Active Diplomacy Enhancing Qatar's Position in 2022

Doha, December 31 (QNA) - The year 2022 witnessed Qatari achievements at all levels, which made it an exceptional year added to Qatar's tally of successes, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. 2022, witnessed active diplomacy, and tireless work that strengthened Qatar's position regionally and internationally. The march of Qatari achievements culminated in the organization of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which Qatar hosted from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18. HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, patronized the opening of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Al Bayt Stadium this evening. HH the Amir announced the opening of the tournament saying: "From Qatar, from an Arab country, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022. We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity. Finally, we have reached the opening day, the day that you have been eagerly waiting for." HH the Amir added: " Starting from this evening, and for a period of twenty-eight days, we will follow, and with us the whole world, God willing, the great football festival, in this spacious ambience for human and civilized communication. People of different races, nationalities, faiths and orientations will gather here in Qatar, and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments. How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time. I wish all the participating teams a magnificent football performance, high sportsmanship, and a time full of joy, excitement and delight for you all. And let there be days that are inspiring with goodness and hope. Welcome and good luck to all." The year 2022 witnessed many summit meetings between HH the Amir and the leaders of brotherly and friendly countries. On January 31, 2022, HH the Amir, and HE President Joe Biden, President of the friendly United States of America, discussed the close strategic bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and ways to develop and enhance it in various fields. They also discussed during the meeting held at the White House the most important regional and international developments. His Highness stressed that the year 2022 is very important, as it marks the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States, expressing his pride in these strong relations and what the two countries have achieved since their establishment. As for HE the US President, he described the State of Qatar as "a dear friend and a reliable and capable partner." His Excellency also expressed his thanks to HH the Amir for the visit, and his commitment to the friendly relations between the two countries and the two friendly peoples. On February 5, HH the Amir, and HE President of the friendly People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, held an official session of talks, in the Great Hall of the People in the capital, Beijing. In the official talks session held by HH the Amir and HE President Xi Jinping, President of the friendly People's Republic of China, HH the Amir noted the importance of the talks with the Chinese President in promoting and strengthening joint strategic cooperation in a way that serves the common interests of the two friendly countries and peoples, in various fields, especially the economy and energy, industry, and tourism. His Highness also attended the opening ceremony of the 24th Winter Olympic Games under the slogan "Together for a Common Future" at the National Stadium "Bird's Nest" in the capital, Beijing. On May 12, HH the Amir and HE President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, held an official session of talks. During the session, they discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries in the political, economic and trade fields, in addition to enhancing prospects for bilateral cooperation in the sectors of tourism, investment, transportation and communication. HH the Amir also visited the sisterly Republic of Turkey and discussed with his brother, HE President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey, the existing strategic relations between the two brotherly countries, and ways to develop them in various fields. In May 2022, HH the Amir, began an official visit to the friendly Republic of Slovenia, as part of a European tour that also included the Kingdom of Spain, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the United Kingdom, in addition to His Highnesses participation in the World Economic Forum in the Swiss city of Davos. During the tour, HH the Amir held talks with the leaders and senior officials of these countries, which included ways to enhance bilateral relations and aspects of cooperation between the State of Qatar and their countries, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international developments of common interest, a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed between the two sides in various fields. During the visit of HH the Amir, to the French capital, Paris, on May 29, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE President Emmanuel Macron, President of the friendly French Republic, discussed strengthening the existing friendship and joint cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and develop them in various fields. During the working dinner hosted by HE the French President for HH the Amir in Paris, the most important regional and international developments of interest to the two countries were reviewed. On the occasion of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the city of Kigali in the friendly Republic of Rwanda on June 24, HH the Amir met with HE President Paul Kagame of the friendly Republic of Rwanda. