Doha: The State of Qatar participated today in a joint summit of leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Iraq, the Lebanese Republic, the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Armenia, and the European Union, held virtually.
The Qatari delegation to the summit was headed by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
During the summit, discussions focused on the escalating military situation in the region and its serious repercussions for regional and international security and stability, as well as ways to bring the parties back to the negotiating table to resolve the crisis through diplomatic means.
In his address to the summit, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar's strong condemnation of Iran's targeting of Qatari territory with ballistic missiles and drones, emphasising that the attacks constitute "a blatant violation of our national sovereignty, a direct attack on our security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region."
His Excellency commended the Qatari Armed Forces for their effective response to the ongoing Iranian attacks, stating that their vigilance and defensive capabilities ensured the protection of our nation and the effective containment of the effects of these attacks.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also affirmed that the State of Qatar is fully prepared to defend its territory, protect its people, and safeguard its vital infrastructure.
His Excellency added, "We have complete confidence in the strength and readiness of our armed forces, and we continue to work with our partners to maintain stability and security in the region."
His Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar’s strongest condemnation of the attacks on the sovereign territories of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Iraq, the Republic of Lebanon, the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Cyprus.
He affirmed the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with these countries in all measures they take to preserve their sovereignty, security, and stability.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that these attacks undermine the principles of mediation and dialogue that the Sultanate of Oman has consistently championed and promoted in the region.
His Excellency commended the statement issued by the European Union, which reflects the strength of relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the European Union, calls for de-escalation, and affirms the commitment of the European Union and its member states to protecting regional security and stability, particularly energy security, and ensuring freedom of navigation in accordance with international maritime regulations for commercial and civilian vessels.
His Excellency explained that the current situation not only affects one country but also threatens the security of the entire region, exposing global energy markets and supply chains to serious risks.
He continued, "Qatar has always been a reliable and responsible energy producer, committed to its obligations and a trusted supplier to its partners around the world. We remain firmly committed to our customers and the stability of global energy markets. However, the current circumstances, including the attacks on our facilities and the challenges facing maritime navigation in the Gulf, necessitate temporary measures to protect the safety of our energy infrastructure personnel and those supporting it. These steps are based on our responsibility to protect lives and vital assets, and we will resume full supply as soon as the situation stabilizes and the security and safety of our facilities and infrastructure are confirmed."
He also noted that the attacks targeted sovereign territory, endangered the civilian population, and damaged civilian infrastructure.
His Excellency recalled that the State of Qatar had warned, since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, of the dangers of escalating conflict and the region's descent into a spiral of gradual escalation.
He emphasized that the continuation of the war without a political horizon would lead to further regional tensions and entanglements.
His Excellency affirmed that consolidating stability is a collective responsibility and maintaining international peace a shared duty, adding, "Therefore, the State of Qatar reiterates its commitment to working jointly with its regional and international partners, including the European Union, to prevent the spread of tension and de-escalate the situation in order to achieve security and stability in the region. We rely on the European Union to continue its pivotal role in supporting these efforts and contributing to security and stability."
In closing, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his appreciation for Europe's support to the Gulf region in the field of defense, expressing his aspiration to strengthen this cooperation.
