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HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi met Wednesday with Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The meeting discussed co-operation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest, notably the humanitarian situation in Gaza, developments in Syria and Lebanon, and the importance of supporting efforts to bring security and stability in the region. The Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria praised during the meeting Qatar's role as a reliable mediator to bring different perspectives closer and encourage peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy. The minister also commended the Qatari efforts made in releasing Austrian hostages around the world.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain discussed relations between the two brotherly countries and means to boost them in various areas of cooperation. This came during a phone call His Highness the Amir received Wednesday from Bahraini king. The discussion also touched on the key regional and international developments of joint interest.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with a consortium led by Qatar's UCC Holding, valued at over USD 4 billion, is intended to revamp Damascus International Airport based on state-of-the-art global standards, Chairman of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Omar Al Hussari has said.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Hussari added that the MoU includes revamping the airport, increasing its capacity, modernising the infrastructure and ground services, in addition to deploying sophisticated operation systems.The project will constitute a paradigm shift in the Syrian airports systems and bolster the capacity of the civil aviation sector to keep up with the requirements of the upcoming phase, Al Hussari highlighted.Al Hussari stressed that the memorandum is a concrete step in strengthening the Syria-Qatar relationship, standing as a model of Arab cooperation in major strategic ventures. He affirmed that the next phase would shift from signing the memorandum to outlining a clear implementation plan, thereby ensuring that this partnership is converted into tangible projects that directly benefit travelers and the national economy.In connection with the projects undertaken by GACA, technical and economic studies are underway to convert Mezzeh Air Base into a civilian airport dedicated to private aviation and business travelers. The operational capacity of this base will be gauged not in terms of passenger numbers but by the volume of private flights and the quality of specialized services, thereby positioning it as a complementary facility to Damascus International Airport, he underlined.He further underscored that there is a strategic plan to expand the SyrianAir fleet through the modernization of existing aircraft and the acquisition of new planes, while GACA has opened the door for Arab and international carriers to operate within Syrian airspace and at its airports.Damascus International Airport currently serves 15 airlines, whereas Aleppo International Airport accommodates seven carriers. The measures broadly enhance competitiveness and elevate the level of services offered to travelers. These initiatives unfold amid a period of Arab and international engagement with Syria and the restoration of a huge portion of air traffic, contributing to reinstating the country to its natural position on the regional and global aviation map, Al Hussari underlined.As for the western sanctions, he evinced that the restrictions are still partial and hamper modernization processes, as well as securing spare parts and cutting-edge technologies.However, he said GACA has been successful in overcoming these impediments through forging cooperation with regional and global partners to secure practical alternatives in relation to maintenance, equipment, and technologies, noting that these partnerships helped proceed with the operation of aircraft and airports based on international safety standards.Al Hussari welcomed the recent decision taken by the US Department of Commerce to streamline the access of technology and spare parts to Syria, including civil aviation parts.The strategy of the upcoming period is based on making the civil aviation sector an economic driver and a major conduit, reinstating the nation to its position as a regional and global connection hub. This strategy includes modernization to have capacious airports, augmenting the national fleet, advancing air cargo services, and investing in training and qualifying manpower to ensure sustained development and keep abreast of the latest international standards, Al Hussari pointed out.Al Hussari further indicated that the projects and agreements underway represent practical steps toward advancing the Syrian civil aviation sector and reintegrating the country into the regional and global air transportation system.He affirmed that the coming period ought to witness a follow-up on the execution of these projects to ensure the achievement of GACA's objectives and the constant upgradation of this critical sector.

Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwaya Takeshi met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi on Monday in Kuwait, reaffirming a commitment to deepen their strategic partnership and collaborate on critical regional and international issues.In a press statement, the Embassy of Japan in Doha said minister al-Muraikhi expressed his desire to further promote bilateral co-operation under the strategic partnership. In response, minister Iwaya expressed his respect for Qatar’s diplomatic efforts towards the stabilisation of the Middle East, emphasising the importance of the strategic partnership with Qatar and his desire to further strengthen it.The two Ministers had a candid exchange of views on recent regional situations, including Iran, Gaza, and Syria. Minister Iwaya noted the importance of the fact that Gulf countries called on the parties involved to exercise restraint and to engage in dialogue during the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran in June this year.He also mentioned the necessity of addressing the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of relevant countries towards the stabilisation of Syria, expressing his desire to continue close communication with Qatar.In addition, he emphasised Japan's consistent support for the ‘Two-State Solution’ and its desire to co-ordinate with Qatar. In response, minister al-Muraikhi explained Qatar’s position on the importance of dialogue towards regional stabilisation and thanked Japan's efforts, including the Conference on Co-operation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development and Japan’s long-standing support for Palestine.The two ministers also exchanged views on various international challenges, including their policies toward North Korea, as well as the nuclear, missile, and abductions issues. They confirmed to continue close communication to further strengthen bilateral relations.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo on the anniversary of her country's Independence Day. His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani also sent a similar cable of congratulations to President Kangaloo on the anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago's Independence Day and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the Independence Day anniversary.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, on the anniversary of his country's Independence Day. His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani also sent a similar cable of congratulations to Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Japarov, on the country's Independence Day and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Adylbek Aleshovich Kasymaliev, on Independence Day.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani on Tuesday met the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, and Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Rustem Umero, currently visiting the country.Discussions during the meeting dealt with co-operation between the two countries and means to support and enhance it.They also discussed the latest developments of the Russia-Ukraine crisis and ways to resolve it peacefully, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed Qatar's support for all international efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis through dialogue and diplomatic means.The two Ukrainian officials expressed their country's appreciation for Qatar's efforts to reunite a number of Ukrainian children with their families in Ukraine. They also lauded Qatar's positive diplomatic efforts and its active role in Ukraine and the world.

A delegation from the State of Qatar, led by the Qatar Leadership Centre, visited key Rwandan institutions this week as part of a study tour aimed at deepening bilateral ties and exchanging knowledge.The delegation was received by the officials of the Rwanda Cooperation, Office of the Ombudsman, Rwanda Governance Board and National Bank of Rwanda during the visits to the offices.The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) hosted the group, with Deputy CEO Dr Félicien Usengumukiza highlighting how good governance has played a central role in Rwanda’s social and economic transformation. RGB shared insights into its mandate and the country’s policy-driven development model.At the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR), Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of evidence-based monetary policy. The NBR team showcased its decision-making process, which includes economic projections, public engagement, and policy debate.The delegation has explored Rwanda’s progress in governance, economic sectors, human capital, aviation & national identity, Rwanda Cooperation said.Both institutions described the visit as a reflection of the growing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met Monday at the Amiri Diwan with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Constantinos Kombos, who is visiting the country.The two sides discussed co-operation between the two countries and ways to support and develop it. They also discussed enhancing economic partnership, especially in the energy field, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, met in Doha Monday Giorgos Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus.Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and co-operation between Qatar and Cyprus and means to enhance them.