Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani speaking during the UN Security Council debate.
New York: The State of Qatar reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the UN Security Council and all international partners to strengthen dialogue and mediation efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, while continuing to expand its bilateral and international humanitarian and development partnerships to help break the cycle of conflict.
This came in a statement delivered by Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East, Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace” in New York.
Her Excellency stressed that mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes remain a cornerstone to Qatar’s foreign policy, firmly rooted in its Permanent Constitution and unwavering commitment to the UN Charter.
She highlighted Qatar’s sustained contribution to peaceful conflict resolution efforts across the Middle East and beyond, reflected in its successful mediation initiatives, including facilitating ceasefire agreements, prisoner exchanges, and peace accords in various regions of the world.
Regarding developments in the Gulf region, she noted that Qatar continues intensive diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, achieved through the valued mediation efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
She emphasized the importance of preventing renewed escalation and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to shield the region from the consequences of further tensions.
Her Excellency added that Qatar has underscored the necessity for all parties to respond positively to ongoing mediation efforts, paving the way for resolving the crisis through peaceful means and constructive dialogue that prevents a return to escalation.
In this context, she reiterated Qatar’s call for full compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions 552 and 2817, stressing the Council’s responsibility to uphold and enforce its mandates. The Permanent Representative firmly stated that Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attacks targeting the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the State of Kuwait, considering them a flagrant violations of sovereignty and clear breaches of international law.
She further emphasized that any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz or impose legal restrictions on freedom of navigation through it would constitute a violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Qatar, she said, reiterates the imperative of preserving freedom of navigation and the right of safe passage through the Strait as a vital international waterway.
