tag

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani stressed that the historical relations and exemplary cooperation between Qatar and Turkiye are steadily progressing toward broader and promising horizons, in light of the significant achievements of the Supreme Strategic Committee between the two countries.In a post on his official X account, His Highness the Amir said that the historical relations and exemplary cooperation between Qatar and Turkiye are progressing toward broader and promising horizons, in light of the significant achievements of the Supreme Strategic Committee between the two fraternal countries. His Highness expressed his pleasure in meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Doha, where they co-chaired the committee's eleventh session.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended Wednesday the signing ceremony for the renewal of the Cooperation Agreement between the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 3rd Asian Youth Games currently being held in Bahrain. The agreement was signed by Timothy Fok, First Vice President of the OCA, and Mustapha Berraf, President of ANOCA. This renewed agreement aims to strengthen mutual cooperation between the two bodies, develop joint initiatives to address shared challenges faced by athletes and professionals across both continents, enhance technical exchange programs, train sports administrators, and coordinate efforts in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. Also present at the signing were Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and OCA Vice President for West Asia, and Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and OCA Vice President for the Doha 2030 Asian Games. It is worth noting that Sheikh Joaan is the sole candidate for the presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia, with the election scheduled to take place during the OCA General Assembly in January next year.

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.

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ set to kick off in less than two weeks, the UAE U- 17 national team is finalising preparations for what promises to be a landmark tournament for youth football globally.Scheduled from 3-27 November, the competition marks the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams, with Qatar set to host five consecutive editions through 2029.Drawn into Group C alongside Senegal, Croatia and Costa Rica, the UAE U- 17 national team will begin their journey on 3 November at Aspire Park’s Pitch 8 against Costa Rica. For the young Emirati players, this competition is the realisation of a lifelong dream.Goalkeeper Jassim Al Hammadi looks forward to playing in Qatar after it successfully hosted a historic edition of the FIFA World Cup™: "As a fan, it was a wonderful experience to watch the World Cup in Qatar and now being able to play and train in the same facilities used by Messi and Ronaldo is really exciting."He added: "We take great responsibility and pride in playing football at the U-17 World Cup. I want to give my best for the UAE and play for the first team in the future."While Al Hammadi draws inspiration from football's greats, his teammate Abdulrahman Al Awani is focused on making his own mark. For the young player, this tournament represents uncharted territory. "This is the first major tournament I will be playing in. I am confident we will do well. I hope to make my family and country proud. Football means everything to me."Having witnessed Qatar's preparations first-hand, assistant coach and former UAE player Nawaf Mubarak is impressed by what awaits the teams. "Qatar hosted an amazing World Cup and showed its capabilities to the world. The sporting infrastructure is impressive. The country is beautiful. Everything from hotels to stadiums, and transportation is world-class."For Mubarak, the team’s ambitions are clear and bold. "In this World Cup, we hope to advance as far as possible and to showcase to the world the true potential of our country as strong contenders in international football."The tournament's unique hosting concept will see all 104 matches contested at Aspire Zone's Competition Complex.All tickets will be digital, with Day Passes available for just QAR 20, allowing fans to watch multiple matches throughout the day while enjoying cultural and entertainment activities. Supporters of the Qatar National Team can avail the Follow My Team package to follow the young Maroons through every group stage match.Accessible tickets, including wheelchair-accessible seats are available throughout the tournament. Requests for accessible tickets can be submitted to [email protected] tournament will culminate on 27 November at the Khalifa International Stadium, with tickets to the Final available across two categories, starting from QAR 15.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ marks the beginning of an exceptional period of elite football competition in Qatar. Taking place from 3-27 November, the tournament will be followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ on 1-18 December and the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ on 10, 13, and 17 December.For tickets and the full match schedule, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa. Follow @u17worldcupqa on social media for the latest tournament updates.

