Qatar Ambassador to Turkey: Our Sovereignty Will Not Be Undermined

Qatar Ambassador to Turkey: Our Sovereignty Will Not Be Undermined

Ankara / Information Office / June 10  

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Republic of Turkey Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi stressed Wednesday that any initiative to resolve the Gulf crisis must take into account that the State of Qatar cannot accept undermining its sovereignty nor any guardianship or dictations.

HE said in a statement to Anadolu Agency (AA) that Qatar is always open to any real gesture of peace that will lift the blockade, respect the sovereignty of the state, refrain from interfering in its internal affairs, and respect international law and the principle of equality between states, indicating that the State of Qatar has always emphasized, on all occasions, that the unity of the Gulf states is pivotal in facing the challenges that beset the region. His Excellency further added that Qatar is always present in all regional and international conferences and forums, stressing the importance of the diplomatic role and dialogue in limiting conflicts and bringing views closer.

HE Al Shafi said that the region now needs cohesion and cooperation more than ever, and what happened directly affected the lives of citizens and tore social ties of many families, and prevented them from practicing religious rights, noting that Qatar faced a systematic campaign that marginalized and stigmatized by connecting it to terrorism, but the firm and confident Qatari diplomacy overcame these small and shameful acts.

His Excellency explained that there is no doubt that the imposition of the siege in the month of Ramadan had a surprising impact, especially as it came from those whom were considered neighbors, but that this was the result of other attempts that preceded it, and those attempts were indications of what will happen next. Furthermore, pointing out that what happened was preceded by an attempt to invade the State of Qatar in 1996, then a crisis in 2014 when the same countries withdrew their ambassadors from Doha.

His Excellency said that these were indications that prompted Qatar to prepare and work to diversify its economy and investments in order to face any unfavorable future events.

HE Al Shafi emphasized that the voice of truth and the blurring of facts cannot be silenced, noting that the entire world knows today which are the countries that finance and support terrorism, and invest in it, whether in Libya, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, or elsewhere, not to mention those same countries attempts of piracy. His Excellency added that Qatari principles overcame the diplomacy of sedition, terrorism and that the State of Qatar continued to practice what it believes in and continued to align with the people and not conspire against them, and invest in development, renaissance and peace.

His Excellency cited the selection of the State of Qatar by the United Nations to establish an office on its soil to combat terrorism, which confirms the anti-terrorist position of Doha and denied what the blockade states claim, citing also the historic peace agreement signed in Doha between Taliban and the United States of America, last February, after unremitting efforts from Qatar to end this decades-old conflict that exhausted and torn Afghanistan and prevented any real development, despite the desperate attempts of some blockading countries to thwart and hinder this agreement.

His Excellency also stressed that even in the Coronavirus pandemic crisis (COVID-19), and although it is blockaded, the State of Qatar has always proven its presence at the forefront of humanitarian and voluntary efforts.

His Excellency pointed out that Doha sent medical and humanitarian shipments to more than twenty countries, and its national carrier has transported 1.8 million passengers to their home countries at a time when most airlines in the world stopped working.

His Excellency said that the unjust blockade failed to achieve its desired results, but had greatly undermined the credibility of the Gulf Cooperation Council, adding that, Qatar is still committed to the Council, even though it must be reactivated in order to bridge the rift between the Gulf states.

His Excellency added that Qatar needs guarantees that all rules and controls are binding on all parties in the council without being selective. His Excellency expressed his hope that the council would regain its true role and be a nucleus of cooperation and integration that meets the aspirations of all member states.

On the other hand, His Excellency made it clear that the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Turkish Republic were always good and there were many incidents that paved the way to this distinguished level.

His Excellency referred to those situations, saying that they started in 2014 when the Supreme Strategic Committee of the two countries was established at the level of leaders, then the failed attempt of a coup in Turkey in 2016, and the support and the position of the State of Qatar, and reaching the unjust blockade of Qatar in 2017.

His Excellency considered that the Turkish position on June 5, 2017 was a result of this deep relation and it is a brave choice that is in line with its positions and policies.

His Excellency expressed Qatar's appreciation for this position.

His Excellency explained that the crises witnessed by the two countries, and their support position lead to the strengthening of relations, and this was reflected on the peoples of the two countries, so the rapprochement was at the level of leaders and people.

His Excellency added that Turkey did not change its position to stand with the State of Qatar against the unjust blockade after three years, and despite the great pressure it was subjected to in order to change its position.

His Excellency said that Qatar, for its part, did not hesitate to support Turkey during all the crises it went through, whether during the failed coup attempt or through economic support during the Turkish lira crisis in 2018, or by raising the ceiling of the currency exchange agreement.

His Excellency considered that a number of factors, in addition to the great harmony in policies, have led to the bilateral relations reaching an advanced stage of distinction and brilliance, and both are working to bring them further, and there is close coordination between the two sides in various files, levels and international platforms, as well as there are many interests and mutual investments between the two parties, and Turkey is one of the first and preferred tourist destinations for Qatari citizens.

His Excellency stressed that the preparations of the State of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 are under way, and Qatar have come a long way already, and work is currently underway to complete the final stages of the remaining stadiums according to the standards set by the International Federation.

His Excellency pointed out that Qatar is seeking to provide ecofriendly stadiums with the best specifications and standards, and the 2022 World Cup will be affordable for everyone in financial terms and the blockade will not prevent us from continuing the preparations for this important event, especially since hosting this event was the main reason for imposing the blockade on Qatar.

His Excellency expressed his confidence that Qatar will succeed in organizing the best FIFA World Cup tournament, as everyone knows that it has a long history in hosting sport events, and its success in organizing such events has led to the accumulation of several experiences at all levels.

His Excellency said there is no doubt that the importance of this sport event has increased now as it will be the first recreational event in which football fans will gather from all over the world after the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the fear and isolation that followed this pandemic.