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Qatar and the United States signed the "Pax Silica" Declaration today, marking a strategic step to enhance bilateral co-operation in advanced technologies and supply chain security while supporting global economic stability. The declaration reinforces the partnership between the two countries and contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable global economic ecosystem.His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed signed on behalf of Qatar, while the US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg signed for the United States. The agreement reflects both countries' shared commitment to strengthening secure and reliable technology supply chains, safeguarding critical resources, and ensuring the resilience of global supply networks.Qatar's accession to Pax Silica aligns with its national priorities to consolidate its position as a regional and international hub for advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, while supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which aims to foster a competitive and sustainable digital economy.Through this initiative, Qatar will expand international partnerships in semiconductors, advanced computing, cybersecurity, and digital technologies, enhancing its technological capabilities and supporting economic diversification.At the signing ceremony, Dr. Al Sayed described the declaration as "a new milestone in the Qatar-US partnership, founded on trust, shared interests, and a unified vision for advancing stability and prosperity." He noted that Qatar takes pride in its role within leading international partnerships dedicated to strengthening secure and reliable supply chains in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies."The world is undergoing a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence, rising demand for energy and critical minerals, and rapid technological advancement," Dr. Al Sayed said, stressing that success requires close cooperation to reinforce technological ecosystems and deepen partnerships based on trust and shared responsibility.He emphasized Qatar's investments in the future digital economy's foundations, including digital infrastructure, advanced industries, and research and innovation ecosystems. Cloud computing centers launched by US companies have contributed significantly to positioning Qatar as one of the region's most advanced digital hubs, he noted.Dr. Al Sayed highlighted the Qatar AI Initiative (QAI) as a national platform promoting innovation, expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, and ensuring alignment of advanced technologies with the highest standards of safety, governance, and technological security. "Doha's rapidly evolving skyline stands as a testament to Qatar's accelerated development and readiness to play an influential role in shaping the future of the global digital economy," he said.The minister affirmed that Pax Silica opens new horizons for cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and secure supply chains while supporting Qatar's transition toward an innovation-driven economy and enhancing US supply chain resilience.Helberg welcomed Qatar's accession, describing it as "a pivotal moment for US-Qatar relations and for the global economy as a whole." He stated the initiative reflects a fundamental shift as the region transitions from an oil-based system to one centered on technological innovation and "silicon diplomacy.""While the 20th century was driven by oil and steel, the 21st century is being shaped by computing power and critical minerals," Helberg said. Under this cooperation, the US and Qatar will work together on strategic investments, including critical minerals security initiatives, modernization of global logistics infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships in artificial intelligence.He highlighted Qatar's transformation from a traditional energy supplier into a hub for computing and connectivity, noting the alliance is "defined by capabilities rather than traditional alignments, bringing together countries with the resources and strategic vision to secure a shared technological future."Closing his remarks, Helberg invited Qatar to an upcoming ministerial meeting in Washington focusing on critical minerals, stating: "Welcome to the alliance. Let us build together the operating system for the 21st century."Pax Silica is an international initiative led by the US Department of State, prioritized during 2024-2025, aiming to enhance security and integrity of advanced-technology supply chains associated with the artificial intelligence era, in partnership with countries across Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. 

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. 

