Qatar urges lasting US-Iran deal, backs Pakistan mediation efforts

[0:00] Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majal Al Ansari has been giving a briefing in Doha. [0:04] Let's listen in. [0:05] Weekly briefing, and we start this week's briefing with the news of His Royal Highness [0:10] the Emir of Qatar. [0:11] May God protect him. [0:13] His Royal Highness on Friday last received Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of UK, where [0:20] they discussed the regional developments welcoming the ceasefire announced between the US and [0:26] Iran, reiterating the necessity to de-escalate the situation and reinforce regional stability. [0:32] They also reiterated the necessity of global coordination with the parties in order to [0:38] reach a permanent peace agreement to ensure the global energy supplies and supply chains [0:47] in support of the global peace and security. [0:50] His Excellency Mohammed bin Rahman Al Thani, the Foreign Minister and Minister of Foreign [0:54] Affairs, received our guest Keir Starmer, where they put a discussion on the regional developments. [1:01] During the meeting, they reiterated or he reiterated Qatar's partnership with the US in all fronts. [1:09] As part of these ongoing communications in relation to the regional situation, His Royal Highness [1:15] on Wednesday last received a telephone conversation from the French President Emmanuel Macron and [1:21] the Turkish President, Regeb Tayyip Erdogan. [1:24] He also held a telephone conversation with His Excellency General Joseph Aoun, the President [1:30] of Lebanon. [1:33] He also held a phone call with Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, in all [1:41] these communications. [1:42] The regional developments were the center of discussions, namely under the ongoing ceasefire [1:49] and the ongoing escalation within the region. [1:55] The Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, also received on Wednesday last a phone call [2:01] from Hossein Manuel Al Beiras, the Foreign Minister and European Cooperation of Spain, and Hakan [2:09] Faydan, the Foreign Minister of Turkey, and Paolo Rajel, the Portuguese counterpart. [2:16] Today, he received two telephone communications from Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, the Saudi [2:23] Foreign Minister, and Dr. Ayman al-Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Expatriate [2:32] Affairs of Jordan. [2:33] Yesterday, His Excellency received a phone call from Abbas Arakji, the Foreign Minister of Iran, [2:40] the Foreign Minister of Iran, where he expressed during the call the necessity of all the parties [2:45] to respond positively with the ongoing negotiations to pave the way to address the roots of the [2:51] crisis through amicable solutions and result in a permanent agreement. [2:58] Also reiterated the necessity to open all the waterways and not to use them as a pressure [3:03] or bargaining bargain, reiterating the negative impacts on the region, food and energy, global [3:10] supplies, supply chains, and dire repercussions on the global peace and security. [3:14] Today, he met with His Excellency Peshar Gould, the Turkish Defense Minister. [3:23] The State Minister of State, Mohammed bin Aziz al-Khalafi, met on Sunday last with Tom Barak, the U.S. [3:33] special envoy to Syria, where they examined the developments there, reiterating during the [3:39] meeting Qatar's total support to Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. [3:48] Also, he held a phone call with Yusuf Raji, the Lebanese Foreign Minister. [3:55] His Excellency will head to Berlin to take part in the third international conference on the [4:02] Sudan, which will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, March, April. [4:07] It will shed light on the ongoing and growing humanitarian needs and means to reach amicable solutions [4:17] to the crisis in Sudan. [4:19] That's all what we have in this week's briefing. [4:21] And now I open the floor to questions. [4:24] Al Jazeera Television, amid all the unfolding developments within the Gulf and the Strait of [4:37] Forms, you reiterated that the Strait of Forms does not belong to a particular party. [4:44] Is there a certain proposal to resolve the crisis? [4:48] And were the discussions between Iran and Oman paved the way in coordination with the rest [4:54] of GCC states? [4:56] A second question on Lebanon. [4:58] You spoke about two telecommunication with both the President and Foreign Minister. [5:04] How do you comment on the discussions to be taking place between Lebanon and the U.S. [5:09] in Washington today? [5:11] Speaking of the Strait of Forms, we have repeated numerously that the crisis must be resolved [5:18] at the regional level. [5:19] And all the GCC states, namely those overlooking the Gulf, if not all the countries, depending on [5:26] the exports and imports within the supply chains, within the waterways, must be part of the [5:32] solution. [5:33] That's why the solution must be at the regional level. [5:35] However, it is still too early. [5:37] We are still living a ceasefire. [5:40] We are waiting for the war to come to a total end and also to steer us away from the brink [5:47] of falling again into an all-out war. [5:49] Our main concern is to focus on to maintain the ceasefire and translate it into a total [5:56] permanent