Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Regional Affairs: International Conviction on Need for Just Settlement of Palestinian Cause Intensified
Islamabad - Information Office - March 23
HE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Regional Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi affirmed that the international conviction was reinforced by the urgent need to achieve a comprehensive and just peaceful settlement of the Palestinian cause, expressing Qatar's aspiration that the decisions of the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), would be a qualitative addition to the organization's efforts to support the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations.
His Excellency said, in the State of Qatar's statement to the session held in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the period following the last meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey 2020, witnessed an escalation of illegal settlement activities and in the continuing crimes against the Palestinian people, adding that the same period witnessed the heroic steadfastness of the Palestinian people, greater international understanding of their rights, and increasing condemnation of the policies of racial discrimination (apartheid) adopted by Israel.
He affirmed that contributing to the peaceful resolution of conflicts is one of the priorities of the State of Qatar, noting its relentless efforts to achieve this goal in many regional conflicts, including Afghanistan.
His Excellency pointed out that there is a great responsibility on the shoulders of the member states of the organization and members of the international community with regard to Afghanistan, in forefront of which is providing humanitarian aid and contributing to the establishment of peace, security, stability, and development in this ancient country.
HE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Regional Affairs stated that the State of Qatar supported a political solution to the Yemeni crisis, pointing out to the blessed initiative of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) to host Yemeni-Yemeni consultations in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, at the end of this month.
He added that the GCC countries will make every possible effort to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict, hoping that the Yemeni brothers will put the interest of their country and stability in the region at the top of their priorities to end this conflict.
His Excellency touched on the developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need to ensure stability and protect civilians. He reiterated Qatar's firm position that calls for the need for calm and restraint and to stop any action that would complicate the situation and exacerbate the humanitarian situation and resort to solving this crisis through dialogue between Pakistan and India.
He commended the efforts of the organization on the issue of security and development in the African member countries, especially in the African Sahel region, pointing out that much remains to be done to give a new impetus to the role of the organization in achieving security and development in Africa and the Sahel region.
HE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Regional Affairs noted that the current session of the organization is being held in a tense international atmosphere in which international security and development efforts are exposed to great risks and difficulties, which calls for upgrading the joint Islamic action to the level of challenges.
His Excellency thanked the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for hosting this session and congratulated it on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the republic.
He commended the efforts of HE Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan in mobilizing support for the United Nations General Assembly resolution submitted by Pakistan on behalf of OIC countries, which declared March 15 of each year as International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
His Excellency also thanked the Republic of Turkey for effectively chairing and managing the Standing Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation within the Organization of the Islamic Conference (COMCEC).
HE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Regional Affairs expressed the State of Qatar's aspiration to resume the projects that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to implement new projects. He also praised the proposals and efforts made towards achieving comprehensive reform of the organization, stressing the State of Qatar's strong support for it.