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Ambassadors of various missions in the country have lauded Qatar’s meditation efforts leading towards the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran. They told Gulf Times that they highly value the efforts of Qatar in charting a course of peace for the region as both the US and Iran have agreed to sign the MoU this Friday. Canada’s ambassador to Qatar Karim Morcos said that Ottawa welcomes the new agreement between the US and Iran as an important diplomatic breakthrough and commends all those who contributed to its achievement.“In particular, we recognise Qatar’s sustained and constructive efforts in facilitating dialogue and building trust between the parties”, he said. “Qatar has once again demonstrated its value as a reliable mediator, helping to open a path toward de-escalation, regional stability, and economic reassurance,” Morcos added. “This agreement represents a significant opportunity, and we encourage all sides to maintain momentum and work toward its swift and comprehensive implementation.” Australia’s ambassador to Qatar Shane Flanagan said that Anthony Albanese has specifically commended the efforts of Qatar alongside Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and other mediating countries to bring about this agreement. “We are pleased the agreement between the US and Iran includes steps towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of freedom of navigation,” Flanagan continued. “While full recovery will take time, restoring this vital trade corridor is essential to easing pressure on energy prices and economies.” “Australia encourages all parties to use this opportunity to pursue a durable and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” the envoy said. “Iran must address longstanding concerns about its nuclear programme and the threat it poses to international security.” “We welcome Qatar’s constructive role in deescalating regional tensions which is consistent with its approach in support of the ceasefire in Gaza and its commitment to mediating to resolve conflict,” Flanagan said. France’s ambassador to Qatar Arnaud Pescheux said that the French Republic warmly welcomes the agreement reached between the US and Iran following intensive diplomatic efforts by several partners. “I wish to pay tribute to the Qatari authorities for their constructive and determined mediation efforts,” the envoy said. “Once again, Qatar has demonstrated its ability to facilitate dialogue and build bridges between parties, further reinforcing its position as a trusted mediator on the international stage.” “This agreement should pave the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for regional security, freedom of navigation and global economic stability,” Pescheux continued. “More broadly, it creates an opportunity to pursue negotiations regarding Iran’s destabilising activities, in particular its nuclear programme.” “France is ready to play its full part, alongside its partners, including Qatar, to seize this moment and build a solid and lasting peace across the Middle East,” he added. India’s ambassador to Qatar Vipul said that New Delhi has welcomed the understanding reached between the US and Iran on ending the conflict in West Asia. “We deeply appreciate the central and constructive role of mediation played by Qatar in getting the parties involved to come to an agreement to end the current hostilities,” he said.“This was yet another manifstation of Qatar’s principled stand in favour of dialogue and diplomacy for resolving conflicts peacefully,” Vipul pointed out. “We had also seen the same success achieved by Qatar in achieving the Gaza ceasefire last year through sustained efforts,” he continued. “This is a testament to the wisdom and persistence of Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.” “Even though Qatar suffered damage to its energy, civilian and military infrastructure in the early phases of the current conflict, it continued to unflinchingly advocate a resolution of issues in accordance with international law and through the United Nations,” the envoy said. Germany’s ambassador to Qatar Oliver Owcza has welcomed the agreement between the US and Iran, congratulating both sides on this important diplomatic breakthrough.“This understanding represents a significant opportunity for the entire region, with the potential to contribute to greater security, stability, and economic prosperity in the Middle East and beyond,” he said. “I particularly commend Qatar for its constructive mediation efforts and its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy,” Owcza said. Peru’s ambassador to Qatar Gonzalo Voto Bernales Gatica said that as a country devoted to peace, Peru welcomes the announcement of the upcoming signing of the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, and stands firm by the principles of international law, the regulations and resolutions of the United Nations, as well as the means for peaceful resolution of conflicts. “At the same time, Peru acknowledges to crucial role played by the State of Qatar in the successful mediation effort led by Pakistan and accompanied by other states,” he stated.“Qatar has demonstrated once more its perseverance in its quest for peace and stability in the region, applying premium diplomacy to quell every attempt to escalate a conflict that was getting out of hand,” Bernales Gatica said. “May this accomplishment remind us all of the enormous burden that any conflict inflicts on our lives and how it is outweighed by the force of peace,” he added. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani honoured the winners of the seventh edition of the State Appreciation Award and the State Incentive Award for outstanding achievements in science, literature and the arts during a ceremony held at the Amiri Diwan Tuesday.  The winners of the State Appreciation Award were Hamad bin Mohsen al-Nuaimi in the field of poetry, Professor Dr Sheikha Asma Ali Jassim al-Thani in biomedical sciences, and Professor Dr Mustafa Aqeel Mahmoud in history.  The State Incentive Award went to Professor Dr Maryam Abdulrahman al-Nuaimi for literary criticism and rhetoric, Shamma Shaheen al-Kuwari for novel writing, Professor Dr Maryam Majid Sultan al-Falasi for education, Dr Yousef Mohammed Yousef al-Horr for civil engineering, Dr Noura Hamad Mohsen Fetais for computer science, Professor Dr Seham Yousif al-Qaradawi for chemistry, Dr Mashaal Nidham Abdulkarim al-Shafie for biomedical sciences, Professor Dr Jassim Abdullah Abbas al-Khayyat for marine sciences, Saad Abdulwahab al-Muhannadi for caricature art, and Professor Dr Ahmed Abdulrahman Hussein al-Emadi for physical education.  HH the Amir praised the winners for their distinguished contributions in their respective fields, commending their role in supporting the nation's development journey and enriching the cultural and intellectual landscape locally and internationally. He wished them continued success and further contributions in service of the nation.  The award recipients expressed their deep appreciation to HH the Amir for the honour, affirming that the awards would serve as a strong motivation to continue contributing to the country's progress and advancement.  The ceremony was attended by Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi and Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani. 

