Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye H E Dr. Hakan Fidan addressing a press conference. (AFP)
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has said that according to the Gaza ceasefire agreement, phase two negotiations should start today (February 3).
“We have already started engaging with the parties in order to define the agenda and to start engaging in those discussions (ceasefire deal’s phase two). There is nothing yet clear about who are, where the delegations are, who will come and when it’s going to take place, but at least over the phone these discussions have started,” the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said, while addressing a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye H E Dr. Hakan Fidan, yesterday.
Expressing hope that some movement will be visible in the next few days, he said, “It is critical that we get things rolling from now in order to get to an agreement before day 42 (when first phase of ceasefire agreement ends).”
He emphasised the importance of all parties adhering to the implementation of the deal in full and begin, as outlined in the deal, negotiations on the second phase.
“We call on our partners in the international community to continue exerting pressure to ensure the success of these negotiations, and we stress the need to prevent any party from obstructing it, so that this crucial window, which has no alternative, is not closed.”
He said that Qatar will continue working in cooperation with partners in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America to ensure the full implementation of this deal.
About Syria, he said that Qatar highly values its shared stance with Turkish brothers and both countries’ ongoing support for the Syrian people and their struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice. “We also appreciate the continuous coordination in efforts and initiatives carried out over the past years aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.”
He said that in the meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister, both sides agreed on the necessity of supporting Syria during current critical phase and its new leadership in building state institutions and establishing the foundations of stability, ensuring a safe passage through this critical stage, particularly on the humanitarian and economic fronts.
“We welcomed the steps aimed at restructuring the Syrian state and promoting consensus and unity among all Syrian parties, thus paving the way for the consolidation of civil peace and security, stability, and the establishment of a state based on law, institutions, development, and prosperity. We emphasised the urgent importance of lifting the sanctions imposed on Syria, as they have negative effects in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and hindering the provision of essential needs.”
On Gaza issue, he emphasised the importance of the international community fulfilling its responsibilities. “Ultimately, this crisis will only be resolved by ending the occupation and establishing the Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, in accordance with international resolutions.”
He praised Turkish role in supporting the mediation efforts during the past period, which led to Gaza ceasefire deal.
“We look forward to intensifying regional and international efforts to provide humanitarian aid and to support the United Nations in facilitating the entry and delivery of aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip for our brothers in Gaza. We emphasise the importance of not obstructing the entry of any kind of aid and thwarting all attempts aimed at making the Gaza Strip uninhabitable for the Palestinian people.”
To a question about recent statements by US President Donald Trump about relocating Palestinians from Gaza to other countries, the Prime Minister clarified that Qatar’s position is firm and clear against the displacement of the Palestinian people.
He added that Qatar is in contact with the US administration, expressing hope there will be no issues of disagreement. He also expressed optimism for swift positive results to end the war.
About the deported Palestinian prisoners who were released as part of the agreement, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that this was part of the agreement reached by the parties, noting that several countries will host the released Palestinian prisoners.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan praised the strong relations between Qatar and Turkiye, built on brotherhood, sincerity, and mutual respect, contributing to regional security and stability.
During the joint press conference, he said that the two countries’ bilateral relations are not just trade, economic, and political but also based on cooperation in solving regional problems.
He added that discussions focused on how to assist and coordinate on issues concerning Syria and the necessary support for its reconstruction, expressing thanks and gratitude to Qatar for its interest in addressing Syria’s issues, particularly energy.
Fidan emphasised the need to lift international sanctions on Syria, ensure security and stability, combat terrorism without bloodshed, and integrate armed groups under the Syrian National Army, highlighting the importance of recent developments in Syria and the announcement of a new president.
The Turkish Foreign Minister appreciated Qatar’s efforts in achieving the Gaza ceasefire, noting the significant endeavours made by Qatar to reach this agreement.
He said that maintaining the Gaza ceasefire is a priority for Turkiye and it must be sustainable without violations, stressing the necessity to remove Israeli obstacles to delivering aid to Gaza.
He added that the Palestinian-Israeli conflicts will continue unless the Palestinian issue is resolved with a two-state solution, calling for confronting the project of displacing Palestinians from Gaza, which contradicts international law and human rights.
