Doha, 4 December 2023(TDI): Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, chaired the 158th Preparatory Ministerial Council meeting of the 44th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Doha.
The conference, which was attended by GCC Foreign Ministers and the GCC Secretary-General, focused on GCC collaboration activities to achieve common goals.
Prime Minister Al Thani reiterated the Council’s commitment to submitting common goals to the Supreme Council’s 44th session, by GCC leaders’ directives. The goal is to improve regional and global security and stability.
Condemnation of Israeli Aggression
The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have expressed deep grief over the Israeli occupation’s brutal aggression and horrific acts against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, amidst the Council’s profound observation of the situation.
However, this Israeli aggression involves targeting civilians, infrastructure, and essential services, causing Palestinians to face genocide, ethnic cleansing, or forced relocation, all of which are war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Qatar’s Prime Minister criticized Israeli occupation offenses and called for a swift, impartial international investigation into attacks on civilian, relief, and humanitarian facilities, ensuring accountability and punishment for perpetrators.
He highlighted the successful mediation efforts between Israel and the Hamas movement, leading to a humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of hostages between both sides, highlighting Qatar’s unwavering commitment to ending the retaliation war.
He added that the humanitarian pause allowed the largest amount of aid to enter Gaza, and Qatar plans to work with participating countries to restore the pause until a lasting truce is reached.
International Diplomacy and Two-state Solution
Additionally, Al Thani appreciated the extensive visits and meetings with foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, including members of the Riyadh summit’s ministerial committee.
They urged the Security Council to put an end to the Gaza war and compel Israel to return to substantive talks for a just Palestinian solution.
Reports show that the international community and Palestinians have agreed on a two-state solution that demands the end of the siege and the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.
During the summit, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister emphasized the strategic importance and exceptional standing of the GCC Council at regional and international levels and urged the members to strengthen their position by promoting cooperation, coordination, and partnership.
Additionally, Qatar is hosting the Horticultural Expo 2023 in Doha to promote a balanced environmental world. This event is part of Qatar’s efforts to balance development needs with natural resource protection, aiming to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which includes a comprehensive environmental vision as one of its pillars.
Also Read: Riyadh triumph to host 2030 World Expo
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani complimented the UAE on the successful start of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which is regarded as a significant contribution to ending this significant global challenge.
At the session’s conclusion, Al Thani emphasized Qatar’s support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
Qatar, on the other hand, believes that Saudi Arabia will host an exceptional FIFA World Cup and is willing to support the Kingdom’s efforts. Qatar is also ready to assist the Kingdom in its efforts.
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