Media Center

Doha| December 03, 2024

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari reiterated the State of Qatar's stance on the need for a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis to serve the interests of the Syrian people. He highlighted Qatar's clear position in calling on all parties to engage in dialogue and understanding to resolve the crisis in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 2254, ensuring the aspirations of the Syrian people while preserving the country's unity, sovereignty, and independence.

During the weekly press briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar is closely monitoring the recent developments in Syria and emphasizes the need to spare civilians from the consequences of this conflict.

He expressed concern over the civilian casualties resulting from military escalation in Syria and called on all parties to de-escalate immediately and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid directly to those in need.

Dr. Al Ansari stressed that, for the State of Qatar, a military solution will not yield sustainable results and that a political solution is the only way to end the suffering of the Syrian people. He noted Qatars collaboration with international partners to achieve a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and reflects their sacrifices throughout the prolonged crisis.

He reaffirmed the State of Qatars support for any initiatives aimed at establishing lasting peace in Syria, a nation that has endured the ravages of war for many years.

Regarding the State of Qatar's mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that the country continues to suspend its mediation efforts concerning the negotiations to end the war in Gaza. He did emphasize however Qatars support for and openness to any efforts to achieve peace in the region and its ongoing communication with all parties to assess any shifts in their positions that reflect a genuine commitment to reaching an agreement.

He added that the State of Qatar continues its regional and international discussions on de-escalation in the region, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and efforts to reduce tensions in Lebanon.

Dr. Al Ansari reiterated Qatars ongoing mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine, aiming to reach agreements or understandings that would reunite children with their families. He emphasized Qatars exploration of all possible avenues to enhance its role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, including discussions on prisoner exchanges and achieving partial agreements to mitigate the severity of the war.

He affirmed Qatars unwavering and transparent support for Lebanon during its various challenges and crises. He highlighted the need for an international effort to reconstruct not only Lebanon but all areas and cities affected by the significant escalation in the region.

Dr. Al Ansari called on the international community to pay attention to the situation in Sudan, noting that emerging conflicts worldwide might have diverted attention from the crisis there. He referenced the 45th Ordinary Session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), recently held in Kuwait, which underscored the importance of preserving Sudan's sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity, while alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.

He affirmed the State of Qatar's readiness to support peaceful resolution efforts in Sudan in collaboration with all relevant parties, pointing out that ongoing initiatives require further support from mediators.

In the context of meetings and coordination with regional and international partners, Dr. Al Ansari highlighted the visit of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to Egypt last Wednesday. During the visit, His Excellency met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and held discussions with Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Aty.

Dr. Al Ansari noted that these meetings discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance cooperation in political, economic, investment, trade, and humanitarian fields, and addressed the latest regional developments, particularly in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as the truce agreement in Lebanon.

He also referred to a phone call held by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan last Sunday. The call dealt with bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Turkiye, ways to support and develop it, the latest developments in the region, and various topics of mutual interest.

Dr. Al Ansari highlighted the visit of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hungary last Wednesday. During the visit, His Excellency was received by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and an official meeting and joint discussions were held between the two sides.

During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly press briefing, Al Ansari noted that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar’s readiness to enhance its partnership with Europe and strengthen mutual relations and interests. The visit also dealt with bilateral cooperation and explored ways to further support and develop it across all fields, particularly in economic matters.

He mentioned that Hungarian President Katalin Novak awarded HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani the Order of Merit, in recognition of Qatar’s leading role in regional and international arenas and its efforts in resolving armed conflicts through peaceful means. This prestigious honor, one of Hungary's highest, is awarded by the president to individuals who make outstanding contributions in areas such as culture, arts, science, and public service.

On another note, Al Ansari mentioned that the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs led Qatar's delegation to the Cairo Ministerial Conference to Enhance Humanitarian Response in Gaza, held in Cairo last Monday.

He highlighted that HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast position during her speech at the conference. She emphasized Qatar’s commitment to supporting efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza residents, advocating for a ceasefire, and opening humanitarian corridors.

Her Excellency also participated in the Arab consultative meeting held on the sidelines of the Cairo Ministerial Conference, where discussions focused on key regional developments, especially the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The meeting emphasized the importance of de-escalation and restoring calm in the region through an immediate ceasefire. Other topics included developments in Lebanon and Syria. On the sidelines of the conference, Her Excellency met with Australian Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Tim Watts and UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds.

Al Ansari also noted the participation of HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi in the ministerial meeting of the G7 and Arab partners in Fiuggi, Italy, on November 25. The saw His Excellency deliver a speech emphasizing that stability in the Middle East is not just a regional issue but a global necessity.

In his address, HE outlined the State of Qatar’s approach to stability in the region, based on three principles: mediation, investment in human development, and sustainable economic cooperation. He reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to work alongside all parties to invest in a shared future and contribute with sincerity and determination.

Dr. Al Ansari also noted the participation of HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the opening session of the 11th Gulf Studies Forum, organized by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. In his speech, His Excellency emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains central to Arab and Islamic nations and called on all international parties to work seriously toward achieving this shared goal and avoiding further escalation of violence.

He reiterated the State of Qatar's firm position in supporting the Palestinian people's right to remain on their land and determine their future, emphasizing that Qatar will spare no effort to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause.

In another context, Dr. Al Ansari welcomed the State of Qatar’s statement issued last Wednesday regarding the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Qatar expressed hope that the agreement would lead to a similar ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Israeli aggression in the occupied West Bank. The statement underscored Qatar’s aspiration for all parties to commit to an immediate cessation of military operations and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, paving the way for broader consensus to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  also announced that Qatar’s humanitarian aid to Lebanon continues through its airlift operations. On Monday, a Qatari Amiri Air Force aircraft arrived at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport carrying 32 tons of aid in cooperation with the UNHCR. This brings the total aid delivered to 437 tons across 17 military aircraft.