Qatar, UK Reaffirm Commitment To Peace, Security, Stability In The Mideast

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) DOHA, Dec 5 (KUNA) -- Qatar and the United Kingdom reaffirmed on Thursday their joint commitment to "advancing peace, security and stability in the Middle East and beyond".
In a joint statement, issued between Qatar and the United Kingdom, marking the official state visit of Qatari Amir sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Kingdom, the two countries commended the strength of the historic partnership between the United Kingdom and the State of Qatar, which has developed substantially in the last decade.
They agreed on an ambitious Future Framework to further strengthen cooperation, raising the ambition and setting a strategic direction for their relationship.
"In turbulent times across the world, we are united in our shared determination to address global challenges through dialogue and diplomacy and to uphold the international rules-based order," reads the statement.
"The UK commends and appreciates Qatar's exceptional mediation efforts globally, most recently in response to the Gaza conflict, and evacuating British citizens from Gaza and Afghanistan. We will continue to work jointly in addressing the most pressing challenges in conflict zones," The statement added.
"Together, we continue to advocate for an immediate and durable ceasefire in Gaza and the de-escalation of regional tensions recognizing the devastating humanitarian toll of ongoing violence.
Both countries called on all parties to embrace a diplomatic resolution: to allow vital humanitarian aid to reach those in need; for all remaining hostages to be released; and to resume coordinated international efforts towards a two-state solution.
"Long term peace and an end to the cycle of violence will only be viable with a sovereign Palestinian state," The statement said.
The UK and Qatar vowed to continue to work alongside international partners, including UNRWA, to support efforts for lasting stability, recovery and reconstruction once a ceasefire is reached.
The UK commends Qatar's support in mediating humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine, including the successful reunification of Ukrainian children with their families.
The statement noted that the UK and Qatar have developed a significant partnership in addressing humanitarian challenges and attaining Sustainable Development Goals.
A major aspect of this collaboration is our development co-funding initiative.
"This reflects both nations' commitment to tackling humanitarian challenges, global health, education and research in order to alleviate poverty and suffering and attain Sustainable Development Goals worldwide. Recent initiatives include joint aid efforts for Gaza, where the UK and Qatar partnered to airlift urgent humanitarian relief," the statement added.
"Our partnership has included providing vital aid and access in Syria, preventing famine and improving livelihoods for thousands of vulnerable families in Somalia, and providing education opportunities to over 625,000 children in Syria".
The two sides also underlined a framework to build on the priorities set out in the 2010 UK-Qatar Dynamic Partnership and subsequent agreements.
"Both leaders agreed to focus bilateral efforts across four priority areas, and they are: a generational security partnership, an expanded economic partnership centered on mutual growth and diverse, modern economies, a joint action and leadership on global issues, and connecting our people," the statement noted.
Both countries said they will use the Strategic Dialogue to take stock of trade and investment; cooperation to address global challenges; progress on mutual growth, technological innovation, transition to sustainable green economy, life sciences, creative industries, cultural cooperation; and to monitor and provide an overview of our closer cooperation and knowledge exchange on conflict resolution.
The UK and Qatar have also agreed a new cyber security MoU which includes building a cyber security skills base, strengthening cyber resilience and further strengthening bilateral security relationship.
"These agreements form a baseline apparatus to address current and future security challenges. Our efforts will be agile and evolve with the changing global security context and emerging technologies, including the risks and potential of AI to transform warfare," the statement added. (end)
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