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Slovenian President Dr Natasa Pirc Musar urged nations to move beyond geopolitical divisions and uphold international law, describing her nation’s recognition of Palestine as an important step towards realising a two-state solution and securing lasting peace in the Middle East.“When Slovenia recognised Palestine a year and a half ago, it was not an easy decision. We were one of the first three European countries, alongside Spain and Ireland, to take that step after many years. But it was the right thing to do, to be on the right side of history,” Dr Pirc Musar told the audience during her lecture, “The Realities of Multipolarism vs the Need for Multilateralism”, at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Monday.The lecture formed part of her official visit to Qatar and reflected HBKU’s ongoing commitment to advancing international dialogue on diplomacy and governance. Elected in 2022 as Slovenia’s first woman head of state, Dr Pirc Musar discussed global power dynamics, the erosion of multilateral co-operation, and the moral responsibility of states to act in defence of humanity.Dr Pirc Musar noted that 150 out of 193 United Nations member states now recognise Palestine, calling the move “a necessary first step” towards equality and dialogue. “If you advocate for a two-state solution,” she said, “don’t you think it is hypocrisy to recognise one state and not the other?”She stressed that Slovenia’s support for Palestine stems from both moral conviction and historical experience. Drawing parallels with the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica, she recalled how the tragedy in the Balkans continues to shape her nation’s empathy toward people suffering under conflict.“The sympathy we have for those who suffer is still alive because of Srebrenica. Watching the situation in Palestine brings back those painful memories,” the Slovenian president said.She also condemned political polarisation within Europe, questioning why human rights and humanitarian principles have become issues of left and right.“Are human rights left or right? They are not,” she said, recounting how she was criticised by right-wing parties after describing the situation in Gaza as genocide before the European Parliament.“I am neither pro-Palestinian nor pro-Israeli. I am for humanity. If we neglect international law, what’s left? Chaos,” Dr Pirc Musar said.Noting that peace requires both justice and equality, she said that recognising Palestinian statehood is not a solution in itself but “a first step” toward building a fair and lasting peace.She pointed out that Israel “deserves to have a state,” but condemned the violations of international law following October 7, questioning Israel’s claims of self-defence on foreign territory.“You have the right to self-defence on your own territory. On foreign territory, the answer is no,” she stressed. Dr Pirc Musar warned that the world today faces more than 65 armed conflicts, the highest number since World War II, and lamented the global community’s inability to stop wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere. “That’s where we are today in the 21st century,” she said. Dr Pirc Musar underlined Slovenia’s diplomatic stance as a nation without colonial history and “without hidden agendas.” She called on world leaders to restore faith in multilateralism, pursue dialogue grounded in international law, and commit to peace not as a slogan, but as a shared obligation.“If we want permanent peace and justice, we must offer statehood for Palestine. That is the only way forward,” she said.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the Republic of Slovenia Natasa Pirc Musar held an official talks session at the Amiri Diwan Monday.At the beginning of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the president and the accompanying delegation, wishing them a pleasant stay in Qatar. His Highness noted that co-operation between Qatar and Slovenia encompasses numerous fields, expressing his hope that her first visit to Qatar would contribute to expanding co-operation to broader horizons, fulfilling the aspirations of both friendly nations.**media[380236]**For her part, the president of Slovenia expressed deep gratitude to His Highness the Amir for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. She affirmed her pleasure at visiting Qatar and her country's keenness to further strengthen bilateral co-operation across various sectors. She pointed out that holding the Slovenia-Qatar Business Forum on the sidelines of the visit reflects the development of bilateral co-operation, and expressed her hope that its scope would broaden in all areas.Discussions during the session focused on bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields of co-operation, particularly trade, investment, information technology, and tourism. The two sides also touched on key regional and international issues and developments of mutual interest.**media[380238]**The session was attended by His Excellency Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi; His Excellency Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr al-Nuaimi; His Excellency Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani; His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi and a lineup of senior officials.**media[380237]**On the Slovenian side, the talks were attended by State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Political and Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Dr Melita Gabric; State Secretary for International Affairs, Entrepreneurship, Development Resources and Tourism at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport Matevz Frangez and a number of senior officials from the official delegation accompanying the president.His Highness the Amir and the president of Slovenia held a bilateral meeting during which they exchanged views on a host of topics of mutual interest. His Highness the Amir also hosted a luncheon in honour of the president and her accompanying delegation.The president of Slovenia had arrived at the Amiri Diwan earlier, where she was accorded an official reception ceremony.