Media Center

Sochi, Russia, September 11, 2025

The State of Qatar participated on Thursday in the 8th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Russian Federation, held in Sochi, Russia.
The Qatari delegation was headed by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
In his address on behalf of Qatar, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs stated that Qatar was subjected to a treacherous attack, which reflects an example of organized state terrorism carried out by the Israeli entity under the leadership of its Prime Minister, as part of systematic policies aimed at destabilizing regional security and stability. He affirmed that Qatar will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and has formed a legal team to take all necessary measures in response to this attack.
HE Al Muraikhi held the Israeli government fully responsible for escalating regional tensions and the severe consequences of its hostile policies, which threaten to undermine all paths to a peaceful resolution in the region. He stressed that Qatar will continue working with its strategic partners to uphold justice as the foundation for lasting peace and defend international legality that protects peoples' rights to self-determination and dignity.
He highlighted that the meeting is taking place amid the ongoing acts of genocide committed by the Israeli occupation in Gaza, which go beyond killing and revenge, aiming to undermine the Palestinian cause entirely and prevent establishment of an independent Palestinian state through forced displacement and land seizure.
HE Al Muraikhi reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast support for the Palestinian people and its continued political and humanitarian efforts with regional and international partners to achieve an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, end the occupation, and realize a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He praised the Russian Federation's stance and efforts in resolving the Palestinian issue and ensuring Palestinians obtain their legitimate rights.
He also emphasized Qatar's ongoing mediation efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully, including mediation between Hamas and Israeli entity.
HE Al Muraikhi reiterated that Qatar had been targeted by a treacherous Israeli attack during negotiation sessions, resulting in the loss of innocent lives in blatant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and international norms. He described the attack as state terrorism reflecting arrogance and disregard for international peace and security and called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations to hold Israel accountable and enforce compliance with international law.
On the bilateral front, HE Al Muraikhi reaffirmed Qatar commitment to building international cooperation and highlighted the strategic partnership with Russia, which has developed significantly in energy, security, and economic sectors. He expressed appreciation for the joint action plan adopted at the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue in July 2023, which set ambitious cooperation goals through 2028, enhancing coordination between the two sides and advancing regional development and humanitarian initiatives.
He also highlighted Qatar's balanced approach combining firmness against aggression and focusing on peaceful solutions, exemplified by its efforts, in cooperation with Russia and Ukraine, to reunite 107 children with their families, reflecting Qatar's vision that justice and dialogue are the only paths to lasting stability, unlike power-driven policies that fuel regional conflict.
HE Al Muraikhi extended sincere thanks to HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov for the warm hospitality and hosting of the 8th Joint Ministerial Meeting, which reinforces ongoing cooperation and strengthens strategic relations. He also thanked the State of Kuwait, currently holding the GCC presidency, and the GCC Secretariat for their efforts in preparing the meeting, emphasizing Qatar's commitment to promoting constructive strategic dialogue between the GCC and Russia in service of the region's peoples and future.