Strait of Hormuz must not be bargaining chip: Qatar’s FM spokesperson

[0:00] Now, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been giving a news conference. [0:04] Let's listen in to the spokesman, Majid Al-Ansari. [0:07] The Amir of Qatar, may God protect him. [0:12] He examined with his brother, President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria, [0:17] the global and regional development during the latter's visit to the state of Qatar. [0:23] Both reiterated their mutual keenness on the regional stability and security, [0:29] and they also discussed bilateral relations. [0:33] On Thursday last, His Real Highness received Mr. Guido Cresceto, the Italian defense minister. [0:41] He also received Mr. Patrick Poyanay, the CEO and chairman of Total Energies of France. [0:51] As part of the ongoing communications with global and regional partners [0:56] and as part of the ongoing efforts aiming at the escalation on Friday last, [1:03] His Royal Highness received a phone call from the U.S. President Donald Trump. [1:07] During the call, they examined and discussed the latest development [1:10] and the outcomes of the negotiations on the ceasefire between the United States and Iran [1:17] and the global efforts aiming at cementing the ceasefire. [1:20] During the call, His Royal Highness reiterated the necessity to support amicable and diplomacy [1:26] in order to support the ongoing mediation efforts exerted by Pakistan [1:31] in order to reinforce stability and security within the region. [1:36] Today, Tuesday, His Royal Highness, the Amir of Qatar, may God protect him, [1:41] and will lead the Qatar delegation taking part in the extraordinary consultative summit [1:47] to be convened in Jeddah of Saudi Arabia today. [1:51] This, of course, will be centered on the regional developments [1:55] and the means to address the Iranian assaults at the civil and energy installations [2:02] and also the repercussions of the closure of the Strait of Homes, [2:06] including the disruption of supply chains, global energy, and food security. [2:14] With respect to the Minister of State, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Hamad Al Thani, [2:22] the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs received the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, [2:29] Erwey Kuzubayev. [2:31] And yesterday, Monday, he received telecommunications from Othman Soumou, [2:36] the Prime Minister of Senegal, and Badr Abdullati, the Foreign Minister of Egypt. [2:44] He also held telephone calls with His Excellency Prince Faisal bin Farhan, [2:54] the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Mustafa Kemal Madbouli, [2:57] the Prime Minister of Egypt. [3:00] During these calls, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Hamad Al Thani offered condolences [3:07] to Mr. Badr Abdullati on the demise of his father. [3:12] On Tuesday last, he received a telephone call from Abbas Harakji, [3:18] the Foreign Minister of Iran, during the call. [3:20] His Sheikh, Abdel Rahman, reiterated the necessity to reopen the Strait of Homes, [3:26] the Foreign Minister of Iran, and the U.S. [3:31] and the disruption of supply chain, as well as global security and food, [3:36] energy and food security, and also stressed the necessity to support the ongoing mediation efforts. [3:45] Yesterday, Monday, Mr. Mohammed bin Aziz bin al-Khalafi, [3:55] State Minister of State, met with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, [4:00] the Under Secretary for Peace Operations of the United Nations, [4:04] where they discussed the peacekeeping efforts in Congo. [4:08] And he also commended the role undertaken by the State of Qatar in diplomacy mediation [4:18] and aiming at reinforcing global peace and security. [4:23] That's all for this week's briefing, and I open the floor to questions. [4:32] Where is the mic? [4:32] Thank you, Professor Ansari Al-Arabi TV. [4:46] The convening of the Gulf Consultative Summit, [4:53] does it reflect the fears that the ongoing Pakistani mediation efforts would fail? [5:01] And would this summit come out with a plan B, [5:05] or is it a step forward in case the ongoing mediations fail? [5:13] Also, with respect to the Strait of Hormuz, [5:15] has any of Qatar's tankers or vessels attempt to cross the waterway, [5:23] and were they subject to any interception activities by IRG? [5:29] Thank you. [5:30] For the first time, you pose two questions