Global Security Forum kicks off in Doha under the theme 'Future of Alliances'

Doha, October 19 (KUNA) – The Global Security Forum, under the theme “The Future of Alliances,” kicked off today in the Qatari capital, Doha, and will run until October 21.

During a dialogue session titled “The Future of Alliances: Building a Sustainable Regional Security,” Qatari 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 emphasized 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 sustainable peace requires launching a comprehensive regional dialogue that includes all relevant parties in the region, along with Pakistan and Turkey, in consultation with our international allies. He clarified that the threats faced by Qatar since June 2025 can be categorized into three main areas: 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 Qatar’s and the GCC states’ importance extends beyond supplying the world with energy and its derivatives, despite the significance of this role. Any disruption to these supplies would impact consumers worldwide and lead to cost increases everywhere.

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

He announced that a new partnership with regional partners would soon be unveiled, 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 demonstrated that most GCC states, particularly in the field of air defense, have been able to counter more than 90 percent of attacks, thanks to the exchange of expertise and the development of defensive capabilities that have been cultivated in cooperation with the United States over the past 30 to 40 years.

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

When asked about imposing fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, he stated that GCC states and 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 that our position is clear: imposing fees on ship transit through the strait is not permissible.

The three-day forum provides senior decision-makers with an opportunity to exchange views, assess emerging security challenges, and explore practical ways to enhance international cooperation. The forum will also address pressures facing international institutions, the growing influence of rising powers and non-state actors, the future of multilateral cooperation and collective security, highlighting the pivotal role of diplomacy, dialogue, and mediation in strengthening regional and global security. (End) S S S / A B G