stability and peace. [5:59] Speaking of the situation in Lebanon, the state of Qatar has repeatedly reiterated its solidarity [6:05] with Lebanon, condemning all violations, namely the continued Israeli violations and airstrikes [6:12] on Lebanese territories. [6:14] However, as you may know, the state of Qatar has always made clear that crises must be resolved [6:21] through diplomacy and negotiating table. [6:23] That's why we are endorsing all the global efforts, namely those initiated by Lebanon, [6:30] in order to reach a de-escalation and put an end to the war and the continued violations [6:37] against Lebanon and their territories. [6:47] Spanish radio in Qatar. [6:49] Thank you, Professor. [6:51] As I made the growing report that certain measures will impact the traffic in the Hormuz [7:02] waterway, how Qatar consider any possible escalation on the future of supply chains? [7:11] And is it the absence of a comprehensive dynamic on translating them into effective dynamics? [7:22] I believe it has come clear about the consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, be it [7:28] in the prices of energy or even the prices of electricity and other fuels in all the world impacted by the [7:38] future of the Strait of Hormuz. [7:40] There are other economic consequences beyond that, namely the exports of the petrochemical [7:48] materials. [7:49] And we have touched the results in all the markets worldwide and believe all these repercussions [7:55] are no secret. [7:57] Some of these repercussions are strategic. [7:59] However, we reiterate that the Qatar economy is robust and is capable of enduring all these repercussions. [8:07] And we will brave through this crisis, be it economic or else more robust. [8:13] Speaking of the problem in the Strait of Hormuz, historically speaking, it has been a normal waterway [8:20] where maritime vessels have been passing in and out for decades. [8:25] There was no problem at any point of time in the past with respect to the management or the [8:32] administration of the waterway. [8:34] We are speaking of it as if it was an eternal problem. [8:40] However, all the parties of the region must work together in order to ensure the security of [8:48] the Strait of Hormuz and as well as the security of the maritime traffic passing through this [8:55] waterway. [8:56] Qatar radio. [8:58] The first part of the question. [9:03] Despite Qatar's clear position towards the Iranian attacks, Iran's threats still persist. [9:13] What is your position in the face of these threats? [9:17] A second question about the negotiations on Lebanon. [9:20] Is Qatar playing a mediation role with respect to the mediation to put an end to the violations [9:25] against Lebanon. [9:26] Qatar's positions towards these threats has always been the same as was towards any violations [9:34] in the past. [9:35] We have always repeated that rhetoric of intimidation, the rhetoric of threats, does not serve the [9:40] purposes of any nation. [9:42] In Qatar, we are still committed to defending our territories and will continue to condemn all [9:48] forms of violations against our sovereignty, and we will address them in a manner that will [9:52] ensure the security and well-being of our country. [9:56] Communication, as you said, are ongoing with all the parties. [10:01] Lebanon is a country which is important not only to the region. [10:11] I cannot speak of a clear mediation rule for the state of Qatar. [10:15] However, coordination is underway with all the parties concerned. [10:19] Thank you so much, doctor. [10:22] With tourism dropping and events being canceled, Saudi Arabia having to postpone their Formula [10:28] One race, what steps are GCC countries doing to prevent this conflict from triggering a broader [10:35] economic shock? [10:36] Thank you. [10:37] First of all, we are quite confident in the resilience of Qatar economy and regional economy. [10:42] We have seen through various challenges that our economy has endured and has actually flourished, [10:49] and came out of a lot of challenges in our recent history even stronger and even more robust, [10:56] including the reputational situation for our country internationally. [11:01] And therefore, we are quite confident, very confident in the resilience of our country. [11:05] Of course, this is an economic shock for the international community as a whole, [11:09] for international economy as a whole when it comes to energy market, when it comes to everything else. [11:13] I won't stand here and say that there will not be an effect on our economy and on international economy. [11:18] We have already seen that effect, but we have put every possible precaution in place. [11:24] Contingencies are in place, and we are assessing the situation as we go along. [11:28] But we remain confident in our economy and the stability of our economy and the stability of our fiscal and economic situation. [11:35] Andrew. [11:40] Thank you. [11:49] Thank you, Dr. Majid. [11:50] The ceasefire has been in place now for nearing a week. [11:55] One of the conditions of the ceasefire was that Hormuz would be open. [12:00] No Qatari vessel, as I can tell, has transited Hormuz in the last week. [12:05] Does Qatar feel that there's, you know, any urgency about the idea of opening Hormuz? [12:10] Because it doesn't seem to be perhaps one of the priorities