Qatar: Continuation of Communications and Messages to De-escalate Region

Qatar confirmed today that communications and the exchange of messages continue among the various parties to the regional crisis through Doha and its partners in the region, as part of efforts aimed at de-escalation and reaching a peaceful settlement.

Ibrahim bin Sultan Al-Hashemi, director of the Media and Communications Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated during the weekly press briefing that Doha cannot disclose details of ongoing diplomatic moves, but he pointed to the continuation of communications between the parties.

Al-Hashemi emphasized “the continuation of communications, visits, talks, and the exchange of messages between various parties and regional partners to de-escalate tensions and achieve a peaceful solution, given the scale of the crisis and its repercussions on the world.”

He clarified that the magnitude of the conflict and its repercussions, which the world bears, require intensified efforts to end it immediately through a negotiated settlement, noting that ongoing talks take into account the concerns of all parties.

Al-Hashemi declined to comment on the details of proposed initiatives, points of disagreement, or technical aspects of the negotiations, while affirming that diplomatic efforts are ongoing.

Qatar plays a mediating role between Iran and the United States, alongside Pakistan, to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Regarding the Iranian Interior Minister’s visit to Doha and whether it falls within the framework of Qatari mediation, Al-Hashemi said that communications and visits are continuing with the aim of making progress that can be built upon in the coming stages.

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met in Doha this morning with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Moeini, on the occasion of his visit to the country, according to the official Qatar News Agency.

With regard to security developments in the region, Al-Hashemi affirmed “Qatar’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the brotherly kingdom, and its support for all measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”

Tensions in Yemen escalated between government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi group about three months ago, manifesting in the resumption of clashes on several battlefronts and mutual attacks between the Houthis and the Kingdom.

In this context, the Qatari official stated that Qatar supports the Mecca Alliance and other regional initiatives aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region, but he noted that it is too early to discuss Qatar’s potential accession to the alliance.

On August 7 last year, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed an agreement in Mecca for joint defense, stipulating that “any armed attack on any of the three countries is an attack on all.”

On Monday, the three countries decided to immediately move to the practical implementation of their joint defense commitments under the “Mecca Defense Alliance,” including providing troops and military capabilities and their rapid deployment in the Kingdom, according to a joint statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Defense. /End/