tag

Qatar took part in the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss developments in Somalia, convened Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi led Qatar's delegation at the meeting.In Qatar's speech before the meeting, HE al-Muraikhi noted that the meeting is being held at an extremely sensitive time amid rapid developments, prompting OIC member states to uphold a collective responsibility in defending the principles of sovereignty and respect for international law, in addition to protecting security and stability in the region, the Horn of Africa region, and the Red Sea.Al-Muraikhi reiterated Qatar's vehement condemnation of Israel's recognition of the "Somaliland" region of Somalia as an independent state.He stressed that this move constitutes a unilateral measure that contravenes the very essence of international law, undermines the sovereignty, national unity, territorial integrity, and internationally recognised borders of Somalia, and represents a grave precedent that goes in contrast with the principles of international law, as well as the United Nations and OIC Charters. 

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Thursday said the island is determined ‌to defend its sovereignty and boost ‍its defence in the face of China’s increasing expansion, after Beijing fired rockets towards the island as part of military drills. The international community is watching to see whether the Taiwanese people possess the resolve to defend themselves, Lai said in a New Year’s ‍speech broadcast live from the presidential office in Taipei. “As president, my stance has always been clear: to resolutely defend national sovereignty and strengthen national defence,” Lai said, noting China had targeted Taiwan’s newly added combat capabilities as a “hypothetical adversary” in their drills this week. He said that demonstrated the need for increasing defence procurement, urging opposition parties to support his plan to boost Taiwan’s defence spending by $40bn, a proposal currently stuck alongside other issues in a ‌political deadlock in the opposition-controlled parliament. “Whether China can achieve its goals on schedule is one thing,” Lai said when asked about a US report saying China was preparing to have the capability to win a ‍fight for Taiwan by 2027. “The coming year, 2026, will be ‌a crucial one for Taiwan,” he said, adding Taiwan must “make plans for the worst, but hope for the best.” “We are willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China on an equal and dignified basis, promoting a peaceful and shared environment across the strait,” Lai said. “As long as China acknowledges the existence of the Republic of China, respects the Taiwanese people’s desire for a democratic and free way of life.” China claims Taiwan as its own territory, and it has not ruled out using force to take it under Chinese control. Taiwan rejects China’s claims. After Lai’s address, China said he was trying to deceive Taiwanese ​and mislead international public opinion. “Lai-Ching-te’s address ‌is riddled with lies and reckless assertions, hostility and malice,” a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said in comments reported by state broadcaster CCTV. Lai’s speech came just two ‍days after the Chinese exercises named “Justice Mission 2025”. China fired dozens of rockets towards Taiwan and deployed a large number of warships and aircraft near island in a show of force that drew concern from Western allies including the European Commission and Britain. Taipei condemned the drills as a threat to regional security and a blatant provocation. Beijing announced late on Wednesday that it had completed ​the drills, saying its military would continue to strengthen their combat-readiness. China’s President Xi Jinping struck a familiar tone on Taiwan in his New Year’s address late on Wednesday, repeating last year’s warning to what Beijing considers as separatist forces that China’s “reunification” with Taiwan can not be stopped. The drills, China’s largest by area and the closest yet to Taiwan, forced the island to cancel dozens of domestic commercial flights and dispatch military jets and warships to monitor the exercises. The Chinese manoeuvres began 11 days after the US had announced a record $11.1bn arms package for Taiwan. China’s military said for the first time that the drills were aimed at deterring outside intervention. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani expressed Qatar's full support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its keen interest in Somalia's security and stability and in the protection of its brotherly people's interests.This came during a phone call received by President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.During the call, the Somali president expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir for his role and support in adopting an international stance rejecting the Israeli decision to recognise the so-called Somaliland.The call also discussed bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them, in addition to addressing developments in the Somali arena.A Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) statement Saturday also expressed its firm rejection of a joint declaration between the Israeli occupation and the Somaliland region recognising one another, stressing that the step was a dangerous precedent in contrast with international law. It underlined the move as undermining the sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.MOFA emphasised Qatar's firm rejection of any attempts to establish or impose parallel entities that could undermine the unity of Somalia, stressing its full support for legitimate Somali state institutions and its commitment to maintaining the security and stability of Somalia as well as the interests of its people.It also stressed that the Israeli occupation would be better off recognising a Palestinian state, which the international community agreed has a right to be established. The ministry also added that the occupation should work to permanently end the war in Gaza, instead of undermining international legitimacy and maintaining its reckless policies that play a role in intensifying tensions and instability in the region.The ministry renewed Qatar's firm position of supporting the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its unity, and its call to commit to international law and respect international legitimacy resolutions. The ministry also renewed Qatar's call to intensify international efforts to maintain security and stability in the Horn of Africa region. 