only. [5:34] With respect to the summit, [5:35] I leave the matter to the Secretary General of the summit [5:39] in order to update you on the details. [5:42] However, we reiterate Qatar's commitment to the Gulf dynamics, [5:47] and from day one, [5:48] we have been coordinating with our brothers in the GCC, in the bloc, [5:52] and this has been demonstrated in the shuttle visits [5:56] and telecommunications between His Royal Highness, [5:59] the Emir of Qatar, [6:01] and his counterparts, the rulers of the region. [6:06] This is the convening of the summit, [6:08] and it is a normal course of action as part of the ongoing coordination. [6:13] And with respect to the Qatari vessels, [6:15] our top priority here is to maintain the safety [6:18] and well-being of those operating on those vessels. [6:22] That's why we are waiting for the outcomes of the negotiations, [6:28] and we reiterate that it is reiterate the gravity of the use [6:32] of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip, [6:34] as it will have a dire impact on the global energy security, [6:38] food security, and disruption of supply chain, [6:41] and which where the markets can no longer tolerate these repercussions. [6:50] Thank you, Professor Ansari. [6:52] The question is also on Hormuz, [6:55] which lies between the dual siege and the total shutdown. [7:00] The Gulf nations are direly impacted. [7:03] Where are the roles of the GCC countries [7:10] amid the uncertainty of the ongoing negotiations? [7:13] On the other hand, [7:16] what is Qatar's diplomacy role [7:19] when it comes to the situation in Lebanon? [7:22] As to the first part of the question, [7:24] I reiterate my usual answer. [7:27] There is total coordination with our brothers in Pakistan [7:31] and their mediation office, [7:33] and as you have seen many visits to within the Gulf countries [7:38] by the Pakistani prime minister, [7:42] the circle of negotiations cannot be widened any further, [7:49] and all what we have to do is to offer support to these efforts. [7:52] As to the situation in Lebanon, [7:54] you are all aware of Qatar's support to Lebanon, [7:58] and be it in support to the Lebanese armed forces to live up to their duties, [8:05] or in terms of coordination with our global and regional partners, [8:09] or as part of the daily telecommunications. [8:13] There is no specifics, [8:15] but support is ongoing as well as communication. [8:20] Thank you. [8:28] We've seen Pakistan take the lead on… [8:32] Can I introduce yourself first, please? [8:34] Oh, sorry. [8:35] Joe Khalil, NewsNation. [8:36] We've seen Pakistan take the lead on some of these peace negotiations now. [8:41] This is a role mediator that Qatar has historically played. [8:46] Can you just describe how this situation is different [8:50] and the role now that Qatar is playing? [8:52] And I have a second question. [8:54] At the beginning of this conflict, [8:56] there were several Gulf country leaders [8:59] that were pushing the United States [9:01] to degrade Iran's military capabilities even further. [9:05] Now it seems like the message has changed. [9:08] Leadership in Qatar here, [9:09] and we've seen other leaders in the region, [9:11] now calling for a quicker peace, an end to the conflict. [9:17] Why do you think there has been a bit of a change and shift in tone? [9:22] Thank you. [9:23] First of all, regarding the role that Qatar is playing in this mediation, [9:27] let me confirm a couple of things. [9:29] One is we are fully supportive of the role of Pakistan as mediator here. [9:33] Two, we don't think that right now the issue is with the mediator [9:37] or the problem is with the mediator. [9:39] We think Pakistan is doing a great job in their mediation, [9:41] and we are, as I said, supportive of this. [9:43] And three, Qatar has always been in coordination [9:45] with all its partners regionally and beyond over that issue. [9:49] We have been coordinating with our brothers in Pakistan [9:52] and international interlocutors to find an end to this crisis, [9:57] and we remain in full solidarity with Pakistan [9:59] in their role as mediator. [10:01] On the other question, [10:03] let me just disagree with the premise here. [10:05] For Qatar, our position has been clear from day one. [10:08] Any conflict in the region should be solved on the negotiation table. [10:12] And we believe in the negotiation process, [10:14] and we are supportive of the negotiation process, [10:15] and