From Left: Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani; US Senator H E Lindsey Graham; High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs H E Josep Borrell: and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, H H Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud during a plenary session of Doha Forum, yesterday. PIC : RAJAN VADAKKEMURIYIL
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called for collective action on all humanitarian crises at the Doha Forum 2022 yesterday.
Speaking during a plenary session , the Minister of Foreign Affairs called on the world to deal all crises with the same resolve. “The humanitarian suffering that we’ve seen in Ukraine, it has been the suffering of many countries in this region for years,” he said.
“We have never seen a global response to address those sufferings and we’ve been calling for setting a precedent in the region to address the brutality against the Syrian people, against the Palestinians, or against the Libyans, or against the Iraqis, or against the Afghans,” he added.
H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke in a panel with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, H H Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud; High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy H E Josep Borrell and United States Senator, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Budget, H E Lindsey Graham.
H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also said that dialogue constitutes an important step towards increasing security and stability in the region, with reference to the current situation with Iran.
“We believe in diplomatic solutions to maintain global security and the resolving of crises through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
“We think the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is an important agreement at least to make sure no nuclear race is happening in our region, but it also would be incomplete if it is not complemented with a regional security engagement with Iran,” he added.
In reply to a question by the moderator, Dr. Comfort Ero, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Crisis Group, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Qatar is working effectively on defending regional and international stability through dialogue.
“It’s about our regional stability and international peace. And being an effective member of the international community, it is very important if we can contribute to bring more peace and stability to our region or maintaining the international security and international order,” he said.
“So we cannot be isolated from what is happening around us in the world. And we have to play an active role and to provide at least a positive contribution to international peace and stability. And I believe that Qatar has been building a track record in dialogue and diplomacy within different conflict areas,” he added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia empahsised that COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of multilateral action, on any issue including climatic and economic challenges, as well as the Russian-Ukrainian war.
He also highlighted the importance of commitment and participation of different countries in setting international agenda on issues and making sure that it meets the needs of everyone.
Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, H H Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said: “The best way to deal with this crisis is to strengthen dialogue between the two parties to reach a political solution, end the suffering of civilians. Stop the conflict and address this issue in accordance with international standards and international law, with full respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”
United States Senator Lindsey Graham and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, H E Josep Borrell emphasised the need for global action and international cooperation.
