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His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani discussed Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the latest regional and international developments of joint interest, particularly de-escalation, enhancing dialogue, empowering peaceful solutions, and supporting diplomatic efforts aiming to support security and stability in the region. This followed a telephone call His Highness the Amir held with Prime Minister Sharif. They also dealt with discussed bilateral relations and the means to enhance them.The Pakistan Prime Minister's Office (PMO) reported that Sharif appreciated Qatar’s constructive and proactive role in promoting peace, dialogue, and mediation across the region, and acknowledged its meaningful efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic solutions. He assured the Qatari leadership that Pakistan would also continue to play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the current trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen these time-tested fraternal bonds, the PMO noted. 

 Thailand announced Sunday its first civilian death in a week of fighting with Cambodia, as international efforts fail to stop violence that has forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.The latest killing comes a day after Bangkok denied US President Donald Trump's claim that a truce had been agreed between the Southeast Asian neighbours.The conflict, rooted in a colonial-era demarcation dispute along their 800km (500-mile) border, has displaced around 800,000 people, officials said."I have been here for six days and I feel sad that the fighting continues," 63-year-old Sean Leap told AFP at an evacuation centre in Cambodia's border province of Banteay Meanchey."I want it to stop," he said, adding he was worried about his home and livestock.At least 27 people have been killed, including 15 Thai soldiers and 11 Cambodian civilians, officials said Sunday.A Thai civilian killed in Sisaket province was the first non-military death recorded in the country since the latest round of fighting began on December 7, health ministry spokesman Ekachai Piensriwatchara confirmed to AFP.The Thai army said the 63-year-old man was killed by shrapnel after Cambodian forces fired rockets into a civilian area.Each side has blamed the other for instigating the clashes, claiming self-defence and trading accusations of attacks on civilians.Trump, who earlier backed a truce and follow-on agreement, said on Friday that the two countries had agreed to stop fighting.However, Thai leaders later said no ceasefire deal was made, and both governments said Sunday that clashes were ongoing.Thai defence ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri said Cambodia shelled and bombed several border provinces overnight.The Thai military has imposed a curfew from 7pm to 5am (1200 to 2200 GMT) in parts of Sa Kaeo and Trat provinces.Cambodia, which is outgunned and outspent by Thailand's military, said Thai forces had shelled and launched air strikes on Cambodian territory near the border Sunday.After Trump's promised truce did not come to pass, Cambodia shut its border crossings with Thailand on Sunday, leaving migrant workers stranded.Under a makeshift tent at an evacuation site in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey, Cheav Sokun told AFP that her husband in Thailand wanted to return home.She and her son left Thailand alongside tens of thousands of other Cambodian migrant workers during deadly clashes in July, but her spouse stayed to work as a gardener with his "good Thai boss"."He asked me to return first. After that, the border was closed so he cannot come back," the 38-year-old said.In Thailand, officials said Sunday that nine civilians have died of non-combat-related causes after evacuating from their homes.The United States, China and Malaysia, as chair of the regional bloc Asean, brokered a ceasefire in late July.In October, Trump backed a follow-on joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia, touting new trade deals after they agreed to prolong their truce.However, Thailand suspended the agreement the following month, after Thai soldiers were wounded by landmines at the border.Last week Trump pledged that he would "make a couple of phone calls" to get the earlier brokered truce back on track.However, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told journalists on Saturday that Trump "didn't mention whether we should make a ceasefire" during their Friday phone call.Anutin vowed to keep fighting "until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people".A White House spokesperson later said that Trump expected all parties to honour commitments and that "he will hold anyone accountable as necessary to stop the killing and ensure durable peace". 