we will remain supportive of a diplomatic resolution. [10:19] However, for the past couple of months, [10:22] our main focus was on protecting our sovereignty, [10:24] protecting the people that live in Qatar, [10:26] our people and the residents here in Qatar, [10:28] and protecting our prosperity [10:30] through the actions that we have taken up to this point. [10:35] So our focus was on that. [10:37] The Pakistanis have done the role of mediator up to this point [10:41] in a very positive manner, which we are supporting. [10:46] And I don't think that there was a general GCC push [10:50] for more escalation with Iran. [10:52] I think if you go back to before this war has started, [10:56] there was actually a rapprochement. [10:57] We were attempting to find a diplomatic resolution [11:00] through engagement with Iran. [11:01] I think this is a position that Qatar has always held. [11:05] However, we have made it very clear [11:07] that we will not be used as political punching bags [11:09] in this war, [11:10] that any attack on our sovereignty [11:12] cannot be justified by any means. [11:14] And we have taken all the necessary precautions [11:16] to make sure that we are safe from this aggression [11:18] that has come to our country. [11:20] And we are supportive right now [11:21] of the process of the mediation, of course. [11:25] Callum? [11:25] Hi, Dr. Madjaj. [11:30] Callum Payton from AFP. [11:32] Nice to be in another location this week. [11:34] The U.S. has said it's studying a proposal from Iran [11:39] to open the strait. [11:41] I wonder if Qatar would support an initiative [11:43] where a deal to reopen the strait [11:45] was reached separate from discussions on other issues [11:49] with Iran like the nuclear program. [11:54] And then in the Israeli press [11:57] or amongst Israeli journalists, [11:58] there's been some speculation [12:00] of whether Qatar is re-evaluating [12:03] its relationship with Hamas [12:04] as a result of the Iranian attacks. [12:08] I wonder if you recognize this re-evaluation. [12:11] But I suppose more generally, [12:14] given Hamas's ties with Iran at times [12:17] and a shift in relations across the Gulf with Iran [12:20] as a result of the attacks, [12:22] can you give us an update on the status of the office here? [12:25] Is it still functioning? [12:27] Does it still serve a mediation purpose? [12:31] I've already forgot your first question. [12:32] I'm sorry. [12:34] On reopening the strait of... [12:36] Ah, yes, yes. [12:37] Yeah. [12:37] Sorry. [12:39] Let me answer that first. [12:40] So on reopening the strait, [12:41] first of all, we have said from day one [12:43] the act of blocking navigation through the strait [12:49] is not something that can be justified [12:50] or accepted in any situation. [12:53] And using the strait as leverage [12:55] in any political or military conflict [12:58] is something that we refuse as a premise. [13:01] And therefore, anything that is... [13:04] justifies or legitimizes the use of the strait [13:08] as a political weapon, [13:10] for us this is not accepted in any means. [13:13] But we are engaging with all our interlocutors [13:16] to get the strait opened as soon as possible. [13:18] We believe it should have never been closed [13:20] and it should be opened immediately [13:22] regardless of other considerations [13:24] going on in the region. [13:26] So we are not... [13:28] I won't comment on the specific idea now [13:32] regarding the talks, [13:35] but what I would say is that [13:36] closing the strait is not something [13:37] that we accept in any way [13:39] or under any justification. [13:41] Regarding the media reports [13:44] we have talked about, [13:45] first of all, [13:46] if we stopped our mediation [13:51] or halted our mediation efforts [13:54] in any case, [13:55] in any context, [13:56] as a result of media statements here [13:59] and there, [14:00] we would have not done any mediation anyway. [14:02] Because in any mediation, [14:03] of course, [14:03] you'll have someone reporting [14:05] to one of the parties [14:06] come out and blame the mediator [14:07] or make accusations against the mediator [14:12] and so on. [14:13] We have seen that a lot before. [14:14] We have seen it from ministers [14:16] and Israeli cabinet throughout the mediation [14:18] attacking Qatar [14:19] as a means of justifying the war in Gaza, [14:25] but that has never been a reason [14:26] why we stopped the