Palestine’s ambassador to Qatar Fayez Majed Abu al-Rab has said that Qatar National Day (QND) represents a pivotal historical milestone that combines the authenticity of the country's founding and the vision of the modern state, recalling the journey of founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and the firm values of sovereignty, unity and independence that he had established.In a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the envoy said that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani carried on the founder's journey with wisdom and sound leadership, continuing the Qatari renaissance strategically, in way that made Qatar an active and influential model at the regional and international levels, while maintaining its stability and progress in various economic, social and educational sectors.On behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as the Palestinian government and people, al-Rab extended his congratulations to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, in addition to the government and people of Qatar, on the occasion of the National Day, and expressed his country's gratitude for Qatar's stances with Palestine.The envoy stressed his country's commitment to strengthening the Palestine-Qatar partnership, and its confidence that Qatar will remain a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian cause until the Palestinian people obtain their full legitimate rights, foremost among them freedom, independence, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (Al Quds) as its capital.The QND holds special significance for the Palestinian people, al-Rab said, as it embodies the shared values of dignity, freedom, and adherence to national identity between the two peoples.He added that it also reflects the spirit of solidarity and close co-operation between them.The envoy said that Qatar's firm positions in defending the rights of the Palestinian people in international forums, and its translation of these positions into tangible practical programmes, reflect the depth of the fraternal partnership and the strength of the historical ties between the two peoples.Al-Rab affirmed that Palestine-Qatar relations are based on solid foundations of fraternity and strategic partnership.He said that Palestine looks forward to strengthening political and diplomatic co-operation, co-ordinating positions in international forums, increasing Qatari investments in Palestine, in addition to expanding scholarship and academic exchange programmes, and health, cultural, media and sports co-operation, in a way that enhances the growing partnership between the two countries and contributes to serving the two peoples and supporting stability and development in the region.Qatar's foreign policy today embodies an advanced model of responsible diplomacy based on dialogue, mediation and respect for international law, which al-Rab said has enabled it to play a pivotal role in promoting regional stability and supporting peace efforts.The envoy said that Qatar's role is clearly evident in supporting the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip, through efforts that contributed to mitigating the effects of Israeli aggression, reaching agreements to end the genocide, facilitating prisoner and detainee exchanges, and ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid.He noted that Qatar has been present during the past two years in light of the massive destruction that has affected various vital sectors, and the murder, injury and loss of more than 250,000 Palestinians, through direct humanitarian initiatives, most notably the Amiri grant, and the directives of His Highness the Amir to host and care for the wounded, in addition to the support provided to Palestinian families residing in Doha.Al-Rab highlighted the continued efforts of Qatari partner institutions, most notably the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), and Education Above All Foundation (EAA), in implementing relief and development programmes that have strengthened the resilience of the Palestinian people.The envoy said that the EAA Foundation played a prominent role in protecting students' right to education during the genocide, as it succeeded – in co-operation with international bodies and the Palestinian ministry of education, in holding high school exams for more than 56,000 students despite the difficult circumstances.He noted that Qatar has achieved a comprehensive renaissance that has turned it into a leading model in sustainable development, thanks to a diversified knowledge-based economy, an advanced education and research system, and world-class infrastructure whose strength was demonstrated during the hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as well as its distinguished role in international mediation and hosting major conferences.  

The United Nations General Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) has adopted a draft resolution titled 'Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources,' with 152 votes in favor, 8 against, and 12 abstentions.The draft resolution reaffirms a set of principles and foundations related to Palestinian natural resources, including the applicability of the Geneva Convention related to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.The resolution also refers to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19, 2024, concerning the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the illegality of Israel's continued presence in the occupied territory. It further recalls the ICJ's advisory opinion on the segregation and expansion wall.The draft resolution expresses deep concern over Israel's exploitation of Palestinian natural resources and the destruction it causes to Palestinian land and agriculture, as well as the widespread devastation of agricultural structures and infrastructure, particularly those related to water and electricity supply, especially in the Gaza Strip. It further highlights the harmful effects of illegal settlements on all aspects of Palestinian life.The draft resolution reaffirms the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their natural resources and calls on the Israeli occupation to cease its exploitation of those resources. It also affirms the right of the Palestinian people to claim compensation for Israel's exploitation of their resources. Moreover, it stresses that the construction of settlements, the separation wall, and other related activities by the occupying power are detrimental to the Palestinian environment.