Al Hilal continued the perfect start to their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Al Sadd in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 tie Tuesday.Strikes from Yusuf Akcicek, Kalidou Koulibaly and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic steered Simone Inzaghi’s side to a third victory while Al Sadd’s wait for a triumph continued as they suffered defeat after having started with two draws.Al Hilal, who were missing Joao Cancelo and Salem al-Dawsari, made five changes to the starting line-up that defeated Al Ettifaq 5-0 in a Saudi Pro League tie on Friday while Al Sadd introduced four changes from their last continental stage outing against United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah.Following a cagey start, the home side had the first look at goal in the 10th minute after Ruben Neves helped set up Kaio Cesar from a corner, only for the Brazilian midfielder to fire wide off the right post.Al Sadd were almost punished in the 18th minute when Milinkovic-Savic and Abdullah Al Hamddan combined to split open their defence, only for Savic’s effort to be parried away by keeper Meshaal Barsham.Another lapse followed in the 23rd minute as Mohamed Kanno’s cross found Milinkovic-Savic, who had the time and space to pick his spot but missed his target from the top of the box but Al Hilal made no mistake two minutes later.The pressure finally got to the Qatari side after they failed to deal with a Santos Almeida free-kick, allowing Koulibaly to nudge the ball into the path of Akcicek, who slotted home from close range. The Qatari side were caught out again in the 40th minute after Ruben Neves whipped in a cross for Koulibaly to power home with a header.The four-time Asian champions threatened to extend their advantage in the second half with Ahmed Suhail and Milinkovic-Savic coming close two minutes after the restart, while Marcos Leonardo saw his soft close range attempt parried away by Barsham.Against the run of play, Al Sadd pulled one back in the 63rd minute when a clever Pedro Miguel pass found Roberto Firmino - who tasted continental glory with Al Ahli Saudi FC last season - to slot home.Sergio Alegre’s side came knocking again 10 minutes later when Pedro Miguel released Paulo Otavio inside the box, only for Koulibaly to intervene with a clearance. Al Hilal, however, put the game to bed in the 82nd minute with Milinkovic-Savic curling a stunning free-kick over the Al Sadd wall past a sprawling Barsham.Al Hilal had a chance to extend their lead in stoppage time after Abdullah Al Yazidi conceded a penalty but Barsham kept out Cesar’s spot-kick but it did not dampen the gloss on their victory. Al Hilal will seek a fourth win against Al Gharafa SC on November 3 while Al Sadd will play Al Ahli Saudi FC a day later.

Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) has been recognised internationally for its excellence in advancing person-centred care, with four of its facilities and services honoured during the Planetree Person-Centered Care Global Forum held in Baltimore, US.At the event, the Communicable Disease Center (CDC), Women's Wellness and Research Centre (WWRC), Enaya Specialised Care Centre and Private Nursing Services (PNS) were formally recognised for their recent achievements in achieving Planetree Gold Certification.The CDC received the Gold Certification with Distinction, the highest level awarded by Planetree International, while WWRC, Enaya and PNS each achieved Gold Certification.These achievements reflect HMC's commitment to placing compassion, collaboration and patient and family engagement at the heart of care delivery.The certifications demonstrate how HMC continues to align with international best practices in ensuring that healthcare experiences are not only clinically excellent but also empathetic and inclusive.The Planetree Person-Centred Care Global Forum is one of the world's leading gatherings focused on improving healthcare experiences. The annual event brings together healthcare leaders, clinicians, patient advocates, and policy experts from across the globe to share insights and innovations.This year's forum hosted delegations from more than 30 countries, offering an opportunity for international collaboration and learning.The Planetree certification programme assesses how healthcare organisations engage patients, families, staff and communities in shaping care that is compassionate, respectful and collaborative.These international recognitions mark a significant milestone in HMC's system-wide implementation of person-centered care values and reinforce Qatar's position as a leader in high-quality, patient-focused healthcare.

HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim affirmed that the speech of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the inauguration of the first ordinary session of the second legislative term, embodies the wise leadership's vision for the future of the State. It reinforces the path of comprehensive development, consolidates institutional governance, safeguards the country's supreme interests, and reaffirms Qatar's steadfast commitment to supporting just peace in the region, particularly the Palestinian cause.HE Speaker of the Shura Council explained that His Highness the Amir's speech reflected the leadership's approach in promoting justice and national participation, and empowering Qatari citizens as both the focus and goal of development. He pointed out that the Shura Council will be guided by His Highness's directives to continue to work with a spirit of responsibility and develop legislation to meet the requirements of the next phase and serve the public interest.He further highlighted that the sublime speech addressed Qatar's firm stances on regional and international issues, stressing that the Council highly values the sincere efforts exerted by Qatar to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which would save innocent lives and establish a lasting peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and enhances security and stability in the region.HE the Speaker also expressed gratitude to the members of the Shura Council for the trust they placed in him by electing him as Speaker of the Council. He reaffirmed that this trust is held in high regard and comes with great responsibility, emphasizing that constructive co-operation among members will be a cornerstone in carrying out their national duty to the fullest, enhancing the Council's legislative and oversight role, thereby contributing to Qatar's ongoing development and progress.HE Speaker of the Shura Council concluded his statement by emphasizing that the Shura Council will remain committed to the lofty directives contained in His Highness the Amir's speech and will continue to carry out its national duties with sincerity and responsibility, further elevating Qatar's regional and international standing and supporting its prosperous development process under the leadership of the Amir. (QNA)

HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad conferred with Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Dr Maya Mursi, during her visit to Egypt.The meeting explored bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them, particularly in providing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. It also discussed opportunities for implementing future joint projects between the two countries, besides topics of common interest.

HE the Director-General of Qatar News Agency (QNA) Ahmed bin Saeed al-Rumaihi met Monday with Minister of Information of the Syrian Arab Republic Dr Hamza al-Mustafa, who is visiting the country.During the meeting, they discussed means of media co-operation between the two countries, and mechanisms for developing them within the framework of the distinguished fraternal relations between the State of Qatar and Syrian Arab Republic.During his visit to the QNA headquarters, the Syrian Minister of Information and the accompanying delegation were briefed on the news and media services provided by the agency, its role in serving the country’s interests, and the stages of coverage, transmission, and broadcasting of news, events, developments, and various activities until they reach the recipient.This process is done in an innovative, speedy, credible, and responsible manner, where the agency uses its various mechanisms and platforms, as well as the related advanced and modern technical, engineering, and training technologies and equipment.The delegation was also briefed on a detailed explanation of QNA’s history, experiences, and accumulated professional expertise over 50 years since its establishment in May 1975, as well as its keenness to utilise the latest technologies in various areas of its work, including artificial intelligence technology, and keeping pace with global developments in these fields.During his tour around a few of the agency’s departments, sections and units, the Syrian Minister of Information and the accompanying delegation were able to witness the nature of QNA’s work and the high professional and practical efficiency of its employees.He also visited QNA’s training halls and saw its advanced interactive training environment, and how it was equipped with the latest devices and technologies, which supports national media cadres, enhances their capabilities and their effective contribution to Qatar’s efforts to develop and grow and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for its future generations, within the framework of its national vision and the third national development strategy 2024/2030.Towards the end of his visit, the Syrian Minister of Information commended Qatar’s firm stance in support of the Syrian people, stressing, in this context, that there has never been a time when Qatar abandoned the Syrian people. He also explored QNA’s experience in integrating AI across various stages of the journalistic process — from publishing systems to editing, translation, and monitoring — describing it as a model that is virtually unprecedented in the Arab world. He expressed his hope that the coming period would see, within the framework of relations between the two brotherly countries, a strengthening of media co-operation — with the aim of exchanging expertise in ways that serve their mutual interests.For his part, HE the director-general of QNA welcomed Syrian Minister of Information and the accompanying delegation, and hailed the existing relations between the two countries in the media field, expressing his aspiration to develop them to broader horizons in the future in various fields, in a way that serves the two countries, their brotherly peoples, and the nation’s issues.

The US James Foley Foundation has awarded HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, the 2026 American “Hostage Freedom Award”. In a statement published on its official website, the Foundation stated that “His Excellency, in his capacity as Chief Negotiator, played a decisive role in securing the release of Americans held hostage in Afghanistan, Iran, Gaza, and Venezuela.”The Foundation noted that his expertise contributes to opening channels of dialogue when all other paths are blocked, building bridges of trust, and guiding negotiation tracks in the most challenging cases.The American Foundation confirmed that HE Dr al-Khulaifi succeeded in finding means of communication and humanitarian solutions in cases where the US lacked formal relations. It added, “His Excellency’s work embodies the role played by the State of Qatar as a trusted mediator and affirms the strength of diplomacy in serving peace and preserving human dignity.”

