(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's speech at the General Debate of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) perfectly summed up, and highlighted, Qatar's leading role as an internationally reliable facilitator and trustworthy mediator.
While focusing on national and human development internally, His Highness the Amir stressed Qatar's approach also focuses on adopting a foreign policy based on balancing interests and principles, and mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, in addition to being a responsible energy exporter.“This has empowered us to solidify our reputation as an internationally reliable partner,” he said.
In this context, he also underlined the need for an effective global crisis management mechanism that is in line with the fast-changing environmental, economic and military challenges gripping the world.
Over the years, Qatar has built a reputation of being an effective mediator in global issues and crises, and Qatar's assistance in this regard has been sought by international parties on many occasions. This has earned Qatar praise from not only countries around the world, but also from the United Nations.
Key to Qatar's success in international diplomacy and mediation is the fact that the country possesses – and demonstrates - the objectivity and impartiality required to ensure any successful mediation and conflict resolution framework.
It is now generally accepted that Qatar does not take sides but facilitates dialogue between rival parties, leading to settlement of long-running feuds in different parts of the world.
Early last month, Chadian parties signed the Doha Peace Agreement and the Participation of Politico-Military Movements in the Chadian National, Inclusive, and Sovereign Dialogue, under the auspices of Qatar.
The signing of the agreement was a culmination of the negotiations Qatar hosted during the past five months with regional and international participation.
Qatar was also able to host rival Darfur groups and nudge them to sign a peace pact to end years of hostility and bloodshed.
The UN Secretary-General has praised on more than one occasion the role played by His Highness the Amir and the efforts exerted by Qatar in this field, and the Security Council for its part has also lauded several times the role of Qatar in mediation efforts, whether in Afghanistan or elsewhere.
Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, recently affirmed the appreciation and gratitude of the United Nations to Qatar for its mediation in many regional and global conflicts. He highlighted“the critical political role that Qatar has played on the issue of Afghanistan, or on issues less visible sometimes like Chad, or between Iran and the West as a geographical and diplomatic bridge builder. Qatar has really played a central role for us at the United Nations”.
He noted that His Highness the Amir's participation in the 77th session of the UN General Assembly reflects Qatar's commitment to the United Nations and its keenness on achieving the goals of the international organisation.
An example of effective Qatari mediation, and recognition of the same, came earlier this week when the US thanked Qatar for its assistance in the release of American citizen Mark Frerichs, who was abducted in Afghanistan in 2020. A senior administration official said in a statement released by the White House,“We are particularly grateful for Qatar's assistance in this and, frankly, many other matters.' Later Secretary of State Anthony Blinken personally called HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and thanked Qatar for its constructive role in the release of the American captive.
In his speech, His Highness the Amir called upon all parties to preserve and build on the Doha Peace Agreement achievements, namely, preventing Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorist and radical individuals and groups, so that the Afghan people may attain the long-awaited stability and prosperity.
He also rightly called for a ceasefire in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the immediate pursuit of a peaceful solution, while reiterating the pressing need to address the unresolved Palestinian cause. Further, he demanded immediate international action to complete the political process in Libya, and drew the attention of the gathering to the issues faced by Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Sudan, suggesting ways how these could be resolved. He highlighted the necessity of reaching a just agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme. Qatar has been 'unofficially' facilitating dialogue between Iran and the West on the stalled nuclear file, it has been reported.
His Highness the Amir's speech highlighted Qatar's role as an important UN partner through its balanced economic and political relations at all levels, and reaffirmed the country's values and principles in the quest to help achieve peace, security, stability and development around the world.
His Highness the Amir also took the opportunity to tell how Qatar is ready to welcome fans from all over the world during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, stressing that the Qatari people will receive them with open arms.
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