Doha: HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi affirmed that the State of Qatar has firmly established itself as a diplomatic force with a remarkable ability to open lines of communication and address complex global issues, through its key role in mediation efforts spanning multiple continents, demonstrating responsibility, commitment, and neutrality.
According to Qatar News Agency, during a press conference following the signing of the Doha Agreement, which aims to strengthen the commitment to peace between the Colombian government and the self-declared EGC group, HE Al Khulaifi highlighted Qatar's significant progress in resolving various conflicts. He pointed to Qatar's contribution to securing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza in collaboration with international partners. He added that Doha hosted a trilateral summit that paved the way for the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Washington. He pointed out that Qatar's efforts culminated in November with the signing of a peace framework between the Congolese government and the March 23 Movement, marking a historic step toward ending a prolonged conflict.
His Excellency added that Qatar continues to maintain open communication channels with both Ukraine and Russia, with ongoing humanitarian efforts focused on reuniting children affected by the conflict with their families.
In Afghanistan, Qatar's efforts have contributed to the release of 10 detainees of various nationalities this year, he pointed out.
Qatar also played a role in resolving the ongoing disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating the signing of the Doha Agreement between the two countries in October, he added.
During the press conference, HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that these achievements reflect Qatar's deep belief that the responsibility for ensuring security and stability goes beyond geographical borders. He expressed Qatar's commitment to working with regional and international partners to find practical solutions that end conflicts and promote lasting peace and security.
His Excellency also noted that the developments witnessed today are an extension of these efforts and a responsible step toward peace and development, adding that this agreement is expected to open a political path for establishing sustainable peace within an agreed framework in Colombia. He pointed out that the agreement will create an opportunity to end the armed conflict between the two sides and will significantly reduce illegal human trafficking and drug trade in specific regions of Colombia.
He added that Qatar remains committed to supporting dialogue and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. He also praised the commitment, seriousness, and patience shown by both parties during the two rounds of mediation held in Doha. Since hosting the negotiations last September, both sides have made significant concessions to protect the Colombian people, prioritize their interests, and preserve the unity and stability of Colombia, he pointed out. He also expressed appreciation for the trust both parties have placed in Qatar's role as a mediator, facilitating these rounds and pushing them toward achieving security and stability.
HE Al Khulaifi highlighted the ongoing and crucial support provided by the delegations from Norway, Switzerland, and Spain, which contributed significantly to the success of this agreement. The agreement's success stems from the trust both parties have in the mediators and their ability to navigate complexities with integrity and impartiality, he explained.
His Excellency also explained that during Qatar's hosting of the first and second rounds of negotiations, both sides agreed on a series of measures to be implemented across 15 specific regions in Colombia. These measures aim to build trust between the parties, such as reducing drug production and replacing it with other legitimate economic resources. Additionally, they agreed to refrain from recruiting children and adolescents into armed groups and to designate areas for rehabilitating members of the armed group and reintegrating them into Colombian society.