His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi affirmed that Qatar has firmly established itself as a diplomatic force with a remarkable ability to open lines of communication and address complex global issues, through its key role in mediation efforts spanning multiple continents, demonstrating responsibility, commitment, and neutrality.During a press conference following the signing of the Doha Agreement, which aims to strengthen the commitment to peace between the Colombian government and the self-declared EGC group, HE al-Khulaifi highlighted Qatar's significant progress in resolving various conflicts. He pointed to Qatar's contribution to securing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza in collaboration with international partners. He added that Doha hosted a trilateral summit that paved the way for the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Washington. He pointed out that Qatar's efforts culminated in November with the signing of a peace framework between the Congolese government and the March 23 Movement, marking a historic step towards ending a prolonged conflict.He added that Qatar continues to maintain open communication channels with both Ukraine and Russia, with ongoing humanitarian efforts focused on reuniting children affected by the conflict with their families.In Afghanistan, Qatar's efforts have contributed to the release of 10 detainees of various nationalities this year, he pointed out.Qatar also played a role in resolving the ongoing disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating the signing of the Doha Agreement between the two countries in October, he added.RESPONSIBILITY BEYOND GEOGRAPHICAL BORDERSDuring the press conference, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that these achievements reflect Qatar's deep belief that the responsibility for ensuring security and stability goes beyond geographical borders. He expressed Qatar's commitment to working with regional and international partners to find practical solutions that end conflicts and promote lasting peace and security.He also noted that the developments witnessed today are an extension of these efforts and a responsible step towards peace and development, adding that this agreement is expected to open a political path for establishing sustainable peace within an agreed framework in Colombia. He pointed out that the agreement will create an opportunity to end the armed conflict between the two sides and will significantly reduce illegal human trafficking and drug trade in specific regions of Colombia.He added that Qatar remains committed to supporting dialogue and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. He also praised the commitment, seriousness, and patience shown by both parties during the two rounds of mediation held in Doha. Since hosting the negotiations last September, both sides have made significant concessions to protect the Colombian people, prioritise their interests, and preserve the unity and stability of Colombia, he pointed out. He also expressed appreciation for the trust both parties have placed in Qatar's role as a mediator, facilitating these rounds and pushing them toward achieving security and stability.His Excellency al-Khulaifi highlighted the ongoing and crucial support provided by the delegations from Norway, Switzerland, and Spain, which contributed significantly to the success of this agreement. The agreement’s success stems from the trust both parties have in the mediators and their ability to navigate complexities with integrity and impartiality, he explained.His Excellency also explained that during Qatar's hosting of the first and second rounds of negotiations, both sides agreed on a series of measures to be implemented across 15 specific regions in Colombia. These measures aim to build trust between the parties, such as reducing drug production and replacing it with other legitimate economic resources. Additionally, they agreed to refrain from recruiting children and adolescents into armed groups and to designate areas for rehabilitating members of the armed group and reintegrating them into Colombian society.FOCUS ON REVITALISING LOCAL ECONOMIESHe emphasised that this agreement is primarily directed towards the friendly people of Colombia, ensuring their security, safety, and right to a dignified life. He noted that the agreement provides a framework for a responsible transition based on trust and mutual respect, aimed at protecting affected communities, revitalising local economies that have suffered from the prolonged conflict, and fostering the prospects of comprehensive peace.He further highlighted that this agreement represents a pivotal moment in the history of this phase, stressing that the direct responsibility for its implementation lies with both parties.Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Qatar's role as a mediator does not end today, adding that Qatar, in co-ordination with Norway, Switzerland, Spain, and other regional partners and specialised organizations, will remain committed to supporting the agreed-upon mechanisms and assisting both parties in overcoming any future challenges they may face.In closing his remarks at the press conference, he expressed his deep gratitude to the Organisation of American States for its steadfast and continuous support and involvement throughout all stages of the process. He called on all national institutions, civil society, and international partners to support this commitment and translate it into tangible achievements that positively impact the lives of the Colombian people.In turn, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Andreas Kravik; Assistant Foreign Minister of the Swiss Confederation, Tim Enderlin; and Assistant Foreign Minister of Spain, Alberto Ucelay expressed their appreciation for Qatar's efforts in facilitating the Doha Agreement to reinforce the commitment to peace between the Colombian government and the self-declared EGC group, in addition to hosting the two rounds of negotiations between the parties.During the press conference, they reviewed the efforts and roles they had undertaken in the past, acknowledging that diplomacy aimed at achieving peace requires broad and long-term political support, as well as acceptance of setbacks that may occur along the way. (QNA)OPT TRIMThey explained that their involvement in supporting the peace process in Colombia has been ongoing for years, and despite the challenges, the results signal the potential for establishing sustainable peace, which will improve the living conditions of the Colombian people.They confirmed their determination to continue supporting all parties in Colombia and assisting them in finding a path to end the conflict and achieve comprehensive peace, which will positively impact the country's stability and prosperity.They also emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between countries in the face of escalating global conflicts, affirming that mediation for peace will remain the key tool for resolving conflicts worldwide.  

