meeting also discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to achieve peace and stability for the benefit of the peoples of the region.At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the Rwandan President and his accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure with the visit, which reflects the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.For his part, President Kagame expressed his condemnation of the treacherous Israeli attack and affirmed his country's full solidarity with the State of Qatar and its people as well as its support for all measures taken by Qatar to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.He stressed that this attack constitutes a violation of Qatar's sovereignty, violates international laws and norms, and undermines the security, stability, and prospects for peace in the region.President Kagame hailed the efforts of His Highness the Amir and the State of Qatar, and their endeavors to achieve peace and stability in the region and the world.In this regard, His Highness the Amir expressed his deep appreciation to the Rwandan President for his solidarity and sincere feelings, and his country's supportive stance toward the State of Qatar and its people.The meeting was attended by HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, and a number of Their Excellencies senior officials. From the Rwandan side, it was attended by a number of senior officials and members of the accompanying delegation.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto held a meeting at his office in Lusail Palace on Friday. Discussions during the meeting dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries, and means to strengthen them in various fields.The meeting also discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to achieve peace and stability for the benefit of the peoples of the region.At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed President Subianto and his accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure with this visit, which reflects the strong relations between the two countries.For his part, the Indonesian President reiterated his country's full solidarity with the State of Qatar and its people, and its support for all measures taken to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.He stressed that the treacherous Israeli attack constitutes a violation of Qatar's sovereignty, violates international laws and norms, and undermines the security, stability, and prospects for peace in the region.President Subianto hailed the efforts of His Highness the Amir and the State of Qatar, and their endeavors to achieve peace and stability in the region and the world.In this regard, His Highness the Amir expressed his deep appreciation to the Indonesian President for his solidarity and sincere feelings, and his country's supportive stance toward the State of Qatar and its people.The meeting was attended by HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, and a number of Their Excellencies senior officials.On the Indonesian side, it was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, the Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, as well as a number of senior officials and members of the accompanying delegation.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto arrived in Doha Friday, on a working visit to the country.Subianto and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the State Ridwan Hassan.

The President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame arrived in Doha Friday, on a working visit to the country. Kagame and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the State Igor Marara Kayinamura.

The Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban arrived in Doha Friday, on a working visit to the country.Orban and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and the Ambassador of Hungary to the State Ferenc Korom.

The third session of the Joint Economic and Financial Committee between the Ministry of Finance of the State of Qatar and the Federal Department of Finance of the Swiss Confederation was held Wednesday in the city of Bern, Switzerland.The Qatari side was headed by HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, while the Swiss side was chaired by President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter.The meeting was also attended by a number of senior officials from both governmental and private sector entities on both sides.During this session, the Qatar-Switzerland Joint Committee discussed a range of proposals and ideas aimed at enhancing economic and investment co-operation between the two countries.Discussions covered topics such as digital finance, sustainable finance, and avenues of co-operation in the infrastructure sector, in addition to collaboration in sustainable investments and joint efforts in development projects.In his closing remarks at the conclusion of the third session of the Committee, HE al-Kuwari emphasised the importance of this partnership between the two countries, stating: "Qatar and Switzerland share many common values; both countries have open economies and are strongly committed to constructive international engagement. I am confident that the continued meetings of our Joint Committee will further strengthen our bilateral friendship and economic co-operation."Prior to the joint Committee's session, a technical committee meeting was held, chaired on the Qatari side by Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance Dr Saud bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, and on the Swiss side by Head of the Planning and Strategy Department at the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) Christoph Konig and Head of Bilateral Economic Relations at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) Andrea Rauber Saxer.The technical meeting served to prepare for the Committee's work and discuss key areas of co-operation, contributing to the success of the current session.Holding the Qatar-Switzerland Committee follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in March 2022 between the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Finance, and the Swiss Federal Council, represented by the Federal Department of Finance.The MoU aims at establishing the Joint Committee on Financial and Economic Affairs to promote and strengthen bilateral relations. The meetings of the Joint Committee are held alternately in both countries.