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways of developing and enhancing them in various fields, and the most prominent regional and international developments of common interest. On June 25, an official session of talks was held in Cairo between HH the Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and his brother, HE President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt, during which they discussed bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields. During the visit of HH the Amir to the brotherly People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, HH the Amir, met his brother, HE President of the brotherly People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune. During the visit, His Highness attended the opening ceremony of the 19th Mediterranean Games, Oran 2022. In light of the state visit that HH the Amir made to the Czech Republic, His Highness, and HE President of the friendly Czech Republic Milos Zeman, held an official talks session at the presidential residence in Prague Castle in the Czech Republic on October 5. During joint press statements with HE the Czech President, His Highness announced the intention of the State of Qatar in the coming months to open a resident embassy in the capital, Prague, which will move the bilateral relations between the two countries to a new stage of cooperation and partnership. On October 13, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, participated in the sixth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), at the Independence Palace in Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. HH the Amir, and his brother, HE President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also chaired the meeting of the eighth session of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, at Dolmabahce Palace on October 14. The speeches delivered by HH the Amir, during his participation in different events in 2022, have reiterated the State of Qatar's firm positions in its foreign policy. Those speeches also served as calls for the international community to shoulder its responsibilities towards the international issues and crises; most importantly the Palestinian cause, the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis. During his participation in the opening session of DAVOS Forum, HH the Amir delivered a speech calling for examining, repairing, and enforcing the framework for peace, as well as sending a re-assuring message to people around the world that "Only through unity we can overcome the conflict that divides us." "Qatar firmly rejects the aggression on the sovereignty of States, and any act that would constitute a violation of international law. We stand in solidarity with the millions of innocent refugees who are victims of this European war, and with the victims, of all the other wars taking place, right now. Victims of every race, nationality, and religion. I want us to help all of them," HH the Amir said. "As we rightly-apply laser-focus to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis, I hope we can equally give as much attention and effort to resolving, all those forgotten or ignored conflicts. They all deserve peace, security, and dignity," His Highness added. HH the Amir went on saying: "The most glaring example, is in Palestine, which has been an open wound, since the establishment of the United Nations. Those families have been occupied for decades, with no relief in sight. The escalation, in illegal settlement aggression, has been relentless, and the same goes for the continual attacks against the Palestinian people. I keep praying that the world wakes up, to the injustice, and violence, and finally acts." Asserting that the World Peace cannot be realized without balanced and fair economy based on respect for market mechanisms, and curbing successive crises resulting from conflicts and wars, especially the war in Ukraine, Doha hosted the Doha Economic Forum 2022 in cooperation with Bloomberg, and HH the Amir patronized the opening of the forum which was held under the slogan "Equalizing Global Recovery". At the opening of the forum, HH the Amir delivered a speech underlining that COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the size of the gap between the rich and poor nations, and contributed to its expansion, especially during the faltering efforts to achieve development and reduce poverty. His Highness added that the international community must adopt an approach that could translate words and goodwill into practical steps that could achieve equality in economic recovery among countries and salvage the sustainable development goals in a way that could support the poor peoples and those suffering from turmoil and wars. The international community must adopt an approach that could translate words and goodwill into practical steps that could achieve equality in economic recovery among countries and salvage the sustainable development goals in a way that could support the poor peoples and those suffering from turmoil and wars, His Highness. Qatar assumes its responsibility as an active partner in the international community to confront climate change in its various economic, environmental and social dimensions. Qatar has been one of the pioneering and leading countries at the global level to establish the "Net-Zero Producers Forum," which is an international initiative aimed at cementing the principles upon which the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was concluded, especially in the field of developing practical strategies to reduce carbon emissions to net zero emissions, promoting a circular economy approach, and developing energy technologies, HH the Amir added. The participation of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in the Jeddah Security and Development Summit on July 16, with the participation of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC), Jordan, Egypt, Iraq and the United States of America, reflected the importance of the summit and the items on the leaders' agenda, in a summit held in light of the many challenges facing the region and the world. This large participation of the leaders of the region's countries in the American summit with (GCC countries + 3) represented an opportunity to reach common understandings with the United States on the most important