Emir of Qatar: Security of Gulf states, protection of their sovereignty and stability is 'a matter that cannot be overlooked or ignored'

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stated on Tuesday that the security of the region and the world are interconnected, and that instability in any place cannot be isolated from the rest of the world, emphasizing the necessity of continued cooperation and coordination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

During his speech at the opening of the second regular session of the second legislative term of the 55th annual session of the Shura Council, the Emir of Qatar clarified that Qatar and the region have faced exceptional events that once again demonstrated the resilience of state institutions, social cohesion, and the ability to handle crises efficiently and responsibly.

He added that “the security of GCC states, the protection of their sovereignty, and their stability are matters that cannot be overlooked or treated with laxity, and they impose on us the need to double our efforts to ensure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and to protect energy and water facilities and civilian infrastructure.”

The Emir of Qatar noted that his country has shouldered three responsibilities simultaneously during this crisis: protecting its sovereignty, fulfilling its role in global energy security and the economy, and keeping diplomatic channels open. He explained that Qatar’s strategy for bearing these responsibilities consisted of four main elements.

He clarified that these core elements are: firmly defending the homeland without being drawn into war; maintaining services, supply chains, and the economic cycle; contributing to efforts to achieve a ceasefire and open waterways; and seeking opportunities to return to negotiations to reach peaceful solutions to the conflict.

He pointed out that Qatar provides about one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, and that any disruption to it quickly impacts markets and consumers everywhere. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the direct damage sustained by some energy facilities in the industrial city of Ras Laffan led to the disruption of a significant portion of the state’s exports.

Sheikh Tamim emphasized the commitment to continuing the growth of non-hydrocarbon sectors to reach a contribution of approximately 80 percent of real GDP, adding that the state has placed the protection of human life, securing people’s needs, and enhancing economic activity at the top of its priorities.

He indicated that the national economy faced this crisis from a strong base, having achieved real growth of 2.9 percent in 2025, with the inflation rate stabilized at an average of 0.5 percent annually, and a current account surplus.

The Emir of Qatar said it was natural for the crisis to negatively affect public finances, as total revenues fell by 42 percent during the first half of the year, while public expenditures decreased by 14 percent, without affecting basic services or developmental priorities.

He stressed that the goal is for recovery to serve as a springboard to accelerate economic diversification and strengthen national capabilities, pointing to a package of projects and investment opportunities valued at approximately 221 billion riyals (about $60 billion) over the next five years.

In the energy sector, Sheikh Tamim confirmed that the expansion of the North Field project is proceeding according to the planned schedule to increase the state’s LNG production capacity. He also noted that the Golden Pass project in the United States has made significant progress, while QatarEnergy’s investments and international partnerships are expanding in parallel with the development of petrochemical industries, solar energy projects, and the enhancement of water security.

He highlighted Qatar’s regional leadership in the 2026 Food System Resilience Index, while noting that Qatar’s territory was subjected to an Iranian attack, in a blatant violation of its sovereignty, international law, and principles of good neighborliness.

The Emir of Qatar praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for fulfilling their duty to defend the homeland, recalling the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense of Qatar.

The Emir of Qatar stated that “adherence to dialogue and peaceful solutions does not imply laxity in defending our country, nor does our right to defend our sovereignty conflict with our commitment to preventing the war’s scope from widening,” noting that Qatar has always preferred to resolve disputes through dialogue, negotiation, and diplomatic means.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, he affirmed that it remains at the forefront of our priorities, emphasizing that what has occurred in the Gaza Strip is, beyond doubt, genocide, and those responsible must not escape accountability.

Sheikh Tamim warned of the dangers stemming from the ongoing aggressive practices of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, including recent settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, backed by occupation forces, as well as repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and violations of international law, the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law.

He reiterated Qatar’s steadfast position on finding solutions to regional crises in Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia through necessary political agreements that are comprehensive and just, preserve territorial integrity and unity, and safeguard the interests of peoples in security and stability.