Doha: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani inaugurated the 5th Global Security Forum (GSF) yesterday in Doha, stressing the importance of establishing a framework for sustainable peace in the Middle East region, citing the effects of wars and conflicts on vulnerable people.
Held under the theme, ‘Reshaping the Global Order: Conflict, Crises, and Cooperation,’ the opening day was attended by Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, high-level government officials, heads of participating delegations, ambassadors accredited to the state, senior officials, experts and academics specialised in global security issues.
The Forum will run until March 15 and will discuss international approaches to conflict, crises, and cooperation. Topics such as the global energy crisis and approaches to strengthening sustainable economies, power competition, the role of the UN Security Council, the evolution of global terrorism and emerging threats, violent far-right extremist networks and financing, and the disinformation-terrorism nexus will also be addressed.
In his opening address, the PM noted global and regional issues, adding that overcoming these challenges depends on countries adhering to basic principles like justice, equality, solidarity, and the rejection of double standards agreed upon by all countries. Regionally, the PM disclosed that politicising essentials like water, energy and medicine are no less dangerous than wars for the region’s vulnerable population.
“Our region has represented for years a platform for many crises and implications,” the PM stated, adding that the framework for peace can only be implemented with the capacity of the youth, representing most of the population.
“We believe that the region needs sustainable peace and stability for the long run based on the principles of dialogue and mutual respect and dignity of the people.”
According to the PM, Qatar took early steps to stabilise the supply chain system as the world faced successive crises. He highlighted Qatar’s strategy to increase local production of basic goods while diversifying supply to boost national security and concurrently sharing this expertise with its international partners.
Speaking on energy, natural gas and the environment, the PM stressed that Qatar has adopted an approach that protects the environment while ensuring fair energy security for its partners and exploring long-term solutions to respond to the energy need. He noted that natural gas will play an essential role in the future of clean energy, adding that Qatar has committed to increasing its natural gas production from 77 million tonnes to 126 million tonnes by 2026.
On mediation and humanitarian efforts, the PM said Qatar applies a foreign policy based on balancing principles and interests and mediation in resolving disputes by peaceful means. He alluded to the country’s successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which saw different people and cultures immerse themselves in the Arab culture and share the message of peace and harmony – dispelling the negative stereotype of the region.
Citing mediation efforts in Afghanistan and Chad, the PM reiterated Qatar’s commitment to global peace and stability, adding that this approach has made Qatar a critical partner. He stressed that the country would continue this action globally to help mitigate the crisis, deal with the challenges, and find peaceful solutions for conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue.
Meanwhile, the opening day also saw several sessions which discussed jihadist threats in Africa, the impacts of the Ukraine war, and the global energy challenges. H E Mohammed Al Darraji, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iraq in his session, explained the security situation in Iraq and recovery efforts post insurgency and instability. A panel discussion featuring Ambassador Fareed Yasseen, Former Iraqi Climate Envoy and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, also discussed 20 years since the US invasion of Iraq, the consequences and the way forward for the country.
