Qatar to Host Global Security Forum 2026: Comprehensive Regional Dialogue Needed for Sustainable Peace

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened yesterday the proceedings of the 2026 Global Security Forum in its eighth edition, under the theme “The Future of Alliances,” which will last for three days.

The forum is attended by a number of senior officials and prominent figures from more than 100 countries to discuss the future of alliances and collective security.

This year’s edition takes place at a critical juncture for international security, as existing alliances and international institutions face increasing pressure due to geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and shifts in global partnerships.

According to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the forum provides decision-makers with an opportunity to exchange views, assess emerging security challenges, and explore practical ways to enhance international cooperation.

During a panel discussion titled “The Future of Alliances: Building Lasting Regional Security,” Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman, expressed hope that current efforts would lead to a settlement and agreement among the parties involved in the conflict. He clarified that, following such an agreement, work must be undertaken to achieve sustainable peace in relations between Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

Sheikh Saud added that achieving lasting peace requires launching a comprehensive regional dialogue involving all relevant parties in the region, along with Pakistan and Turkey, in consultation with our international allies.

He explained that the threats faced by Qatar since June 2025 can be classified into three main categories: violations of our national sovereignty resulting from external attacks; disruptions to energy supplies from Qatar and GCC states to the world; and the spillover effects of other conflicts into our region.

Regarding energy supply disruptions, he noted that the importance of Qatar and the GCC states extends beyond supplying the world with energy and its derivatives, despite the significance of this role. Any disruption to these supplies would affect consumers worldwide and lead to cost increases everywhere.

He pointed out that Qatar conducted a comprehensive review of its defense system last year, identifying three main priority areas: developing and enhancing air defense capabilities to counter aerial threats, including ballistic missiles; strengthening counter-drone capabilities and measures; and developing cyber protection and electronic warfare capabilities, which are considered defense priorities.

He announced that he would soon reveal a new partnership with regional partners, involving the launch of new initiatives aimed at building and developing defensive capabilities in these three areas and other related fields.

He added that events during this conflict have proven that most GCC states, particularly in the field of air defense, have been able to counter more than 90% of attacks, thanks to the exchange of expertise and the development of defensive capabilities that we have worked on in cooperation with the United States over the past thirty to forty years.

He affirmed support for mediation efforts led by Pakistan, working in an integrated manner with them, and cooperating with other partners, including the Sultanate of Oman, noting that these are joint and integrated efforts that require teamwork to achieve the desired results.

When asked about imposing fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, he stated that GCC states, along with Qatar, have clearly articulated their position: no fees should be imposed on ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz unless based on provisions of international law. He emphasized: “Our position is clear: no”

The possibility of imposing tolls on ships transiting the strait.