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani affirmed that Qatar believes that justice is not merely a political aspiration, but a fundamental pillar for safeguarding international peace and entrenching stability.In his address at the opening session of the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum 2025, held Saturday, His Excellency stated that Qatar's policies are driven by a conviction that words must be matched by actions, that principles must guide practice, and that the country's international responsibilities must be upheld impartially and in service of humanity and human dignity.He added that, in line with this approach, Qatar continues to play an active mediating role-one of the cornerstones of its foreign policy-by initiating channels of dialogue, providing credible negotiation platforms, and facilitating understandings between disputing parties.His Excellency highlighted that Qatar's track record of successful mediation efforts, and the confidence the international community places in its role in achieving peace, demonstrate that mediation is neither a political luxury nor a utilitarian choice for Qatar, but a deeply rooted doctrine pursued with sincerity-grounded in the belief that genuine peacebuilding begins with inclusion rather than exclusion, and through expanding common ground rather than deepening division.He emphasized that this approach was clearly reflected in the achievement reached on Friday, as Qatar, in cooperation with its partners Norway, Spain, and Switzerland, succeeded in securing a significant breakthrough between the Government of Colombia and the self-designated "EGC" group. The agreement, he noted, offers a genuine opportunity to enhance the safety and dignity of Colombians and to provide conflict-affected communities with a tangible glimmer of hope after years of violence.His Excellency explained that the agreement also opens the door to an organized political process aimed at disarmament, combating the production and trafficking of narcotics, and building sustainable peace within an agreed framework capable of restoring stability to conflict-stricken areas.He stressed that this progress reaffirms that sincere and responsible mediation can protect civilians and pave the way for a peace grounded in responsibility, trust, and the commitment of all parties to what best serves their peoples.His Excellency underscored that the world does not need more promises; but rather justice practiced by all without double standards, responsibility borne collectively without favoritism, and courage that transforms words into action.Highlighting the role of the forum, he noted that the Doha Forum stands as a leading global platform bringing together policymakers, thought leaders, and experts from across the world, serving as an influential space for dialogue on major global challenges and the formulation of practical solutions.He stated that this year's theme -Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress- captures a reality evident to all: that the divide between stated commitments and actual implementation is growing, and that justice is increasingly absent from the workings of international law in a world where interests overshadow principles and force supplants legal norms.His Excellency warned that the world is witnessing an unprecedented escalation of crises-not due to a lack of resources or knowledge, but due to the absence of accountability and the continuation of conflicts without just solutions, posing a direct threat to international peace and security.He pointed out that when crises are managed through the logic of force rather than law, and when aggressors evade accountability, the international order begins to resemble a system built on promises that remain unfulfilled.He further noted that successive tensions have revealed that crisis management at its bare minimum, or the preservation of temporary international consensus without addressing root causes, is no longer a viable option. Crises that are not resolved through fair and lasting solutions inevitably return more complex, extending beyond their borders; temporary agreements do not halt the movement of history but merely postpone its obligations.In this regard, he stressed that only just solutions can build sustainable peace and prevent the perpetuation of conflict and division.His Excellency warned that the absence of accountability remains one of the gravest flaws in the international system-manifest in the region through the plight of the Palestinian people under flagrant violations of international law, and the tragedies unfolding in Sudan, including massacres and grave abuses. These all underscore that achieving justice and protecting rights are indispensable conditions for preserving regional stability and preventing fragmentation.Speaking on Syria, His Excellency stated that after harsh years marked by the absence of justice, the Syrian people are moving on a path they hope will lead to recovery-within a framework of transitional justice that reinforces cohesion and rejects sectarianism, paving the way for a peace that turns the page on the past and is rooted in participation and justice.He noted that the challenges facing the region are intertwined with global trends characterized by a serious erosion of respect for international law, the excessive use of force without accountability, and the weakening of international institutions. These factors, he said, are creating a global environment marked by rising risks and diminishing public trust in the world order.In this context, he affirmed that the world today must rebuild confidence in legal norms, establish a fairer international order, and strengthen the role of communities and humanitarian organizations as genuine partners in shaping a more stable and inclusive future. Durable peace, he stressed, cannot be achieved through symbolic resolutions but through collective action that places human dignity at the centre of all policymaking.Concluding his address, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his hope that the Doha Forum will serve as a platform for deepening cooperation among governments, communities, and humanitarian organizations in pursuit of a more just and secure future for all humanity. 