President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the outlines of a draft peace plan discussed by the United States and Ukraine could become the basis of future deals to end the war in Ukraine, but that if not Russia would fight on.Diplomatic efforts to defuse Europe's deadliest and most devastating conflict since World War Two have been stepped up in recent weeks, with various peace plans emerging from different sides, including the United States and Europe."In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements," Putin told a news conference in Kyrgyzstan, adding that the variant of the plan discussed by Washington and Kyiv in Geneva had been passed to Moscow.US and Ukrainian negotiators held talks on the latest US-backed peace plan in Geneva on Sunday.Putin said the United States was taking into account Russia's position, but that some things still needed to be discussed. If Europe wanted a pledge from Russia not to attack it, then Russia was willing to give such a pledge, he said.Russia, Putin noted, was being told that it should cease the fighting but needed Kyiv's forces to pull back before it could do so."Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the territories they hold, and then the fighting will cease. If they don't leave, then we shall achieve this by armed means. That's it," Putin said.Russian forces were advancing in Ukraine at a faster pace now, he added.With another winter approaching in the nearly four-year war, Russian forces control almost one-fifth of Ukraine — in its east and south — and are pushing forward while bombarding Ukrainian energy infrastructure.Putin said he considered the Ukrainian leadership to be illegitimate and so it was legally impossible to sign a deal with Kyiv.It was therefore important, he said, to ensure that any agreement was recognised by the international community — and that the international community recognised Russian gains in Ukraine."Therefore, broadly speaking, of course, we ultimately want to reach an agreement with Ukraine. But right now, this is practically impossible. Impossible legally," Putin said.He said that the Crimean peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine and annexed in 2014, and Ukraine's eastern Donbas region should be a topic for discussions with Washington.Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff plans to visit Moscow next week.Commenting on the leak of a recording of a call between top advisers to Trump and Putin, the Kremlin chief rejected the suggestion that Witkoff had shown himself to be biased towards Moscow in peace talks over Ukraine, describing it as nonsense.Bloomberg News published the transcript of an October 14 telephone call in which Witkoff advised Putin's foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov on how to pitch a Ukraine peace plan to Trump. 

The State of Qatar participated in the 10th meeting of Permanent Representatives to the League of Arab States and Ambassadors of the Political and Security Committee of the Council of the European Union (EU), held today in Brussels.The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by Acting Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Maryam Ahmed Al Shaibi.The meeting discussed the course of the Arab-European dialogue and ways to strengthen political and security consultation channels in light of the rapid regional and international developments. They also reviewed the most prominent issues, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, in addition to the latest developments in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen and their humanitarian and security implications. The meeting also followed up on issues of security in the Red Sea, water security, migration, refugees and displaced persons, and the Ukrainian crisis and its repercussions on regional and international security.In this context, Al Shaibi affirmed the State of Qatar's firm commitment to continuing its diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to support the Palestinian people, stressing that dialogue and a political solution are the only way to end the conflict and achieve a just and comprehensive peace.She also reviewed Qatar's ongoing mediation efforts in coordination with both the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, which resulted in previous understandings and truces, prisoner and hostage exchanges, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, noting that the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit represented a turning point that resulted in a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.Al Shaibi expressed Qatar's appreciation to regional and international partners for their cooperation, stressing Doha's commitment to continuing to work towards achieving a just and sustainable peace that preserves the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. She also emphasized that humanitarian efforts are inseparable from political solutions, and that ending the suffering of the Palestinians requires a cessation of aggression and urgent international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.The State of Qatar will remain committed to its approach as a mediating and peace-making state, whose wise leadership dedicates its efforts to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means, alleviating the suffering in the Gaza Strip, and creating the appropriate conditions for the return of displaced persons to their lands, Al Shaibi added.Regarding developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Al Shaibi affirmed that the State of Qatar has adopted a firm stance since the outbreak of the crisis based on prioritizing peaceful and diplomatic solutions. She stated that the State of Qatar has believed since the start that ending the conflict cannot be achieved through military force, but rather through dialogue, respect for international law, and the sovereignty of states.She emphasized that the humanitarian dimension was a key focus of Doha's actions, as the State of Qatar provided USD 100 million in aid to support the Ukrainian people, including the rehabilitation of health and educational infrastructure, the provision of drinking water, mine clearance, and the rehabilitation of agricultural lands.Al Shaibi added that Qatar also provided 50 scholarships to Ukrainian students, believing that education is the cornerstone for building the future, and contributed to reuniting hundreds of children with their families. In April 2024, Qatar received a number of Ukrainian families as part of an integrated care and support program, in addition to supporting efforts to document and exchange prisoners' letters.Al Shaibi concluded her remarks by emphasizing Qatar's readiness to participate in any regional or international efforts aimed at achieving an urgent and peaceful solution to the crisis, stating that Qatar will continue to call for dialogue and restraint, and to keep communication channels open in order to achieve security and stability.