on the list. [12:16] And I guess maybe a second question would be about the talks in Islamabad next week and perhaps another round coming. [12:24] Is there any plan for Qatar to be involved in these talks, either as a participant or as an observer or advisor? [12:32] Qatar has, you know, as you know, a lot of mediation experience. [12:36] Thanks. [12:37] Thank you, Andrew. [12:38] First of all, regarding the Strait of Hormuz, our call has been the same since the beginning of this conflict. [12:45] The security of the Strait of Hormuz, the reality of the Strait of Hormuz cannot be harmed by any escalatory moves by any party. [12:54] This is condemned internationally, and we have stood against any attempt to politicize or use the Strait of Hormuz in this conflict or any other conflict. [13:02] And therefore, of course, we are calling for the immediate resumption of maritime activity through the state and the Strait. [13:09] And we do not accept any preimposed conditions on opening the Strait. [13:14] We are, of course, aware of the need for a regional discussion, a regional solution when it comes to the Strait of Hormuz. [13:21] And this is why we are engaging with all our partners here in the region and beyond regarding the Strait. [13:27] And we are assessing, of course, and emphasizing to all of our partners the importance and the need to open that Strait for international economy as a whole, not only for our economy. [13:37] When it comes to the talks in Islamabad, we remain in contact with our brothers in Pakistan who are leading this mediation. [13:44] As you have seen, there has been a lot of calls and prospective visits from Pakistani officials and with the Qatari officials. [13:52] And all of this is within this kind of coordination that the whole region, actually, is engaging with Pakistan. [13:58] We applaud the efforts of Pakistan. [14:00] We support their efforts. [14:02] I am unaware right now of any specific role that we are playing beyond this support and the regional coordination that we are doing all together. [14:10] And I would revert back to the Pakistanis on confirmation of holding these talks. [14:18] But obviously, as we don't have any official confirmation yet, any assessment of the role of any other country, I think, is not part of the discussion at the moment. [14:25] But I can assure you that right now we are supporting the Pakistani-led mediation. [14:30] Callum? [14:32] Callum Bayton, AFP. [14:33] Dr. Majid, good to see you in this different setting. [14:37] Hopefully a better setting, of course. [14:40] Better, more parking. [14:44] To follow up on Andrew's question, there are some reports that there will be fresh talks within days in Islamabad. [14:52] There are at least efforts to try and restart those. [14:56] I just wonder if you could, you've mentioned already in Arabic, but speak to the importance that those talks resume and reach some kind of a deal, [15:06] rather than the kind of fragile ceasefire that we see at the moment. [15:12] And again, in a similar vein, is Qatar happy with the amount of a role that the Gulf countries have been given to play in these talks, [15:23] given the direct and adverse impact that the war has had. [15:28] Would Qatar like to see the Gulf playing more of a role in the future? [15:32] And then one follow-up question on an old topic. [15:35] There are talks, we understand, from Swiss authorities going on between the DRC and the M23 group. [15:44] Can you tell us any more about that are overseen by Qatar but not taking place in Qatar? [15:49] Can you tell us anything more about those talks, what they hope to achieve, [15:53] and whether there can be a breakthrough given previous items on the agenda, including a ceasefire, [16:01] and the exchange of prisoners hasn't been forthcoming? [16:04] Thank you very much, Callum. [16:07] Regarding the talks in Islamabad, obviously we are very supportive of these talks that have already taken place over there, [16:17] and we are encouraged on any positive statements of resumption of these talks as soon as this weekend, [16:24] but of course we are waiting for the confirmation from the mediators, [16:27] and we remain in contact with the mediators, with the parties of the talks, [16:34] and finding a regional voice working together to make sure that we are part of this. [16:40] I would say that one important thing here Qatar has stressed from the beginning is that we need a comprehensive solution. [16:46] This cannot be just a ceasefire and then we find ourselves back in the eye of the storm again. [16:55] What we need is a comprehensive solution that addresses all the underlying issues, [16:58] that addresses the concerns of the Gulf countries, addresses the concerns of regional partners, [17:04] addresses the concerns of the international community, [17:06] addresses the concerns of all peoples in the region, including the Iranians, [17:09] and takes into account, of course, the prosperity and the security and the sovereignty of all countries involved. [17:16] Regarding the role of the Gulf, I think there is a huge regional coordination machine that is in operation right now. [17:25] If you do a calculation of the number of calls, meetings that have taken place in the past week, [17:31] you'll see that generally speaking in the region everybody has been talking to everybody about this, [17:37] and