General

Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar has called for a new regional security framework based on respect for state sovereignty and mutual non-aggression, while urging Iran to demonstrate its commitment to regional stability through concrete actions. Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Ibrahim Al Hashemi said the development of Qatar’s defence capabilities was part of an ongoing effort to strengthen deterrence and protect national sovereignty, rather than a response to any single crisis. Speaking at the ministry’s weekly media briefing, Al Hashemi said Qatar’s defence systems had effectively dealt with all attacks during the latest regional escalation, allowing daily life and economic activities to continue without disruption. He said the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan were working alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Makkah Defence Alliance to de-escalate tensions and help bring an end to the region’s current state of heightened tension. The State of Qatar and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states had repeatedly expressed their readiness to establish a regional security framework, Al Hashemi said, adding that it was now up to Tehran to uphold the proposed principles and demonstrate good faith. Read Also Mediator Qatar urges 'good faith' from Iran as talks renew MoPH urges safe medicine use to protect senior citizens Art Basel unveils exhibitors for its 2027 Qatar edition, year-round market development program Amir, President of Russia discuss regional and international issues Despite positive statements from Tehran, he said, Iran needed to translate its rhetoric into action by ending threats against countries in the region and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Al Hashemi said a Qatari delegation’s visit to Tehran was part of ongoing consultations with partners and efforts to sustain mediation. He described the process as moving in a positive direction, with the primary aim of reducing tensions and preventing further escalation. He acknowledged that statements from both Washington and Tehran had raised the prospect of further escalation, but said both sides had also emphasised the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions through dialogue. Qatar, Pakistan and regional and international partners were focused on advancing this diplomatic track to secure a lasting agreement that would resolve the crisis comprehensively, he said. Addressing the exchanges of statements between the United States and Iran, Al Hashemi said mediators sought to build on positive signals, bridge differences and work towards mutually acceptable outcomes that could bring a sustainable end to the crisis and safeguard international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He said mediators remained committed to preserving a “window of hope”, stressing that a lasting solution could only be achieved through negotiations and sustained efforts to ease tensions and resolve outstanding issues peacefully. Al Hashemi added that diplomatic messages, proposals and views continued to pass between Washington and Tehran through Qatar’s mediation channel, in ongoing coordination with partners.

Government

Moscow: The AmirHH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and President of the Russian FederationHE Vladimir Putin discussed a host of regional and international issues, particularly developments in the Middle East and ways to enhance security and stability in the region and the world. During the meeting, held Tuesday at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on the sidelines of the Eighth Summit of Heads of State and Government of Member Countries of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), the two sides discussed the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields in pursuit of their mutual interests. They also addressed the main topics on the summit's agenda, foremost among them energy supply chains and the latest developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz. During the meeting, HH the Amir expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Russian President for the warm reception and generous hospitality, expressing his pleasure at being in Russia and meeting with HE the President. HH the Amir affirmed the strength of the historic relations between the State of Qatar and the Russian Federation and their continued development not only at the economic and investment levels, but also across various fields. HH the Amir also expressed his satisfaction with the progress of Qatari investments in Russia. At the outset of the meeting, HE the Russian President welcomed HH the Amir and the accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure at meeting HH the Amir. His Excellency added that stability in the gas market depends on effective coordination between Russia and Qatar, and that such coordination contributes to market stability. HE the President also commended HH the Amir's efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and highlighted Qatari investments in major Russian companies, as well as the significant development in cultural relations. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani; HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi; and a number of Their Excellencies, members of the official delegation accompanying HH the Amir attended the meeting. The Russian side was represented by HE First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov; HE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov; HE Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov; and a number of Their Excellencies, ministers and senior officials.

Government

Doha: Minister of State for International CooperationHE Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met Tuesday via videoconference with Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of GermanyHE Reem Alabali. During the meeting, the two sides discussed aspects of coordination as well as the ongoing preparations for holding the strategic dialogue between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany.