'Qatar's foreign policy uniquely positioned to encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts'

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Qatar’s foreign policy is uniquely positioned to encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

He said 2022 is an important year as the world begins to emerge together from the global pandemic. 

“It represents a renewed opportunity to reflect on our global priorities and build upon them for a greater cooperation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said while addressing a session ‘Qatar’s Regional and International Role’ at Chatham House, London, yesterday. “We in Qatar look to the future with a continued sense of optimism for peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. Each country has a role to play on the global stage and Qatar’s foreign policy is uniquely positioned to encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.”

He added: “Article 7 of Qatar’s Constitution states that our foreign policy is based on the principles of enhancing international peace and security through encouraging the resolution of international conflicts by peaceful means and cooperating with all nations that seek peace.”

He said Qatar was accomplishing that mission through humanitarian and development aids and counter-terrorism. “Our objective has always been to ensure better future for all and we work hard to mobilise our efforts and resources to that end.” He said these efforts will be fruitless without continued support and collaboration of Qatar’s partners across the world.

“Recent events have highlighted the importance of international cooperation that include post pandemic economies, conflict and energy insecurity. Qatar’s foreign policy is based on strong bilateral and multilateral alliances. The importance of this approach is evidenced by our mediation efforts in Afghanistan, largest scale evacuations (from Afghanistan) and coordination of critical humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. None of this would have been possible without united efforts. With rising energy shortages around the world, Qatar has been working closely with global partners to develop long-term solutions to meet the energy needs in the world,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. 

On GCC, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said that GCC was being strengthened after a pause for few years during recent GCC crisis. He said there was close coordination between Gulf  countries on Afghanistan issue. “We hosted a meeting between the Taliban and the GCC countries to create a better understanding of the situation for those countries which are not that much involved on the matter.

“It is beyond the regional security issues… our free trade agreement talks are about to be resumed with different countries and different regional groups.”  

He said that there is a positive momentum to further strengthen the GCC and get the benefits directly to the people of the GCC.

“Four years were a missed opportunity… We don’t want it to be repeated and all the leaders are forward looking right now to ensure that we are creating a better future.” 

To a question about H H the Amir’s recent meeting with President Joe Biden, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the relations between Qatar and the US have been very strong for a long time. “This year we are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.  What we have done together was not only cooperation in defence sphere but also in different very important areas: economic cooperation, cooperation in energy and cooperation in education.” 

He noted that Qatar-US partnership was demonstrated on issue of Afghanistan by Qatar hosting the talks between the US and the Taliban for more than five years, seven years approximately, until they reached the agreement.

He said that Qatar supported the efforts of international coalition against the ISIS mentioning that the (US) airbase in Qatar served as the central command for operations against the ISIS.

“We have lot of strategic issue on which we are working together. Qatar believes in working with bilateral, multi-lateral alliances and the US is our strongest ally and the most important partner in many areas. H H the  Amir’s visit to the US was fruitful visit where wide range of issues were discussed; issue of Afghanistan, issue of energy, issue of Iran nuclear talks, Israeli-Palestinian issue. We had very rich conversation on how to align our countries’ strategies on these issues and how to work closely.” 

He said that major non-NATO ally designation to Qatar by the US is just a reflection of Qatar-US partnership. 

To another question about Qatar’s relations with former president Trump and President Biden’s administrations, he said: “Our relations are built through institutions. We have very strong institutional relationship despite the administrations. During President Trump administration also we worked very well with the institutions.”  

He said that it is impossible to unilaterally deliver global energy security. “This problem will require an ongoing and extensive cooperation. 2022 will be a year to resolve common issues together. It will be a year to unite people and embrace our shared passion instead of our fears.”

He added: “It is truly exciting time for us in Qatar as we approach the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This event reflects contributions of Qatar, FIFA and our international partners over the last twelve years allowing us the privilege to host first World Cup in the Middle East and in the Arab World.”

Regarding Europe energy concerns emerged after Russia-Ukraine escalation, he said: “Energy problem Europe facing right now is not only the outcome of the current event but was there before escalation started. Now with the current challenges of course Qatar is the largest producer and exporter of LNG along with the US. We are not talking about substituting a country… discussion should be that how can we approach this in collaboration with countries, with trading partners to make sure that gas is delivered to consumers.”

He said that for the last few years, Qatar was producing LNG with its maximum capacity. “There is an expansion which is hopefully coming in a couple of years.” 

To another question, he said that China relationship is important relationship for Qatar and “they are one of our largest gas buyers”. “Relationship with China has always been good and friendly. We have economic partnership with them. I do not think that any country in the Gulf wants to be in choosing between China or the US; they are not in such a position.”

On Palestinian issue, he said: “Mediation and diplomacy is at core of our foreign policy. We are doing our part which is mainly helping the Palestinians people alleviating their sufferings. Qatar has been front runner for years in helping the Palestinians especially the people of Gaza and West Bank. It is just a pain killer not the treatment of the disease. The treatment of the disease is Israel coming seriously to the table to address the issue and reach the ultimate goal of two state solution which was endorsed by the Arab countries through Arab Peace Initiative.” 

To another question, he said that Qatar has taken a lot of measures to counter terror financing by new legislations. “We make sure through our laws and regional, international collaborative system that not even a single penny goes to wrong hands.”

He said that terrorism issue cannot be addressed only through military means. “Security lens is an important aspect in counter terrorism. We think that there should be a holistic approach where we should address root causes of extremism,” he said, adding that Qatar was investing on education in conflict areas.   

To a question regarding Hamas, he said that Qatar was not supporting Hamas. “Most of the Arab countries have not listed them under terror organization as they are living under occupation and resistance of any occupation by the international law is considered a legitimate move.”

He added: “We are against any attacks against people, civilians, and we condemn these types of attacks whether they are Israelis or Palestinians. Qatar has not supported any group or faction… our support is for people through carefully monitored process under the UN.”