The British Prime Minister announced that the United Kingdom will host a conference on Gaza's recovery and reconstruction in the coming period. A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said that the Wilton Park conference will last for three days and will bring together a coalition of business, civil society, and government representatives to coordinate critical planning efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza after the war. The statement added that the conference will address efforts to support the Palestinian Authority's transformation and reform program, ensuring its ability to lead recovery efforts in Gaza and ensuring that reconstruction will be Palestinian-led. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK will play a crucial role in the process by bringing together the various stakeholders, as well as expertise and investment from the City of London to support reconstruction. Israel has been waging a devastating war on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 67,806 people and the injury of 170,066 others, most of whom were children and women. The war also triggered a famine that claimed the lives of 460 people, including 154 children, amid the near-total destruction of the Strip's infrastructure and civilian life.

His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met Sunday with the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia, who is currently visiting the country. The meeting discussed peace efforts in the Great Lakes Region, particularly the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and efforts to promote dialogue and achieve peace in the region. During the meeting, the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region expressed his appreciation for the State of Qatar's role in supporting the United Nations' efforts to enhance security and stability in the Great Lakes Region, commending its ongoing contributions to promoting peace and development in the African continent.

China has welcomed and expressed support for all efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a press conference, commenting on a plan proposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza, that China welcomes and supports all efforts aimed at easing tensions between Palestine and Israel. He added that China calls on all relevant parties to earnestly implement relevant UN resolutions, achieve a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip immediately, release all detainees, and alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip as soon as possible. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that his country supports the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine" and supports the implementation of the two-state solution. He added that China is ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to achieve an early, comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement to the Palestinian cause.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit discussed with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip caused by Israel's ongoing war against civilians, and its negative repercussions on diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire and ending the conflict.According to a statement issued by the Arab League, both sides underlined the importance of the upcoming conference on implementing the two-state solution, scheduled to be held in New York on Monday.They also emphasized the need to advance the principles of the New York Declaration, issued last July, as a serious and practical framework for ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, borders. In this context, Aboul Gheit welcomed the growing number of international recognitions of the State of Palestine, stressing that they provide increasing momentum toward a peaceful settlement based on the two-state solution.The talks further reviewed developments in Sudan and Syria, in addition to a range of regional and international issues of common concern.

Russia fired 40 missiles and around 580 drones at Ukraine in a "massive attack" — one of the largest in past weeks — killing three people and wounding dozens, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday.Despite US-led attempts to broker peace, Russia has been shelling Ukraine with drones and missiles and Kyiv has blamed Moscow for deliberately stalling any peace efforts.In the overnight attacks, "a missile with cluster munitions directly struck an apartment building" in the eastern city of Dnipro, Zelensky said on social media."All night, Ukraine was under a massive attack by Russia. The enemy launched 40 missiles — cruise and ballistic — and about 580 drones of various types," Zelensky said."As of now, we know of dozens of people injured from the shelling, and, unfortunately, three people killed," he added.Sergiy Lysak, the head of the military administration in the Dnipropetrovsk region, said the strikes killed one person and wounded 26, with one man in a serious condition.Vyacheslav Chaus from the regional administration in Chernigiv in northern Ukraine, said a 62-year-old man died in a drone attack.Ukraine issued a nationwide air alert, with officials reporting other strikes in the region around the capital Kyiv.Around 20 residential buildings were damaged in the Khmelnytskyi region, local official Sergiy Tyurin said on Telegram, adding that one body was found "during the extinguishing of a fire in one of the houses."Russian officials meanwhile said their forces had repelled "massive" Ukrainian attacks in the Volgograd and Rostov regions, while one person was wounded in the nearby region of Saratov.The Russian defence ministry said on Saturday its air defence alert systems "intercepted and destroyed" 149 Ukrainian drones overnight.Russian forces have been grinding across eastern Ukraine for months, trying to take control of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.Hopes of a truce have faded since US President Donald Trump held separate high-profile meetings with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodomyr Zelensky last month.On Friday, Estonia said three Russian air force planes violated its airspace, triggering fears in the EU and NATO of a dangerous new provocation from Moscow, which denied the allegation.The alleged Russian incursion came with tensions high on NATO's eastern border, after Warsaw last week complained that around 20 Russian drones overflew its territory — though the Kremlin denied targeting Poland.The UK, Germany and France have announced plans to reinforce joint air patrols with more jets based on NATO's eastern flank.