South Korea's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Thursday to maintain financial stability amid a red-hot housing market and a weakening currency. In a widely expected decision, the Monetary Policy Board of the Bank of Korea (BOK) held its key rate steady at 2.5% during its rate-setting meeting in Seoul. But its policy room has been limited as surging home prices in Seoul and nearby areas have fueled household debt. The government has rolled out a series of measures to cool the real estate market. Most recently, the government designated 21 additional districts in Seoul as speculative zones, bringing all 25 districts in the capital under tougher regulations. The local currency has fallen well below 1,420 per dollar, its lowest level in months, amid the continued strength of the US dollar and uncertainties surrounding tariff negotiations with the United States, and a rate cut could further weaken the won and trigger capital outflows. The local currency opened at 1,431.8 per dollar Thursday, down 2 won from the previous session. Thursday's decision left the gap between South Korea's and the US' key interest rates at up to 1.75 percentage points. At its September meeting, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati held two phone calls on Monday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, discussing the rapid developments in the Gaza Strip and support for security and stability in the region. During the two phone calls, Abdel Aati stressed the critical importance of both parties to the Sharm el-Sheikh pact adhering to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that respecting the agreement represents a fundamental step toward consolidating the ceasefire, permanently ending the war, and alleviating the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip. He also emphasized the need for full access to humanitarian and relief aid to the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The two calls addressed the ongoing preparations for Egypt to host the International Conference on Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development in Gaza next November. The Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of beginning the implementation of early recovery and reconstruction plans for Gaza as soon as possible, within the framework of a comprehensive vision that preserves the rights of the Palestinian people, in accordance with the Arab-Islamic Plan for Early Recovery and Reconstruction, and US President Donald Trump's Middle East Peace Plan. In turn, the Danish and French foreign ministers affirmed their full support for Egypt's tireless efforts to promote stability in the region, expressing their aspiration to continue coordination with Egypt on issues related to early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.

The State of Kuwait welcomed the agreement reached in Qatar between Pakistan and Afghanistan on an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries. Kuwait 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 on Monday, Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the constructive efforts and tireless endeavors 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.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that despite the major events that have affected the region and the world, the GCC states have established themselves as a fundamental pillar of regional and global security and stability, and as a distinguished model of integration and cooperation among their nations. These remarks were made during a discussion session hosted by the Institute of Arab Gulf States. The event took place on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at its headquarters in the US capital, Washington, in the presence of several ambassadors from GCC and Arab countries, as well as a number of senior officials and specialists. At the beginning of his participation, Albudaiwi expressed his appreciation to the Institute of Arab Gulf States for its role in enhancing the international community's understanding of the region's issues, and its support for developing specialised academic research on the Gulf and its international relations. During his talk, he highlighted the GCC's most prominent achievements in the political, economic, security, and military fields. He pointed out that the Council has unified its positions in international forums, strengthened its strategic partnerships with countries as well as regional and global organisations, and solidified its humanitarian and developmental role at the regional and global levels. Moreover, the Secretary General explained that the GCC states have made tangible steps in diversifying their economies and reducing their dependence on oil by implementing ambitious development visions and investing in renewable energy, technology, tourism, and logistics, in addition to strengthening their economic integration by activating the Gulf Common Market and facilitating the movement of goods, capital, and individuals. Regarding the GCC's vision for the next decade, Albudaiwi underscored that the priorities are to complete the requirements for the Customs Union and Monetary Union, move towards a unified Gulf economy, enhance joint security and defense aspects, lead efforts in energy transition and sustainable development, and empower youth and women as fundamental drivers for the future of their countries. Besides, he underlined the GCC's firm position in support of the Palestinian cause, its rejection of any infringement upon the rights of the Palestinian people, and its emphasis on the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi concluded by emphasising that the GCC is entering a new era defined by integration and global leadership, based on a common vision and a firm political will led by the wise leadership of the GCC states, to achieve the aspirations of its peoples for greater security, prosperity, and well-being.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met the US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, who is currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the latest developments in Syria and discussed avenues of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States to support stability in the country.

HH the Amir and President of the UAE held a meeting at the Amiri Diwan, where they discussed the close fraternal relations between the two countries & ways to support them across various fields, the regional & international developments & efforts to achieve peace & stability.