mediation. [14:29] Let me confirm [14:30] that we are continuing our role [14:31] in the mediation. [14:32] We are working with our partners [14:35] in Egypt and Turkey [14:37] on the mediation very closely. [14:39] Our teams are working [14:40] on the ground with them. [14:41] We have not stopped that role [14:42] and we don't envision this role [14:44] stopping any time soon. [14:47] And if you look at the situation right now, [14:53] there is momentum in the talks [14:56] with the developments [14:58] that are taking place [14:59] and we are part of that momentum. [15:02] Now, very quickly, [15:04] on the source of this, [15:06] because I want to make it very clear [15:07] that usually I don't like to comment [15:10] on specific sources, [15:12] but in this case, [15:13] we have seen the same source [15:15] produce similar false information [15:17] and it's being picked up [15:18] by international media. [15:20] Let me stress that [15:21] all of these claims are baseless [15:23] and this source has been linked [15:25] to one party in the conflict [15:29] in a way that's not savory [15:30] for a journalist to do so. [15:32] And therefore, [15:33] this long history [15:34] of spreading false information [15:37] about Qatar and regional affairs [15:39] should not be complemented [15:41] through picking up everything [15:42] that the source puts out there. [15:45] But for us, [15:46] again, [15:46] I make it very clear, [15:48] our role in the mediation continues, [15:50] our communication with the parties [15:52] in the region continues [15:54] and there is no change to that. [15:56] Yes. [16:00] Thank you. [16:01] Raf Sanchez, NBC News. [16:02] Dr. Ansari, [16:02] thank you for doing this briefing. [16:03] Good to see you again. [16:05] You've just said [16:06] that the Strait of Hormuz [16:07] should not be used [16:08] as a bargaining chip. [16:09] Would you like to see [16:10] the United States [16:11] end its own blockade [16:12] in the Strait [16:13] as a way of lowering tensions? [16:14] No. [16:16] Let me make it very clear. [16:17] The closing of the Strait of Hormuz [16:19] has resulted [16:21] in economic implications [16:23] for the whole world, [16:25] whether it be energy security [16:27] of the international community, [16:28] whether it be food security, [16:30] whether it be supply chains [16:31] and disruption in the supply chains, [16:32] prices of energy around the world. [16:35] It is in nobody's interest [16:36] for a pathway [16:38] that has provided the world [16:39] with all of these securities [16:40] throughout the years [16:41] and has never been closed [16:42] for any reason [16:43] to be used [16:44] as a political bargaining chip [16:46] or to be used [16:46] as leverage in this fight. [16:48] But we also acknowledge [16:49] that the reason [16:49] that this has happened [16:51] is the fact [16:51] that there is a war [16:52] in the region. [16:52] So our focus [16:53] is on ending that war, [16:54] on reaching a diplomatic solution [16:55] that hopefully would mean [16:57] that you would not resort back [16:58] to the use [16:59] of the Strait [17:00] as leverage. [17:01] But of course, [17:02] we call on all parties [17:02] to open the Strait immediately. [17:05] And we also acknowledge [17:06] that the first action [17:07] in closing the Strait [17:08] was with the Iranians [17:10] deciding to close down [17:10] the Strait unilaterally. [17:12] And just to follow up, [17:13] there's a lot of discussion [17:14] right now [17:15] about what should [17:16] or shouldn't be [17:16] in an agreement [17:17] about whether it needs [17:19] to include both a deal [17:20] to open the Strait [17:21] and to deal [17:21] with Iran's nuclear program. [17:23] What are the priorities [17:24] for Qatar [17:25] and regional countries? [17:26] Would it be acceptable [17:27] to you [17:28] if there was a deal [17:28] that reopened the Strait [17:29] and left the nuclear issue [17:31] for another day? [17:33] No. [17:35] There is an overall picture [17:36] that everybody [17:37] would tell you, [17:38] which is that [17:39] the main concern [17:40] right now [17:40] in the region [17:41] is the security of the region. [17:43] The threat perception [17:45] in the region [17:45] has changed [17:46] as a result of this war. [17:47] The stability [17:48] has been put into question [17:51] of the region [17:52] as a result of this war. [17:53] And what we need right now [17:54] are security guarantees [17:55] that would make sure [17:56] that we would not return [17:57] to the situation [17:58] a couple of months [17:59] down the road. [17:59] So yes, [18:00] we want a comprehensive deal [18:01] that would address [18:02] the interests [18:03] of all the peoples [18:03] in the region, [18:04] including the Iranians [18:05] and our people [18:06] and the concerns [18:08] of the international community [18:09] regarding Iran. [18:10] Now, that said, [18:11] we also know [18:12] that peace is incremental. [18:13] We are not saying [18:15] that we are against [18:15] any deal [18:17] that would, [18:18] first of all, [18:19] maintain the ceasefire, [18:20] which is a positive [18:21] trajectory for us, [18:23] but also would put [18:24] into question [18:25] the whole situation [18:26] in the region. [18:27] Therefore, [18:27] we are supportive [18:28] of the efforts [18:29] of Pakistan in this [18:30] and we'll revert back [18:31] to the Pakistanis [18:31] on how they want [18:32] to go forward [18:33] and how they are going forward. [18:34] And as I said, [18:35] we are coordinating [18:35] with them very closely. [18:36] As-salamu alaykum. [18:49] Dr. Anakhala Tawalba, [18:51] Kalten Baasin. [18:52] China, our news agency. [18:55] Amid the growing [18:57] regional mediation efforts [18:59] and new mediators [19:01] are introduced [19:02] on the line [19:04] between the United States, [19:06] Israel, [19:06] and Iran, [19:07] are we in the process [19:09] of reshaping [19:10] the mediation dynamics [19:11] in the region [19:12] rather than [19:14] the traditional one [19:16] or those mediators [19:18] to be are moving [19:20] within limited margins [19:23] between Tehran [19:24] and Washington. [19:25] And on the other hand, [19:28] when would the GCC [19:29] state openly [19:30] that Iran's intransigence [19:34] and U.S. pressures [19:35] are undermining [19:37] the regional security? [19:40] Again, times again, [19:42] diplomacy [19:43] and amicable settlement [19:44] is the safest [19:46] and most reasonable way. [19:49] The Gulf states [19:50] have proven, [19:51] historically speaking, [19:53] their effectiveness [19:54] in their mediation efforts. [19:56] They have become [19:56] the world destination [19:58] when it comes [19:59] to mediation [20:00] for the resolving [20:02] of conflicts. [20:05] This is naturally now [20:06] as the crisis [20:07] is unfolding [20:09] in the region. [20:10] In this particular crisis, [20:11] as the Gulf states [20:13] have been [20:14] under daily attacks [20:15] and their sovereignty [20:16] were attacked, [20:20] we are giving [20:21] the Pakistani [20:22] ample room [20:23] in order [20:23] to allow [20:24] their diplomacy effort [20:25] and mediation efforts [20:26] to succeed. [20:28] Mediation efforts [20:29] cannot tolerate [20:30] any further [20:31] but only to support [20:35] the ongoing [20:36] Pakistani mediation efforts. [20:37] I'm from QBS radio. [20:46] How do you see [20:47] the Iranian response [20:49] to Qatar's concern [20:50] over Hermos strait? [20:54] Which response [20:55] are you... [20:56] Response? [20:57] I mean, [20:57] Qatar is concerned [20:58] about closing [21:00] the Hermos [21:01] and how... [21:02] Did it take it [21:03] seriously or... [21:05] Obviously, [21:06] we have maintained [21:08] our position [21:09] since day one [21:09] that closing [21:10] the strait [21:10] of Hermos [21:11] is not to be accepted [21:12] or legitimized [21:13] in any way [21:14] and our calls [21:15] for opening [21:15] the straits [21:16] have remained [21:17] unchanged from day one [21:19] and that the straits [21:19] should not be used [21:20] as political leverage [21:21] in any means [21:22] by any party. [21:23] You've spoken [21:34] previously in the past [21:35] highly about [21:36] the relationship [21:37] with European partners. [21:38] Is Qatar [21:39] and regional partners [21:40] engaged with... [21:41] in the European efforts [21:42] for reopening [21:44] of the Hermos strait [21:45] led by France [21:46] and the UK [21:47] and are you coordinating [21:48] with them? [21:50] Thank you. [21:50] So, of course, [21:52] we attended [21:52] the meeting [21:55] hosted by the UK [21:57] and France [21:58] on that issue [21:58] and we remain [21:59] engaging with them [22:00] over that issue. [22:02] Any... [22:03] We're supportive [22:04] of all [22:04] and every international [22:06] effort [22:06] that would lead [22:07] to a diplomatic solution [22:08] and that would lead [22:09] to the opening [22:10] of the strait [22:10] and to securing [22:11] the strait [22:12] in the future [22:14] but we are still [22:16] in preliminary talks [22:17] of course [22:17] with all these parties [22:18] with our regional partners [22:20] but we applaud [22:21] our partners [22:22] in Europe [22:23] for taking the lead [22:23] on this [22:24] and as I said [22:25] we attended [22:25] represented by [22:27] our Minister of State [22:29] and we are continuing [22:30] to engage with them [22:31] on that. [22:32] Please. [22:36] Thank you for this briefing. [22:37] Celia from TF1 [22:39] French TV. [22:40] What are you expecting [22:41] from the visit [22:42] of the French Minister [22:43] planned on Thursday? [22:45] What are you expecting [22:46] of this visit [22:47] and maybe some help [22:48] from France [22:49] in this situation? [22:51] Thank you. [22:51] First of all, [22:52] let me say [22:52] that there is [22:53] a huge appreciation [22:54] in Qatar [22:55] and in the region [22:56] for the support [22:58] that we have received [22:59] from all our partners [22:59] internationally [23:00] but especially [23:01] from France [23:02] and European partners [23:03] who have shown [23:03] a great deal [23:04] of reliability [23:05] as partners [23:06] and as allies [23:07] in this conflict. [23:09] The visit of his excellency, [23:10] the Minister of course, [23:11] was hugely appreciated [23:12] under the current circumstances [23:13] and he has had meetings [23:15] with the highest echelons [23:16] of authority [23:17] in our country [23:18] to discuss defense partnerships [23:20] and security partnerships [23:21] and to assess [23:22] the current situation [23:23] and how France [23:24] and Qatar [23:25] can play [23:26] an important role [23:27] for stability [23:27] in this region [23:28] and beyond. [23:30] Andrew? [23:31] Thanks, Dr. Majid. [23:32] Andrew Mills [23:33] from Reuters. [23:34] In light of the GCC [23:35] summit later on today, [23:38] is there a discussion [23:42] among the GCC countries [23:44] about a possible military role [23:47] for the Gulf [23:47] in either reopening Hormuz [23:50] or in responses [23:52] to potential future attacks [23:54] from Iran [23:55] onto the region? [23:56] And if that is [23:58] under discussion, [23:59] would it be Qatar's position [24:00] at the GCC, [24:02] the same position [24:03] that you've said [24:05] at this podium [24:05] many times [24:06] that these conflicts [24:07] get ended [24:08] at the negotiation table [24:10] and you would not [24:11] encourage a GCC military role? [24:15] Thank you. [24:15] First of all, [24:16] far be it from me [24:17] to assume the role [24:18] of our leaders [24:19] who are meeting [24:20] later today [24:21] and deciding [24:21] on a lot of things. [24:23] But let me tell you [24:23] that the secretariat [24:26] of the GCC [24:27] will make a very clear statement [24:28] on what will be discussed [24:30] today in the meeting. [24:32] For us in Qatar [24:33] and not only in Qatar, [24:34] I think in the region [24:34] as a whole, [24:35] we have always put forth [24:37] that diplomatic resolutions [24:38] should be given [24:39] premissary over [24:40] any other solutions. [24:43] And we have seen [24:43] in many conflicts, [24:45] including this one, [24:46] that at the end [24:47] the conflict is ended [24:48] on the negotiation table. [24:49] That said, [24:50] the Gulf countries, [24:51] including Qatar, [24:52] we have taken [24:53] all the military precautions [24:56] and put them in place [24:57] to make sure [24:58] that we are safe. [24:59] We have an interception rate [25:02] of more than 98% [25:03] of all the projectiles [25:05] launched at our country [25:06] and we are continuing that. [25:08] And we have said many times [25:10] before that we maintain [25:11] our right [25:12] for protecting our sovereignty [25:16] and making sure [25:16] that these attacks [25:17] don't go unanswered. [25:19] But we always, [25:20] of course, [25:21] give priority [25:22] to diplomacy. [25:23] Right now, [25:23] there are talks in place. [25:25] The talks are progressing. [25:26] Yes, [25:27] there are still difficulties [25:28] in the talks, [25:29] but there is a process [25:30] that has led [25:31] to the ceasefire [25:31] that we are in right now [25:33] and we hope for that [25:34] to continue [25:34] and we reach [25:34] a diplomatic resolution. [25:42] Thank