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has been honoured with a special appreciation award in recognition of its role as the Official Medical Partner of Doha Equestrian Tour (DET) 2026 – Al Shaqab, one of the Middle East’s leading equestrian series. The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, president of the Olympic Council of Asia, president of Qatar Olympic Committee, and chairman of the Organising Committee of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026. On behalf of HMC, the award was received by Hamad al-Khalifa, chief, Health Facilities Development HMC during the event.DET 2026 brings together 10 world-class competitions under a unified identity, showcasing Qatar’s commitment to sporting excellence, cultural heritage and global leadership in equestrian sport. The series features showjumping, dressage and para-dressage, attracting top international and regional riders. HMC played a vital role in supporting the event by providing comprehensive medical coverage through highly trained medical teams, and advanced emergency response capabilities to safeguard athletes, officials and spectators.On receiving the award, al-Khalifa reaffirmed HMC’s commitment to supporting major national sporting events and promoting health and safety across Qatar’s sporting community. Al-Khalifa expressed HMC’s appreciation to Al Shaqab for the recognition and congratulated the organisers on the continued success of the Doha Equestrian Tour. 

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff expressed deep appreciation for the prominent role played by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye in achieving a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, praising the dedicated efforts of their leaders in reaching what he described as a long-awaited and historic moment. In a statement on Saturday, Witkoff thanked the leaders of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye for their crucial contributions, emphasizing that the close cooperation among the three countries and the United States demonstrated that perseverance and commitment can pave the way to peace in the Middle East. He noted that the agreement to halt Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip was once deemed impossible, highlighting that the commitment of all parties involved was key to the success of the negotiations. Witkoff also commended US President Donald Trump's determination to achieve a stable and prosperous Middle East, noting that the President has shown the world that peace in the region is attainable. He added that the US-sponsored agreement between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye, marks an important step toward consolidating security and stability in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the possibility of peace in the wider region. Witkoff's remarks came after a ceasefire agreement was reached last Wednesday between Hamas and Israel under a US peace initiative. The first phase of the deal took effect Friday afternoon, providing for a cessation of hostilities, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, a mutual exchange of prisoners, and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip. The approval of the initial phase followed four days of indirect negotiations between the two sides in Sharm El-Sheikh, with the participation of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye, and under American supervision.

Jordan has welcomed the agreement reached to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, along with the mechanisms for implementing the first phase, which aim to end the war, facilitate a prisoner exchange, ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip, and allow for the entry of humanitarian aid. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi praised the significant efforts made by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar, and the United States to help broker the agreement. He also expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. Safadi stressed the importance of fully adhering to and implementing the terms of the agreement to end the war and address the catastrophic consequences of the aggression. He also commended US President Donald Trump for his pivotal role in finalizing the agreement, including his proposal to end the war, rebuild Gaza, prevent the displacement of the Palestinian people, and advance a comprehensive peace process. Safadi further welcomed President Trump's announcement that the US would oppose the annexation of the West Bank. The Jordanian foreign minister emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to ensure the immediate and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to end the famine facing Gaza. Safadi reaffirmed that Jordan will continue to work alongside its Arab and international partners to achieve a just and comprehensive peace—one that includes an end to the occupation and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Earlier today, President Trump announced that Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) had signed the first phase of the peace plan, expressing gratitude to the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles in the process.

The Arab League welcomed the mediators' announcement of an agreement on implementing the first phase of the peace plan for the Gaza Strip and expressed appreciation for the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in this regard. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said in a post on X that this was good news for the people in Gaza after witnessing two years of bloodshed and destruction. He expressed hope that the mediators' efforts will be crowned with success to complete and implement what has been agreed upon, whether it is the exchange deal or the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces. The Secretary-General expressed hope that mediators will continue their diligent efforts to ensure the agreement holds and is strengthened for the benefit of the Palestinian people. He thanked Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and the US for their commendable efforts. US President Donald Trump announced earlier today that Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) had signed the first phase of the peace plan and expressed his gratitude to the mediators from the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Turkiye.

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to reaffirm America’s full support for Qatar’s security and sovereignty following Israel’s strike in Doha.The Secretary will convey appreciation for Qatar’s invaluable role mediating between Israel and Hamas. He will also discuss U.S. and Qatar’s shared commitment to regional stability, ending the war in Gaza.