Doha: Several countries as well as international and regional organizations have expressed their appreciation for the significant diplomatic efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar in mediating between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23)/Congo River Alliance.
These efforts culminated in the signing of a Declaration of Principles between the two parties, marking a key milestone toward advancing peace and stability in the DRC.
The signing ceremony of the declaration took place in Doha on Saturday, representing a major development in the broader regional and international efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Congo.
The agreement is the result of months of Qatar's sustained diplomatic engagement, during which Doha worked to create an environment conducive to constructive dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) affirmed that Qatar's mediation reflects its active and continuous diplomatic role in promoting regional and international peace.
GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi underlined Qatar's valuable efforts in facilitating dialogue between the DRC government and the M23/Congo River Alliance, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles, laying the groundwork for meaningful negotiations aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the region.
Albudaiwi further praised Qatar's proactive diplomacy and ongoing commitment to promoting peace through dialogue and mutual understanding. He emphasized that this initiative underscores Qatar's unwavering adherence to mediation as a tool for conflict resolution, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Meanwhile, the African Union also welcomed the agreement, with Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praising Qatar's crucial role in facilitating the peace process and its sincere efforts to promote peace and stability across the African continent.
In a similar vein, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commended Qatar's constructive diplomatic role in achieving the Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and the M23 Movement in Doha.
The State of Kuwait likewise praised Qatar's mediation efforts, describing the agreement as a testament to the country's leadership in fostering peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
The United Arab Emirates also welcomed the agreement, expressing its appreciation for Qatar's efforts in facilitating the signing.
UAE Minister of State, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al-Nahyan hailed the Declaration of Principles as a pivotal step toward national reconciliation and enhancing stability in eastern Congo.
The United States acknowledged Qatar's central role in facilitating the agreement, emphasizing that the Declaration represents a significant step toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
The US Department of State expressed its sincere gratitude to Qatar for its steadfast commitment to fostering dialogue between the parties and for supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
It also welcomed the agreement, which was signed in Doha with Qatar's mediation and the United States participating as an observer, and praised the parties for taking this important step toward sustainable peace in the Great Lakes region.
Libya commended Qatar's diplomatic efforts in fostering constructive dialogue between the Congolese government and the M23 Movement, which paved the way for the agreement.
Similarly, Somalia expressed its deep appreciation for Qatar's constructive mediation, recognizing Doha's vital role in facilitating negotiations and bringing the parties to the table.
For its part, Egypt welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Principles in Doha and praised the contributions of both Qatar and the United States in facilitating the dialogue between the two sides.
Turkiye also welcomed the agreement and applauded the constructive contributions of all parties involved, especially Qatar, the East African Community, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in promoting stability and development in the Great Lakes region.
Finally, Jordan expressed its appreciation for Qatar's efforts in facilitating the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and the M23 Movement in Doha.
