Day: 21 September 2023

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Thursday a cable to Belize’s Governor General Froyla Tzalam on her country’s national day.

In the cable, His Highness the Crown Price wished her and her people everlasting health and further progress and prosperity.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nawaf Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Thursday a cable to Belize’s Governor General Froyla Tzalam on her country’s national day.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

The State of Qatar took part in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA’s) High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development, on the margin of the 78th session of the UNGA.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater represented the State of Qatar at the dialogue.

The Minister of State for International Cooperation expressed her happiness to participate in this important dialogue, especially in light of the priority that the issue of financing for development should take, in efforts to accelerate the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Her Excellency pointed to the conclusion of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, which constituted an important milestone in advancing collective ambition to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. She also expressed happiness that the political declaration of the summit was adopted by consensus, voicing the State of Qatar’s pried to participate alongside Ireland in facilitating government negotiations on the political declaration, especially that it constitutes as a pivotal document for moving forward in achieving common vision and taking transformative measures.

Halfway towards achieving the SDGs, the urgency of the many existing challenges, and the large financing gap, call for global solutions, and require intensifying and increasing the pace of collective efforts in order to mobilize the financial resources that are urgently needed, Her Excellency added.

She voiced the belief that innovative approaches and partnerships to strengthen private finance and ensure a more effective and inclusive international financial system could play a key role in helping countries, especially the most vulnerable and poorest, to invest in achieving the SDGs.

HE Al Khater pointed out that the foreign policy of the State of Qatar is firmly rooted in the principle of cooperation and partnership to face common challenges, saying that in line with the principles and commitments of the State of Qatar in addressing the challenges of financing for development, in 2008 the State of Qatar hosted the International Follow-up Conference on Financing for Development to review the Monterrey Consensus.

The State of Qatar continues to play a pioneering role in supporting international efforts to address common crises and challenges by providing development, humanitarian and financial assistance that benefits millions of people around the world, she stressed.

He Excellency went on saying that the value of the contributions provided by the State of Qatar to the countries of the South during the period 2014 to August 2023 amounted to approximately USD 6.3 billion, varied between development and humanitarian assistance. During the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), hosted by the State of Qatar, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani announced a financial contribution totaling USD 60 million to support the implementation of the Doha Action Program for the LDCs, and to support the desired results and build resilience capacities in the least developed countries.

Touching on the importance of the partnerships directed towards achieving results, she pointed out that the State of Qatar is an investor and founder in the UNDP’s network of development impact accelerator laboratories, where the total support it provided reached USD 30 million.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation stressed that in light of the rapid transformations taking place in the world, the need is more dire than ever for strengthening multilateral action. She reiterated the State of Qatar’s determination to continue playing its leading role, it has been pursuing for a long time.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The State of Qatar participated in the annual coordination meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi.

In his statement on behalf of Qatar during the meeting, His Excellency stressed that Qatar is always keen on participating in the annual meeting, out of its belief that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation plays a crucial role in dealing with the shared interests and challenges faced by its nations and peoples. The current series of crises reinforces the need for greater unity and collaboration among member states. He added that the current crises were also an additional reason to enhance solidarity and cooperation between members.

He explained that at this halfway point towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, global attention is focused on the summit of sustainable development goals and preparations for the future summit.

He pointed out that global crises such as energy, food, and climate crises pose challenges to many of our countries, especially those with special circumstances. In this regard, he referred to the Fifth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries hosted by Qatar in March of the previous year, where the political will was renewed, and support was mobilized for this group of countries. The Doha Program was adopted, including ambitious measures and commitments to build their capacity for resilience and achieve sustainable development. Qatar announced its contribution of $60 million to support the program.

On another note, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the continued escalation of violence and violations by the Israeli occupation authorities and settlers against Palestinians in the occupied land. He mentioned the ongoing systematic Judaization campaign in Jerusalem, where Islamic and Christian holy sites, especially the Al Aqsa Mosque, are being dangerously targeted. He affirmed that these actions not only constitute a clear violation of international law and legitimate international decisions but also provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims around the world, especially the Islamic world.

He stressed the necessity of keeping the Palestinian issue and the issue of Jerusalem at the forefront of the concerns of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and exerting efforts to provide political, humanitarian, and other forms of support to the Palestinian people.

He noted that the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly that requested an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the effects of the Israeli occupation and its practices reaffirmed the international rejection of the occupation, settlements, and unlawful practices. He added that Qatar, in support of the Palestinian position in this matter, submitted a memorandum to the court in July of the previous year.

He also highlighted the recent increase in hate speech and acts of bigotry against Islam and Muslims and the desecration of their sanctities, including the repeated incidents of Quran burning in some Western countries, which can ignite hostility and violence. He further staid that this matter, along with the broader problem of Islamophobia, should receive particular focus and consideration from the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Furthermore, he mentioned that while Qatar condemns terrorism in all its forms and rejects linking it to any specific religion, it emphasizes the need to combat terrorism driven by racism, extremism, hatred of foreigners, and other forms of bigotry. Qatar also condemns any disrespect for sanctities under the pretext of freedom of expression. There is no contradiction between demanding respect for sanctities and promoting tolerance and freedom.

He warned that Qatar is known for its efforts to promote the values of tolerance and moderation through dialogue between civilizations and religions, as well as its international efforts to counter violent extremism leading to terrorism.

He explained that through its successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar aims to highlight the role of sports in achieving peace and harmony among peoples and nations and to showcase the bright side of the Arab and Islamic society known for its moderation and balance.

In conclusion, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s commitment to the final statement of the 18th extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers. He emphasized the importance of keeping this issue on the agenda of the upcoming Islamic summit and other relevant meetings. He also stressed the need for taking additional actions to address this negative trend against Islam and Muslims and to prevent its recurrence.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The State of Qatar participated in the 13th ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of Mediation, which was held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi represented the State of Qatar in the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, His Excellency hailed the Qatari mediation efforts that lead to many widely recognized achievements in promoting peace, security and stability, starting from Afghanistan and passing through Lebanon to the Horn of Africa and Chad.

His Excellency added that many parties in conflicts look forward to the State of Qatar’s good endeavors thanks to its honest and neutral approaches, which affirms that the concerned parties take the lead themselves.

Qatar’s continued focus on comprehensive approaches to addressing conflicts and crises, and addressing their root causes, including by supporting human rights and justice, and inclusion of all components of society is another success factor, His Excellency added, highlighting the State of Qatar’s efforts to enhance participation of women and youth in peace processes. Last year, Doha hosted the High-Level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes, which aimed to promote the meaningful inclusion of youth in peace and security.

His Excellency added that the State of Qatar sees the UN as an effective and important international body not only as a mediator, but also as a promoter of mediation, and fully supports the comprehensive vision of the UN Secretary-General for the sustainability of peace, which is reflected in his efforts to implement the recommendations related to international peace and security contained in the “Our Common Agenda” report. Therefore, backing mediation, and innovation in mediation are among the priorities of the multi-year contribution agreement signed this year between the State of Qatar and the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, His Excellency added.

His Excellency pointed out that the State of Qatar has long been calling for meaningful dialogue in the Gulf region on the basis of common interests, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states, noting that the State of Qatar has intensified its efforts, especially since last year, to facilitate indirect talks between the United States and Iran, at the request of both parties, in order to build confidence and complete the Vienna talks. The results of this effort were demonstrated in the detainee exchange agreement on Monday, His Excellency noted.

His Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar would continue to work with its international partners to prevent and resolve conflicts and enhance the role of mediation.

Source: Qatar News Agency