Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs: Qatar Continues to Strengthen Defence Capabilities While Upholding Mediation and Dialogue

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani affirmed that the State of Qatar continues to strengthen its defence capabilities while remaining committed to regional mediation and dialogue. He stressed that the security of the Gulf region is a fundamental pillar of stability for the global economy and international supply chains.

During a panel discussion held as part of the first day's proceedings at the eighth edition of the Global Security Forum, currently hosted by Doha, His Excellency said the State of Qatar had faced three main challenges during the recent period: attacks targeting its territory, disruption to energy supplies and the consequences of regional conflicts spreading into the region.

He noted that any disruption to energy supplies from the Gulf affects energy markets, global supply chains, international investments and the assistance provided by Gulf states to different parts of the world. He affirmed that regional stability has a direct impact on the global economy.

He said: "Since the outbreak of the latest crisis, the State of Qatar has worked to protect its assets and strengthen its defence readiness in cooperation with its allies." He added that the country had demonstrated its ability to defend itself and that Gulf states possess accumulated experience in overcoming and emerging from crises by diversifying their economies and strengthening their international partnerships.

Addressing security challenges, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs said Qatar had reviewed its defence strategy and identified three priority areas: air defence, countering drones and electronic warfare, including cybersecurity. Qatar will also continue developing national capabilities in these fields in cooperation with regional and international partners.

He revealed that the State of Qatar would soon announce a new partnership with regional partners to launch an initiative aimed at building capabilities in these areas. It will also announce the establishment of a defence industries centre in Qatar as part of a strategy to strengthen national capabilities.

He affirmed that Al Udeid Air Base continues to fulfil its strategic role, explaining that its development is continuing to meet the needs of the Qatari Armed Forces. Alongside US forces, the base hosts representatives from more than 20 countries, reflecting the nature of Qatar's defence partnerships.

Regarding Qatar's mediation policy, HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani stressed that mediation and defence are complementary paths. He explained that Qatar's mediation efforts aim to prevent conflicts from breaking out and do not conflict with the need to maintain the country's readiness to defend its security and sovereignty.

His Excellency said mediation requires patience and determination, citing negotiations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, which continued for several years before producing tangible results. He affirmed that Qatar had demonstrated its ability to continue mediation efforts across multiple issues in cooperation with its partners.

Addressing relations with Iran, His Excellency said: "Achieving sustainable peace requires launching a comprehensive regional dialogue that includes the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, alongside Pakistan and Türkiye, in consultation with international partners. This process must be based on trust, non-aggression and addressing mutual security concerns."

He added that the historical experience of building economic relations between Germany and France after decades of conflict offers a model that could be used to build economic bridges that help prevent future conflicts. He affirmed that Iran remains a neighbouring country and that the region needs mechanisms to prevent conflicts from recurring.

His Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar rejects the imposition of transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, a position consistent with international law. He stressed that any uncertainty in the strait negatively affects energy markets and the global economy.

He explained that Qatar continues to maintain diplomatic communication channels with Iran despite disagreements between the two sides. He affirmed that dialogue had not been interrupted and that Qatar hopes existing understandings will help strengthen trust and prevent renewed tensions.

Concluding the panel discussion, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani affirmed that the State of Qatar would continue maintaining its defence readiness in cooperation with its partners while remaining committed to dialogue and mediation as the best means of moving from conflict towards building economic relations that strengthen security and stability in the region.

Source: QNA

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