Advisor to Prime Minister, Official Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatar Continues Diplomatic Efforts to Reduce Tensions in the Region

Doha, February 03 (QNA) - Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar continues its diplomatic efforts at the highest levels to reduce tensions in the region and to promote a return to the negotiating table, considering it the only path to achieving regional security and stability.
Dr. Al Ansari stated during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs'weekly press briefing Tuesday that communications are ongoing and continuous between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside the visit made by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, to the Iranian capital, Tehran, as part of efforts aimed at ensuring de-escalation and maintaining stability in the region.
He added that these efforts are not limited to Qatar alone, but involve multiple regional parties, amid extensive regional communications witnessed in recent days, aimed at reducing tension and preventing a return to escalation, emphasizing that these communications continue intensively during the current hours and days, despite the inability to discuss details of future meetings at this time.
Regarding the Rafah crossing, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that Qatar issued a statement considering the recent step positive, yet insufficient, noting that the permanent goal has been the full opening of the crossing, ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid, the normal movement of citizens, and enabling international parties to carry out their humanitarian role.
He reaffirmed Qatar's rejection of using the Rafah crossing in any negotiations or political process, stressing that obstructing the evacuation of more than twenty thousand medical cases in urgent need of treatment constitutes a complete crime against humanity.
Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that Qatar works closely with all concerned parties, whether the European Union mission or its mediation partners, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, alongside other regional and international parties, to continue pressure toward the full opening of the Rafah crossing.
In the context of mediation efforts, Dr. Al Ansari indicated during the briefing that current movements focus on the second phase of the Gaza agreement, with a warning about the dangers of continued humanitarian deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
He noted that measures taken so far have not addressed the crisis in Gaza, particularly regarding the entry of equipment needed to remove rubble, construct temporary housing units, as well as medical evacuations, citizen movement, and the entry of food and medicine. 
On the Iranian file, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the issue as "extremely complex," noting that past years witnessed numerous attempts to reach a consensus formula that would lay the foundation for a more secure and stable region.
He said the existing challenges cannot be reduced to a single issue; what is required now is a comprehensive return to a new negotiation track where all files are placed on the table.
He added that Qatar's current focus is on moving the region from a state of tension, mutual statements, and escalation to a new negotiation phase involving all regional partners, affirming the continuation of joint efforts without excluding any country, reflecting a collective international will to de-escalate the region.
He pointed out that Qatar has believed from the outset that all disputes should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, warning that delays in this regard lead to increased risks and tensions, negatively affecting the peoples of the region.
Dr. Al Ansari reiterated that sitting at the negotiating table is the only solution to avoid conflicts, noting that all international efforts are directed toward this goal.
He emphasized the importance of regional relations, noting that Qatar and Iran share geography, history, and common interests in the Arabian Gulf and energy fields, which necessitates adopting dialogue as the sole path forward toward peace and de-escalation.
The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Qatar has taken all necessary precautions regarding the current regional escalation and is closely monitoring ongoing developments, pointing out that Qatar continuously works with its partners, with a primary focus on diplomatic solutions at this stage.
Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari also highlighted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' key activities over the week, noting that HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met last Saturday in Tehran with HE Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Larijani, where the two sides discussed ongoing efforts to reduce regional tensions.
He added that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also reaffirmed Qatar's support for all initiatives aimed at de-escalation and peaceful solutions to enhance security and stability in the region.
He noted that His Excellency received last Thursday HE Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs of Senegal Cheikh Niang, where they discussed regional developments and ways to strengthen efforts to consolidate security and stability in Africa.
He also mentioned that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs received, Monday, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conducted several phone calls in recent days with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and with HE Prime Minister of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Sifi Ghrieb.
He added that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs held a phone call last Sunday with HE Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, during which His Excellency extended congratulations on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait.
He noted that HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired last Saturday Qatar's delegation during the ministerial session of the 2nd Arab-India Cooperation Forum held in New Delhi, India, noting that His Excellency participated in a meeting with HE Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, which included all ministers attending the session. 
Dr. Al Ansari noted that HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Thursday with HE Secretary-General of the International Civil Defense Organization Arguj Kalantarli and HE Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs Nderika Ratwathe. Her Excellency also met on Monday with HE Executive Director of the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) Fernando Travesi.
He noted that HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi visited the Republic of Lebanon on Monday, pointing out that during his meeting with HE President of the Republic of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun, His Excellency delivered a written message from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, pertaining to issues of common interest between the two countries and strengthening relations between them.
He noted that HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met during his visit to the Republic of Lebanon with HE Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, and HE Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri.
Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had confirmed during a joint press conference with HE Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon Dr. Tarek Mitri that this visit comes as a confirmation of the State of Qatar's firm and unwavering stance in standing by Lebanon and its fraternal people, especially in light of the delicate circumstances and current challenges facing the region.
He indicated that His Excellency announced during the press conference that the State of Qatar is providing development and humanitarian support to the Republic of Lebanon, with a total value of USD 434,248,000, benefiting more than 1.5 million people, through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). This package includes a contribution of up to USD 400 million to support the energy sector, and extends to include support for a number of vital sectors, especially the education sector by providing a number of scholarships, and supporting the capabilities of the Lebanese army by providing military vehicles and equipment, in addition to supporting the sports sector.
In the same context, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that, under the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Lebanese Army received last Thursday 37 vehicles provided by the State of Qatar, through the QFFD, representing the first batch of a total grant of 162 vehicles allocated to support the Lebanese military establishment.
He noted that HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi delivered a written message from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to HE President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung, during his visit to the Republic of Korea on Wednesday. His Excellency also met during the visit with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun and HE National Security Adviser of the Republic of Korea, Wi Sung-lac.
He noted that HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met on Friday with HE Secretary General of the National Security Council (NSC) of the Kingdom of Thailand Chatcai Bangchuad, while His Excellency met on Monday, with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
Dr. Al Ansari indicated that a round of political consultations was held on Tuesday between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and Hungary, where the Qatari side was headed by HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, while the Hungarian side was headed by HE Deputy State Secretary for Security Policy and Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Henrietta Balajthy.
He noted that the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo / March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) signed on Monday the terms of reference stemming from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. This occurred during the meeting of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism between the two parties, hosted by Doha, as part of its efforts to resolve the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The two parties renewed their commitment to the ceasefire and the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace signed between them in November. (QNA)