Siege a turning point for region's geopolitics, says FM
Once again stressing on the need for dialogue to resolve the Gulf crisis and calling siege countries to the negotiation table, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the unjust blockade imposed on the State of Qatar has been a turning point for the region’s geopolitical environment, drawing attention to dialogue as the only way out.
In an open conversation on 'the priorities of Qatar's foreign and economic policies, and the future of Qatari relations with the countries of the world' hosted by Georgetown University yesterday, HE the FM said coming together to resolve the crisis through dialogue will only happen when these countries realize that the blockade is not a means to achieve their goals or dispel their fears, regardless of their definition of it.
Foreign Minister underscored that Qatar would not have been able to overcome the challenges without the internal support from citizens and residents, adding that the state appreciates the valuable contributions of its diverse society and its role in future development. #QNA pic.twitter.com/LZ9pqxnSnM
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 2, 2019
Sheikh Mohamed addressed the successful strategies adopted by Qatar to ensure national security and alleviate the human suffering of the blockade.
HE the FM recognized the citizens and residents of Qatar for their unwavering support towards the country that has enabled Qatar to face and overcome the challenges that arose since the blockade.
The state appreciates the valuable contributions of its diverse society and the role it continues to play in the future development of the country, he added, according to Gulf Times.
Sheikh Mohamed said he was proud of Georgetown University in Qatar, which has graduated more than 440 graduates so far, including 12 graduates working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who are part of the team that worked during the blockade.
HE the FM praised the diversity of Georgetown campus in Qatar, which currently houses more than 50 different nationalities.
I’m very pleased to speak today at Georgetown University in Qatar to passionate and ambitious young leaders driving positive change in the world. Thank you @GUQatar and congratulations on #GUQ100 Celebration of Knowledge. pic.twitter.com/7Oj3OW4urG
— محمد بن عبدالرحمن (@MBA_AlThani_) April 2, 2019
In response to the audience's questions about the future of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Sheikh Mohamed underscored the importance of the council as a framework for regional cooperation and coexistence.
He answered a number of questions regarding the future of the energy sector, seeking new security arrangements based on cooperation, and the impact of Georgetown's international affairs curriculum on building human capital in Qatar.
He further talked about his role as Chairman of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), as an institution dedicated to improving the lives of people and communities around the world, saying that in 2018, QFFD provided assistance to 71 countries and provided grants of up to $585 million, 30 percent of which was earmarked for education, reported Qatar Tribune.
Achieving stability in the future requires investing in tools that enable people to achieve it, the FM underlined.
The discussion saw the attendance of the Dean of Georgetown University in Washington Dr. Robert Groves and Dean of Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service Dr. Joel Hellman as well as a large number of Georgetown University in Qatar students, faculty and staff members and members of the diplomatic corps.
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Cover Image Credit: Qatar Tribune