you, Doctor. [25:43] Could you just describe [25:45] what is it like [25:46] for Qatar [25:47] and other regional countries [25:48] living with this uncertainty, [25:49] not knowing [25:50] if the war [25:51] is going to restart [25:52] and if or when [25:53] the Strait of Hormuz [25:54] will be reopened? [25:57] Well, [25:57] it's never a good thing [25:58] to live in any kind [25:59] of uncertainty, [26:00] especially when this [26:01] is affecting people's lives [26:03] in this region [26:04] and beyond. [26:05] It's affecting our economies, [26:07] it's affecting the prosperity [26:07] and the stability [26:09] of this region. [26:10] We are living [26:11] in an interconnected world [26:12] where a shipment [26:14] that cannot go through [26:15] the Strait of Hormuz [26:16] affects energy prices [26:17] in your hometown [26:18] and has an effect [26:20] on, as I said before, [26:23] on food security, [26:24] on industries [26:25] around the world, [26:27] on energy prices, [26:28] which is something, [26:29] you know, [26:29] that makes it very clear [26:31] that this region's issue [26:33] is an international issue. [26:35] The issue [26:35] of the Strait of Hormuz [26:36] and the issue [26:36] of this war [26:37] is not something [26:38] that can be localized [26:38] and regionalized. [26:39] It is something [26:40] that is affecting [26:40] all of us collectively [26:41] and therefore, [26:42] I think for us here [26:43] in the region, [26:44] the message [26:45] was always very clear. [26:46] We need to solve [26:46] this issue [26:47] and we need [26:48] to find an end [26:49] that would give [26:50] the security [26:50] of the world [26:51] the rest [26:51] from what is happening [26:52] right now, [26:53] but also would provide [26:54] sustainable solutions [26:55] for the future. [26:56] We do not want [26:57] to see a return [26:58] to hostilities [26:58] in the region [26:59] anytime soon. [27:00] We do not want [27:00] to see a frozen conflict [27:02] that ends up, [27:04] you know, [27:04] being thawed [27:05] every time [27:06] there is a political [27:08] reason for that [27:09] to happen [27:09] and therefore, [27:10] we are very keen [27:11] to see an end [27:12] to this war [27:13] that is sustainable, [27:14] that takes into account [27:15] all of our concerns [27:16] in the region [27:16] and beyond [27:17] and that puts [27:18] an end [27:19] to the economic [27:21] impact of this war [27:23] on all of us [27:24] in the world. [27:24] Far behind this week. [27:33] Next time, [27:33] I'll be closer. [27:35] I have two questions. [27:36] First, [27:37] is the duty [27:39] or do we expect [27:40] today's Gulf Summit [27:42] to come up [27:43] with an initiative [27:44] aiming at resolving [27:47] the crisis, [27:49] a Gulf initiative. [27:51] This will cause [27:52] the Secretary General [27:53] to be angry. [27:55] A second question, [27:56] what is Qatar's position [27:58] on an Iranian proposal [27:59] to separate [28:00] the Strait of Hormuz issue [28:02] from the nuclear [28:04] do say, [28:06] is Qatar supportive [28:07] of this proposal? [28:09] Once again, [28:10] I refer you [28:10] to the Secretary General [28:12] of the bloc [28:14] and I am certain [28:15] that they will have [28:16] a press conference today. [28:18] As to the second part [28:19] of the question, [28:19] we endorse [28:20] Pakistani mediation efforts [28:24] within the context [28:25] of the daily efforts. [28:26] We have been a mediator [28:27] in many world conflicts [28:29] and we know [28:30] that mediators [28:31] must be given [28:32] ample room [28:33] in order to function, [28:36] in order to come up [28:37] with solutions. [28:38] For us, [28:39] the reopening [28:40] of the Strait of Hormuz [28:41] is a clear matter. [28:44] From the very beginning, [28:45] the Strait of Hormuz [28:46] can never be used [28:49] as a bargaining chip [28:50] or political leverage. [28:52] Throughout decades [28:55] and despite [28:56] the many crises [28:57] that were unfolding [28:58] in the region, [29:00] the Strait of Hormuz [29:01] was never been used [29:03] as leverage. [29:05] Therefore, [29:06] the issue [29:06] of the Strait of Hormuz [29:07] is not part [29:08] of the battle. [29:09] On the contrary, [29:11] we see that [29:12] the Strait of Hormuz [29:12] must be opened [29:13] immediately [29:14] without any delay [29:16] or bargain [29:17] from any party. [29:19] Thank you [29:19] and see you next week.