Sheikh Tamim: No Compromise on Gulf Sovereignty
Sheikh Tamim condemns Iran's attack on Qatar and stresses the need for Gulf coordination to protect security and energy.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Doha (Agencies): The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stressed that the security, sovereignty, and stability of the Gulf states are matters that cannot be taken lightly, calling for intensified efforts to ensure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and to protect energy and water facilities and civilian infrastructure. See page 12.
During the opening of the ordinary session of the Shura Council yesterday, the Emir of Qatar affirmed that recent events have underscored the necessity of continued coordination and cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Sheikh Tamim explained that the security of the region and the world is interconnected, and that instability in any part of the world cannot be isolated from the rest of the globe. He pointed out that the country had been subjected to an attack by Iran, in a blatant violation of its sovereignty, international law, and principles of good neighborliness.
He added that their commitment to dialogue and peaceful solutions does not imply any laxity in defending their country, and that their right to defend their sovereignty is not incompatible with their determination to prevent the war from escalating. Sheikh Tamim noted that Qatar had shouldered the responsibility of protecting its sovereignty during the crisis, fulfilled its role in ensuring global energy security and economic stability, and kept diplomatic channels open. He affirmed that the country would emerge from this crisis more resilient and better equipped to adapt to global changes.
On the economic front, the Emir of Qatar pointed out that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the damage inflicted on energy facilities in Ras Laffan had disrupted a significant portion of the country’s exports.