dossiers and challenges, in a way that enhances efforts aimed at achieving security, peace, stability and prosperity. The speech of HH the Amir came to confirm the Qatari position calling for the necessity of linking security to development, and clearly demonstrates the importance of achieving stability in the Gulf region, as His Highness stressed the importance of Gulf, and Arab relations in general, with the United States, and the need to preserve and deepen them. HH the Amir noted the pivotal role of the United States in the Middle East and the world. His Highness added that achieving stability in the Gulf region is necessary not only for it, but for the entire international community, affirming the firm position to spare the Gulf region, and the Middle East in general, the dangers of nuclear armament, whilst recognizing the right of the region's states the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with international rules. HH the Amir also stressed the need to resolve differences in the region through dialogue based on respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, promoting common interests, and sharing responsibilities. On September 20, 2022, HH the Amir participated in the opening session of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held in New York City, in the presence of Their Majesties, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Heads of Delegations, governmental and non-governmental organizations. In his speech before the General Assembly, HH the Amir presented a deep analysis of the problems and challenges facing the contemporary world and identifying the best solutions to face these exceptional circumstances. HH the Amir said that international politics are still managed according to the logic of variation amongst countries' capabilities, interests, and priorities, and not according to the logic of one world and one humanity. Reminding the world of the centrality of the Palestinian issue, HH the Amir said in his speech that states' delegates present need not to be reminded that the Palestinian issue is still unresolved, and that in light of the lack of implementation of the resolutions of international legitimacy, as well as the Israeli Occupation's adoption of a policy of imposing a fait accompli that is constantly changing the facts on the ground, which may change the rules of the conflict, and future global solidarity. HH the Amir reaffirmed his full solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people in their aspiration for justice, reaffirming the need for the UN Security Council to assume its responsibility to compel Israel to end the occupation of the Palestinian lands, and to establish a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. On the well-established Qatari approach of conflict resolution through genuine mediation, HH the Amir said that Qatar's approach is to focus on national development and human development internally, and on a foreign policy based on balancing interests and principles, as well as on mediation in resolving conflicts by peaceful means and being aware of Qatar's responsibility as an energy supplier, which enabled Qatar to establish its reputation as a reliable partner internationally. HH the Amir delivered a speech on the occasion of the opening of the Second Ordinary Session of the First Legislative Term, Corresponding to Shura Council's 51st Annual Session on October 25. HH the Amir said that Qatar's comprehensive development remains the supreme goal that the state is working on achieving and is steadily moving forward in fulfilling its requirements at all levels, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its desired goals. His Highness added that governmental agencies, public bodies, institutions and companies are being reorganized to increase their efficiency, and the expansion of the use of electronic systems to ensure the effectiveness of government performance and the implementation of development plans with the necessary efficiency and speed to in service of the citizens. HH the Amir added that Qatar has undergone legislative advancement, creating basic laws to regulate the various aspects of life in the country. In order to enhance joint Arab action, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani headed the delegation of the State of Qatar to participate in the meetings of the 31st Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Summit Level, which was held on November first, in Algiers, the capital of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. HH the Amir also headed the State of Qatar's delegation to the 43rd Session of the GCC Supreme Council, and the Gulf-China Gulf Summit for Cooperation and Development on December 8, in the Capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. The year 2022 witnessed the consolidation of distinguished strategic partnerships and relations between the State of Qatar and the countries of the world. In this context, the State of Qatar and US held in November the 5th Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue, which discussed a number of regional and international issues, especially the developments in Palestine, negotiations to return to the joint action plan, developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, food and energy security, and cooperation in the field of human rights, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest. 2022 have also seen effective movement and fruitful cooperation, within the framework of the well-established strategic partnership between the State of Qatar and the United Nations, stemming from the insightful universal and humanitarian vision of the wise leadership, which prioritizes support for the United Nations in light of the deep and accelerating international challenges and upheavals. In March, the State of Qatar was selected to host the second part of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, a new testimony from the international community about the success of the State of Qatar, and a reflection of the