The State of Qatar has reiterated its unwavering stance on the justice of the Palestinian cause and its full support for the Palestinian people's sovereignty over their natural resources and their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. This came in Qatar's statement delivered by the Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Talal Abdulaziz Al Naama, before the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly during its 80th session, under the item on the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources, at UN Headquarters in New York. Al Naama affirmed that the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories, along with systematic human rights violations by Israeli security forces and settlers, and the long-standing discriminatory regime under which Israel exercises control over Palestinians, undermines the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination. He stated that Qatar has called for an end to the Israeli military occupation and its negative impact on social and economic development and living conditions of the Palestinian people, as well as the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan. He added that Qatar welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly of the advisory opinion issued last year by the International Court of Justice regarding the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, which affirmed the illegality of the occupation and its resulting practices, and called on Israel to end its unlawful presence and fully comply with its obligations under international law. Al Naama noted that since the outbreak of the war, Qatar has been committed to providing essential humanitarian and development aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza, despite restrictions on the entry of humanitarian assistance. This aid has included thousands of tons of food, medicine, medical supplies, shelter materials, field hospitals, and medical treatment for thousands of wounded and ill individuals. He pointed out that Qatar's total support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reached approximately USD 49 million, in addition to renewing a multi-year support agreement for 2025-2026 worth USD 20 million to help the agency fulfill its mandate efficiently, especially amid chronic funding shortages. He concluded by stating that Qatar, as part of its sincere mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, alongside Egypt, Turkey, and the United States, continues to deliver humanitarian aid to meet urgent needs and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

"At this particular time and stage, the main focus and top priority is to maintain the sovereignty and security of our country Qatar and guarantee that such attacks by Israel never happen again," stressed Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majid bin Mohamed al Ansari.Speaking at the weekly media briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, he pointed out that Qatar will remain committed to the process of peace, mediation and arriving at peaceful settlements for the all the conflicts around the world and in particular Gaza and Palestinian issue. However, it is clear from the reckless action, the recent Israeli attacks on Doha and in particular on Hamas peace negotiators, that Israel does not want peace and is not serious about reaching a peace deal with Hamas. They even seem to be no longer caring about the wellbeing and safe return of the Israeli hostages.Regarding the current visit to Qatar by US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, Dr Al-Ansari stressed that the defence agreement and treaties between Qatar and the US has been a long term relationship and the recent events could only expedite such agreements and further enhance them. Yet, the relationship and defence relations has always been active and effective as the US President has described Qatar as a key and important ally and partnerIn the meantime, he noted that so long as Israel is persisting on targeting the peaceful negotiators and the mediator as well, there will be no validity for continuing the negotiations in such circumstances. This does not mean that Qatar will undermine its peaceful efforts for Gaza or other places of conflict around the world.Dr Al- Ansari Ansari further stressed the humanitarian efforts and humanitarian and basic medical aid is a continuous process for Qatar, as recently the due aid was delivered to Syria and Afghanistan in cooperation and coordination with the partners and friends.Regarding the outcome of the Emergency and Islamic Summit held in Doha on Monday, he confirmed that it sends to the world a strong message of solidarity and support with Qatar to maintain its sovereignty, condemning the irresponsible Israeli attacks on Doha, and demanding a strong international response against Israeli aggression.

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.

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman and the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is visiting Oman, renewed their condemnation of the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar, stressing their full solidarity with Qatar and support for any steps it may take to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and the wellbeing of its citizens. The two leaders emphasized that the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar represents a violation of national sovereignty, a breach of international law, and a serious threat to regional security and stability. They also addressed the progress of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) efforts, with both leaders reiterating their joint commitment to strengthening Gulf integration and supporting initiatives that advance the GCC's objectives, deepen cooperation among its member states, and fulfill the aspirations of its peoples for development and prosperity. They exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Member of the United States House of Representatives Jim McGovern condemned the Israeli airstrike that targeted the residences of several Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Tuesday, describing it as a brazen violation of Qatar's sovereignty and international law.In a post on X, the US Representative said, "Netanyahu clearly has no interest in peace. We shouldn't send another cent of military aid for his reckless war. Our priority should be a ceasefire, hostages released and a surge of aid into Gaza."

The Democratic Republic of the Congo condemned the Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of Hamas movement in Doha.In a statement carried by the Congolese News Agency (ACP), the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo expressed deep concern over the Israeli attack on Doha, adding that this constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar and threatens to worsen an already fragile regional situation.The Democratic Republic of the Congo affirms its solidarity with Qatar, recognizing its historic role as a mediator and advocate for dialogue and peace, the statement said. Given the complexity of the current crisis, it insists on the need to prioritize de-escalation, respect for international law, and the protection of civilians, it added.The Congolese government called on all parties to refrain from any actions that could undermine mediation efforts and to work collectively toward achieving a permanent ceasefire and a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.