Doha, Qatar: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, has said that Qatar’s efforts and regional contacts with various parties continue to promote a return to negotiations between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He has also said that Qatar’s economy remains strong, with continued focus on the well-being of citizens and residents and the implementation of national development projects and plans. “The economic measures adopted during the crisis are precautionary and temporary in nature, limited to the operational aspect, and do not represent structural changes to the economy.”
Addressing weekly media briefing yesterday, Al Ansari said that one of Qatar’s priorities is to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to normal, while continuing coordination among the Gulf states to address any potential threats or developments related to the escalation.
Dr. Al Ansari said that Qatar had warned, since the beginning of the crisis, of the wide repercussions of any escalation, not only on the region, but also on the global economy, reiterating Qatar’s continued efforts to support diplomatic solutions and reduce tension.
To a question about new US economic sancations on Iran, he said that Qatar and the countries of the region have warned from day one about the economic repercussions of war and escalation. “The priority for the State of Qatar is to restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, ensure global energy and food security, and maintain the safety of supply chains, which are goals that can only be achieved through a comprehensive diplomatic solution.”
He clarified that the sanctions being discussed do not directly affect the State of Qatar. “Doha adheres to the framework of international sanctions and interacts positively with the measures adopted in this context... the sovereign decisions of countries remain linked to regional developments and to efforts made to find consensual solutions.”
“The sanctions in question were imposed by a specific party and are not UN sanctions,” he said, emphasizing that Qatar’s stance stems from supporting negotiations and diplomatic solutions, not siding with one party at the expense of another.
In response to statements by some Iranian officials regarding targeting countries in the region, Al Ansari affirmed Qatar’s categorical rejection of such statements, considering that attempts to drag countries in the region into existing conflicts will only lead to further escalation.
“Qatar, with all its institutions and armed forces, is fully prepared to defend its security and sovereignty against any aggression, regardless of its source or justifications, reiterating Doha’s rejection of any threat to the security and stability of the countries of the region.”
He affirmed the high level of coordination among the Gulf states to address any potential threats and monitor escalating developments. He noted that all GCC countries support reaching a peaceful resolution to the crisis. He explained that Qatar’s direct communication with Iran falls within the framework of mediation efforts and pushing for a resumption of negotiations.
In response to a question about the Financial Times report on the reduction of budgets of government agencies and the reduction of funding for Qatari foreign aid, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that the figures mentioned in the Financial Times report on the reduction of budgets of a number of government agencies and the reduction of funding for Qatari foreign aid were inaccurate, stressing that much of it was taken out of context.
Al Ansari added that media outlets are required to refer to official sources to verify the announced figures and information, stressing that the economic indicators and growth figures that will be announced during the coming period will reflect the strength of the Qatari economy and its ability to deal with current developments.
He clarified that talk of reducing budgets by up to 30 percent is related to the precautionary measures taken by the state at the beginning of the regional crisis, as is the case for any country facing exceptional circumstances or an escalation in the region. He noted that this percentage relates to operational expenses only, and does not include salaries or capital projects.
He stressed that these economic measures are not structural or permanent, but rather circumstantial measures related to the current escalation in the region, and do not represent a change in the structure of the Qatari economy or its strategic directions.
Regarding the Israeli stance on moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Al Ansari said that Qatar has repeatedly stressed the need to exert pressure on Israel to accept the proposed plan and proceed with its implementation. “The developments on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank do not reflect positive cooperation with the ongoing efforts.”
