(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
Qatar participated in the Annual Co-ordination Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) Member States on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi represented Qatar in the meeting.
In his remark, HE al-Muraikhi clarified that the convention of the meeting annually during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly reflects the importance of the organisation as a group that has prominent status on the international stage, and represents an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of fulfilling the aspirations of its peoples by joint action, adding that it should be guided by the principles of solidarity, partnership, collective approach, effective coordination and good governance with adherence to the national ownership.
He noted that the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem are considered a priority for Qatar, pointing out that the events that transpired during the past year, especially the storming of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation forces in the holy month of Ramadan, and the assault against the defenceless worshippers there, including the obstruction of praying in the Mosque provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims.
He highlighted the importance of settling the conflicts peacefully, which is constantly pursued by Qatar which exerts its entire sincere efforts for the sake of that, including through mediation and good endeavours. He clarified that Qatar has achieved multiple accomplishments in this regard, particularly in OIC states, pointing out that Qatar had the honour to host the talks between the brothers in Chad, which culminated with the signing of the Doha agreement for peace in Chad. He expressed aspiration to build on these steps to lay the foundations of sustainable peace.
HE al-Muraikhi stressed the need to confront the phenomenon of Islamophobia, highlighting the partnership between Qatar and the OIC countries in adopting the General Assembly resolution on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in March, which reflects the country's deep concern about the increasing acts of violence, incitement and discrimination against Muslims worldwide as well as its commitment to promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect. He hailed the tireless efforts exerted by Qatar to foster these values in a bid to create an environment conducive to peace and stability in societies, through enhancing interfaith dialogue, supporting education and using sport as a means to spread tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
HE al-Muraikhi noted that Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup due in November is the first time for an Islamic country to host this tournament, pointing out that this is a source of pride for Muslim youth everywhere. He expressed Qatar's pride in the achievements it has made at various levels in preparation for a successful hosting of this historic event. Qatar maintains a high level of development and humanitarian aid at the international level, including support for many OIC member states, he said, highlighting Qatar's hosting of the second part of the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC-V), due to be held from March 5-9, 2023.
He said that the negative repercussions of climate change posed a threat to the OIC countries like other countries, noting that Qatar pays the necessary attention to this issue, highlighting the country's various measures at the local and international levels, including the development of related technologies, clean energy, enhancing environmental sustainability and supporting research and development initiatives in this respect.
Qatar plays a leading role in bolstering international efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism, he said, reiterating Qatar's condemnation of all acts of terrorism whenever and wherever they are committed and regardless of their motives and justifications, including the use of terrorist methods with racial, ethnic or ideological motives. At the same time, Qatar refuses to exploit the fight against terrorism to achieve political ends or to link terrorism to a particular religion, including Islam, HE al-Muraikhi noted.
HE al-Muraikhi stressed that Qatar, as it has always supported the just causes of the Islamic world and is committed to collective action within the framework of the OIC, will continue its usual positive policy and efforts, in accordance with the lofty message of Islam, and based on the OIC Charter to achieve the objectives for which it was established.
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