importance of the Qatari role in supporting international efforts to combat poverty, epidemics, and different global challenges. The first part of the Conference, held in New York, also adopted the Doha Work Program for the Least Developed Countries, as the program represents a road map for reform, and sets ambitious tools and measures to ensure that more resources are made available to help the least developed countries recover and bring about the desired change. In 2022, the State of Qatar, represented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, signed with the United Nations, represented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a declaration of intent to establish a Doha-based international training and research center, specialized in combating human trafficking, and supervised by the UN. The center will work on preparing a database and information that records legislation related to combating human trafficking, the process of monitoring its violations, and submitting and publishing international reports related to this field, in a way that contributes to the activation of United Nations mechanisms and standards in various countries. The State of Qatar was elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency for the period 2022-2024, during the 66th annual general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. Despites the challenges facing the Arab region, the Palestinian issue remains a top priority for the State of Qatar, as Qatar works in all international forums to call on the international community for a permanent, just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue, on the basis of international legitimacy, UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. In this context, the State of Qatar participated in the ministerial meeting of the main partners of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which was held in September, on the sidelines of the 77th of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The State of Qatar is the first Arab country to sign a multi-year agreement with the agency to support UNRWA's basic resources. An added achievement to the record of Qatari diplomatic successes, the State of Qatar culminated its mediation by sponsoring the signing of the Chadian parties to the Doha Peace Agreement, following talks that engaged 50 Chadian military and political groups. Qatar also welcomed hosting a round of indirect talks between the US and Iran to revive the nuclear deal signed in 2015. Doha also hosted a tripartite meeting between of delegations from Qatar, Turkey and Afghan caretaker government on the management and operation of Kabul International Airport. Within the framework of Qatar's role in supporting brotherly and friendly countries during times of crises, the State of Qatar provided relief assistance throughout 2022, part of Qatar's continuous pledge to mitigate the impact of humanitarian crises, medical pandemics, and those related to climate change. On the part of Qatar's aid and pledges this year, the State of Qatar announced last March an additional commitment of USD 25 million to support the humanitarian response in Afghanistan, and launched an air bridge from Qatar to Kabul, through which more than 700 tons of food and urgent medical aid were transported, with the help of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Charity, and the Qatar Red Crescent, and in cooperation with UN agencies. The State of Qatar also announced the allocation of USD 5 million, through the Qatar Fund for Development, for humanitarian aid to support Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons, based on its moral responsibility, stressing that the difficult humanitarian situation faced by millions of refugees due to continued escalation and tension, demanding the solidarity of the international community to develop plans in response to their urgent needs. On May 10, the State of Qatar announced a contribution of USD 50 million to support the Syrian people, with Qatari aid to the Syrian people exceeding USD 2 billion since the beginning of the crisis, whether through government aid, civil society organizations, humanitarian and charitable societies, and Qatari donor institutions. Last July, the Qatar Fund for Development signed an agreement with the World Food Program (WFP) to support basic supplies to meet basic food security needs at a value of USD 10 million, with this agreement serving as a continuation of the fulfilment of the State of Qatar's commitment to fund basic supplies at a value of USD 500 million, in support of the United Nations' organizations, as was announced during the Doha Forum 2018. QFFD and the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict also signed an agreement under which the State of Qatar supports the office's extra-budgetary resources by USD 1 million for the period (2022-2023). Qatar also supported the establishment and financing of the office's Analysis and Communication Center in Doha, in order to support mediation and capacity building to end and prevent grave violations against children in armed conflicts. In order to mitigate the effects of the Ukrainian war and the grain shortage crisis, the State of Qatar pledged USD 12 million in humanitarian aid in the Horn of Africa, noting that millions of people in the countries of that region face the threat of famine, and enormous challenges resulting from the deteriorating conditions due to drought, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The State of Qatar also announced its contribution of USD 20 million in support of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program, which aims to help African countries obtain Ukrainian food exports, as a form of the State of Qatar's commitment to being a reliable international partner, by supporting collective initiatives and international multilateral action. During the year 2022, Qatari grants to the Gaza Strip in cooperation with the United Nations continued, to mitigate the effects of the humanitarian situation in the Strip. (QNA)