I think the level of coordination is very high. [17:39] Our concerns are collective and they have been put in that collective basket in coordination with the mediators, [17:46] but obviously the talks have certain parameters and I would leave it to the mediators to discuss these parameters. [17:52] Regarding the Swiss effort with Qatar on the mediation between DRC and M23 and Rwanda, [18:02] I must say that we continue with that effort and we believe in the process. [18:08] We are very proud of what hasn't been accomplished yet. [18:11] We are aware of the challenges to implementing a lot of these agreements, [18:16] but we are continuing with this effort. [18:17] I don't have anything to report on right now when it comes to the nature of the talks, [18:22] but I want to reassess our not only support for them but our keen engagement in these talks. [18:29] Thank you so much. [18:37] Two questions for you. [18:39] The first is do you feel that the U.S. blockade has complicated the situation, [18:47] particularly for Qatar but for the GCC in general? [18:52] And then in addition, I understand Qatar is having conversations with Iran. [18:56] If you could shed some light on that. [18:59] There's some reporting that there's discussions of money being released to improve relations. [19:04] If you could touch on that as well. [19:05] Okay, so first of all regarding the situation in the strait right now. [19:10] We have not been able to use the strait normally since this war has started. [19:15] This is not a new occurrence. [19:17] What is happening right now is certainly not conducive of ending the blockade of the strait of foremost, [19:25] but we have always said that there needs to be a sustainable solution [19:28] that guarantees that no party is able or willing to block movement through the strait. [19:34] When it comes to the call between His Excellency the Prime Minister and the Iranian Forum Minister, [19:41] in the call we reiterated our position in condemning any attacks on the sovereignty of Qatar [19:45] or any neighboring country. [19:47] We reiterated our support for the ceasefire and we urged the Iranian side to engage fully in the talks, [19:55] as we have said, of the U.S. and other parties. [20:00] Other than that, I don't have anything to report. [20:03] But let me say it for the record very clearly. [20:06] All of these attempts to tarnish the reputation of Qatar or to show that Qatar is acting alone [20:13] when it comes to dealing with the threat of this war, let me say it very clearly. [20:18] We have always said from day one we consider any attack on any of our neighbors in this region [20:27] an attack on the sovereignty of Qatar and therefore any solution is to be a regional solution [20:32] in dealing with this threat. [20:34] There has been absolutely no single-lined process with the Iranian since the war has started. [20:42] The attacks on our countries have persisted and have only stopped with the ceasefire, [20:47] including the last night before the ceasefire, [20:50] and therefore we are continuing in coordinating with our neighbors [20:53] and there has been absolutely no money discussions on this. [20:58] I have said it, you know, on the record before. [21:01] We are concerned with defending our country. [21:04] We will defend our country against any attacks and any talk of financially stopping these attacks [21:10] is completely false and it's just aiming to tarnish the reputation of my country. [21:28] Al-Arab al-Jadeed TV. [21:32] I have a question. [21:33] As you earlier stated, that Qatar will not get involved in the negotiations [21:39] until assaults and strikes against Qatar and GCC are halted. [21:45] Now these attacks have ceased. [21:48] Do we aspire for a future role for Qatar in the negotiations in Islamabad? [21:55] A second question on a uniform, clear position by the GCC states with respect to the ceasefire [22:02] and the Strait of Yemen. [22:04] When will we see the GCC states sitting at the negotiating table to be part and parcel [22:10] of the final agreement between the U.S. and Iran? [22:14] To begin with, the situation we are living now is a ceasefire, [22:18] and a ceasefire does not mean the end of war. [22:21] We are closely monitoring and with apprehension [22:25] and we are closely following with the rest how the ceasefire will hold. [22:30] This is not an end of war. [22:32] And based on this characterization of this definition, [22:38] we cannot speak of Qatari role until this matter is fully and clearly transpired. [22:45] We have repeated numerously, we are coordinating with all our regional partners. [22:50] You have seen the volume of communications and visits, [22:52] and we are totally supporting our brothers in Pakistan in their mediation role. [22:57] The mediation does not tolerate any more roles, [23:01] and we are thankful for the role played by Pakistan, [23:04] and we reiterate our support and endorsement to them. [23:08] Again, I do not wish to speak on behalf of the mediators. [23:15] They have a certain dynamic, a certain course of action, a certain roadmap, [23:23] and they have faced goals. [23:28] Once we cross the threshold meant to be for a permanent agreement, [23:35] there will be a regional role. [23:38] As I said earlier, the regional states cannot be ignored. [23:43] They must be not only part and parcel of the solution, [23:47] but a foundation stone therein. [23:51] We are closely coordinating with the rest of GCC [23:54] to have a clear and uniform position with the end of this war. [24:01] Some talks about a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Iran [24:07] to end the war and reopen the Strait of Homes. [24:10] Will the GCC states in future sit with both the countries [24:15] to seek a permanent solution? [24:17] Why not from now? [24:19] Again, Qatar is not engaged in any mediation role. [24:25] That's why all your questions should be addressed to the mediators. [24:28] Here in Qatar, we have a high level of coordination [24:31] with our brothers in Pakistan, with the United States, [24:34] and with the other parties in order to have our concerns [24:39] and our issues laid on the negotiating table. [24:43] However, there are certain phases, [24:45] and we respect the roadmap plan laid down by the Pakistani mediators, [24:52] and we are fully supporting them. [24:54] And in future, we'll have a more clear vision thereof. [25:00] Amr al-Aryan, QBS Radio. [25:03] Is there any suggested meeting between the GCC countries [25:06] and Iran regarding to Hormuz Strait? [25:08] Thank you. [25:11] Right now, of course, there is no such meeting. [25:13] As we said, the attacks on our sovereignty in the region [25:18] merit a more defensive response, [25:21] which we have been successfully implementing [25:23] since the start of the war. [25:25] But as we have always said, you know, [25:27] the solution needs to be regional. [25:28] Dr. Majid Adil Halim from Euronews. [25:39] Previously, you mentioned Qatar cannot mediate while it's under attack. [25:43] While we're in a ceasefire situation, and if it is extended, [25:46] do you see Qatar's role as a mediator – [25:49] Qatar being included as a mediator as these talks progress? [25:52] I'm not going to, you know, to put a block on any future realities. [25:58] I don't like to entertain hypotheticals, [26:00] but what I could say always is that we are fully supportive [26:03] of the Pakistani role and the Pakistani mediation. [26:06] We are fully invested in defending our country [26:08] and making sure that we get out of this crisis. [26:11] And, you know, Qatar maintains its position [26:14] in supporting peaceful resolutions to conflict, [26:17] supporting peace facilitation and mediation as a whole. [26:23] Thank you, Professor. [26:26] Al-Arabi TV. [26:28] During the phone communication between the Qatari foreign minister [26:33] and his Iranian counterpart yesterday, [26:36] did they discuss only the negotiations and the progress thereof, [26:40] or was there a demand from Qatar not to be targeted in future? [26:47] And another question, is there any Qatari vessels [26:51] that came under attack from the Iranians? [26:55] And with respect to the Strait of Hormuz, [26:57] are there any future arrangements in order to resolve this crisis? [27:04] And are there any alternatives for the state of Qatar [27:09] to lessen their dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, [27:15] like the Golden Pass project between the U.S. and Qatar, [27:19] and also the coast of Congo where gas reserves [27:22] have been recently discovered. [27:24] I do not, we do not have any reports [27:27] that any Qatari vessels came under any assault over the past days. [27:31] However, as is the case with all the vessels [27:34] who are all waiting for the Strait of Hormuz [27:36] to be fully reopened. [27:41] And with respect to any future arrangements, [27:44] I repeat once again, we are still living a ceasefire. [27:48] We did not reach the end of war. [27:50] Once a permanent agreement conducive to the end of war, [27:54] we all, as regional states and beyond, [27:57] require to sit together in order to lay down permanent solutions [28:01] that are suitable to the rights and concerns [28:04] of all the parties within the region. [28:06] And as part of your question about the alternatives, [28:09] it is too early to speak about. [28:11] Our main goal is to have the Strait of Hormuz reopened, [28:14] which is sufficient to the resources, exports, [28:17] and imports of the region. [28:19] Thank you, Professor. [28:25] The GCC as a block, how could it be changed after the war? [28:35] There are speculations about structural and organizational change. [28:40] Are there any form of coordination, [28:44] especially the threats from Iran would persist? [28:47] And also the Strait of Hormuz, these issues were not foreseen. [28:52] How would you deal with them in future? [28:54] This question can be referred to the Secretary General of the GCC. [28:59] However, we are still working or operating within our uniform mechanism. [29:04] We have expressed our total solidarity with the interest of our GCC. [29:08] It is an ongoing situation. [29:10] There are no need for any change into the block. [29:14] It has been born in the first place to be a linchpin for the economic and security interest [29:21] for our shared faith of all the GCC states. [29:27] This has always been the case. [29:28] And this is what is proved in the past. [29:30] It has not been under any organizational or structural shock. [29:36] To the contrary, it is now more needed by the GCC member states. [29:42] And I believe this will continue in the future. [29:45] Thank you and see you next week.