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New York/ Information Office/ 17 March 2015/ The efforts exerted by the State of Qatar within the United Nations are based on the principle of cooperation and shared responsibility between member states to address common challenges in various fields, said HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani. HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations was speaking during a meeting with a delegation from The Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College, who is paying a two-week visit to the United States. While welcoming the delegation, HE Ambassador Sheikha Alia briefed on Qatar's permanent mission to the United Nations, pointing the prestigious position enjoyed by Qatar in the international community as a result of its active role in the United Nations. Qatar under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has spared no effort in supporting the United Nations' endeavors in the maintenance of international peace, security, development, and the fight against terrorism, as well as respect for the rule of law, human rights, justice, and the will of the peoples and their right to self-determination, in addition to all matters agreed upon by the international community, she said. HE Sheikha Alia added Qatar's policy toward international and regional issues was characterized by its desire to reach a peaceful settlement of disputes through mediation, pointing out that Qatar diplomacy's achievements were well known in the United Nations and other regional organizations and countries. She stressed Qatar's keenness on bilateral action with other states, pointing out that Qatar's support was not limited to cooperation and multilateral action in the United Nations, but went beyond that to include bilateral work with other states to help them achieve development and overcome their problems. HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations also made a reference to the first speech delivered by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, when he took over the responsibility of the country, saying that HH the Emir outlined in that speech the policy of the State of Qatar in all fields. HE Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani also pointed to Qatar's outstanding role in promoting human rights, in various social issues, and in presenting initiatives supported by the United Nations in the areas of development and education, the promotion of the role of family and the people with special needs, and the fight against desertification, among others, in addition to its contribution to the voluntary financial funds established by the United Nations to deal with the emergency needs, and the completion of the tasks carried out by the UN outside the regular budget. HE the Permanent Representative also outlined Qatar's participation in supporting UN operations in humanitarian relief, maintaining international peace and security, strengthening the rule of law, promoting human rights, fighting against terrorism and enhancing development among other areas, adding that Qatar played an important role in international peace and security, especially when it was a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2006 and 2007. She also reviewed State of Qatar's contributions to the budget for the United Nations peacekeeping operations, which are currently estimated at 16 peacekeeping operations, noting that the proportion of the State of Qatar is estimated in these processes to 0.1933%, and that the country's total quotas for the budget of the period 2012-2013 was estimated at US$14.1 million, and for the period 2013 to 2014 US$ 13.8 million. HE Sheikha Alia stressed that the State of Qatar will continue playing major roles through its membership in the councils, committees, and other UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council, with the aim of realizing its belief in the peoples right to free and decent life. She also pointed to the role of the State of Qatar on the agenda of international peace and security, explaining that the State of Qatar is among the countries which have contributed troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions, as it deployed a number of officers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).