Blockade measures against Qatar ‘contrary to NAM principles’

Baku: The State of Qatar participated yesterday in the 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), in Baku, Azerbaijan. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi headed the delegation of the State of Qatar to the Summit.

The  Minister pointed to the contents of the political declaration issued by the last ministerial meeting of the Movement held in New York on September 24, 2019, where it reaffirmed the rejection of unilateral actions by some countries that may lead to a violation of the UN Charter, international law and human rights, as well as the rejection of the use of coercive measures for political purposes in view of their negative impact on the rule of law at the international level and on international relations, stressing the non-recognition of any unilateral measures, including economic measures and arbitrary travel restrictions, and the need for solidarity with the Movement States facing such measures. He explained that out of the keenness of Qatar on security, peace, and stability in the region, it has called since the beginning of the blockade, and still, to resolve this crisis through unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect.

He pointed out that Qatar has spared no effort to engage in any active participation in NAM events, pointing to Qatar’s hosting of the third ministerial meeting of the Movement’s countries on the advancement of women in 2012.

The Minister explained that Qatar is engaged in practical activities to develop collective cooperation and continues to develop friendly relations and bilateral cooperation with the Movement countries in addition to the partnership with them in international initiatives and issues of common interest.  H E Al Muraikhi pointed out that no country, whatever its capabilities and resources, can tackle problems such as climate change, epidemics, drugs, trafficking in persons, transnational organized crime and other global challenges, which requires us to join efforts to find appropriate solutions to meet these challenges.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, said that that the Summit is a renewed opportunity for the NAM Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the principles and purposes of the Movement, and a way to enhance pluralism and cooperation among Member States to face challenges and achieve common goals based on the principles of international law and the goals and objectives of the Movement, and Charter of the United Nations, including the friendly relations between states, resolving disputes by peaceful means, establishing a culture of peace, not using or threatening force, and respecting the sovereignty of states and not interfering in their internal affairs.

H E the Minister pointed out that multilateral action faces an unprecedented crisis and threats for decades.

He pointed out that in light of the contemporary international changes and successive events, the international community is in dire need to strengthen the bonds of understanding and rapprochement, stressing that civilizational dialogue between peoples and nations is the best way to realize this goal.

H E Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi pointed out that the Middle East is suffering from multiple crises that have negatively affected millions of people in the region, threatening entire generations and destroying the opportunities for social and economic development.

He considered that these crises require the international community to strive to support peaceful solutions in accordance with international law to achieve sustainable peace.

Al Muraikhi added that the work is underway to establish a global center to apply behavioral visions to violent extremism and terrorism based in Doha, within the framework of the effective partnership between the State of Qatar and the UN in the fight against terrorism.

H E the Minister also pointed out that out of the keenness of the State of Qatar, as an active partner with the international community to tackle climate change as a major challenge for sustainable development, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani announced at the Climate Action Summit in New York last month that the State of Qatar has contributed $100m to support small island developing states and least developed countries.