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi has welcomed the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Qatar and Turkiye to reach the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan which was signed in Doha.The GCC Secretary-General noted that this agreement represents a positive step towards consolidating stability and strengthening bridges of trust between the two countries.He affirmed the GCC’s support for all initiatives aimed at establishing peace and promoting dialogue in the region and beyond, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for peoples.Saudi Arabia and Oman also welcomed the diplomatic efforts and constructive roles played by Qatar and Turkiye.The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s welcome for signing an immediate ceasefire and establish mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries.In a statement, the ministry affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its constant commitment to ensuring security to achieve stability and prosperity for the Pakistani and Afghan peoples.Oman expressed its appreciation and gratitude for the roles of Qatar and Turkiye in reaching the agreement, expressing hope for its sustainability as well as to achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace between the two countries.Meanwhile, Kuwait welcomed the ceasefire agreement and expressed hope that this step will help end tensions and strengthen security and stability, in line with the aspirations of the peoples of both countries.In a statement issued Monday, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the constructive efforts and tireless endeavours led by Qatar and Turkiye in hosting and sponsoring the negotiations that culminated in the agreement.The ministry stressed the importance of dialogue and adherence to diplomatic means to resolve disputes and enhance regional and international security.Official spokesman for the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fouad Majali praised the mediation efforts made by Qatar and Turkiye to reach this agreement, stressing Jordan’s support for all efforts to establish security and stability in the border areas between the two countries.Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: “We welcome the agreement on a mutual ceasefire along the Afghan-Pakistani border, achieved between Kabul and Islamabad with the mediation of Qatari and Turkiye.”In a statement, she voiced Moscow’s call on Kabul and Islamabad to expand their co-operation, including in countering terrorism.In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun affirmed that his country welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.He expressed China’s support for continued dialogue and consultations between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and work together to maintain peace and stability in both countries and the region.

Ukraine drones hit Russia's Orenburg gas processing plantGas from Karachaganak is being processed at the Orenburg plantShell, Eni, Chevron are among Karachaganak stakeholdersA Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Orenburg gas plant has forced neighbouring Kazakhstan to reduce production at its Karachaganak oil and gas condensate field by 25% to 30%, two industry sources told Reuters on Monday.One of the world's largest gas processing plants, Orenburg was forced to suspend its intake of gas from Kazakhstan after the attack, Kazakhstan's energy ministry said on Sunday.Ukraine confirmed it hit a gas plant in the Orenburg region, some 1,700 kilometres east of the Russian border with Ukraine, and an oil refinery in the Samara region.Kyiv has stepped up its attacks on Russian refineries and other energy facilities since August to try to disrupt fuel supplies and deprive Moscow of funding.Output at Karachaganak on Monday was down to between 25,000 metric tons (196,500 barrels per day) and 28,000 metric tons from the usual level of 35,000-35,500, according to two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.They said Orenburg, which is controlled by gas producer Gazprom, might resume some gas intake from Karachaganak on Monday. However, they declined to say when normal levels of supply would be restored.Oil and gas output at Karachaganak are closely linked, meaning the field is not able to produce much oil if its gas production is down.Apart from processing at Orenburg, Karachaganak gas is used for re-injection to maintain reservoir pressure as well as for power generation at local facilities.Karachaganak produced around 263,000 bpd of oil in 2024. It is exported by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium via a Russian Black Sea terminal, as well as through Russia's Druzhba pipeline to Germany.The field is operated by a consortium which includes US major Chevron (18%) and European energy firms Shell (29.25%) and Eni (29.25%).Russia's Lukoil (13.5%) and local firm KazMunayGaz (10%) also hold stakes.The consortium, Gazprom, and Kazakhstan's energy ministry did not reply to requests for comment.Kazakh authorities agreed with Karachaganak shareholders in 2024 to build a new gas processing plant at the field with annual capacity of up to 4 billion cubic metres, expected to start operations in 2028.However, the project has been suspended under the current consortium, and the government is seeking new investors, aiming to attract Kazakh companies.Industry sources has said that oil and gas condensate production at Karachaganak declined in September by 24% from August to 200,000 bpd amid maintenance at the Orenburg plant.