Qatar continues to maintain ongoing communications with various parties

Qatar affirmed on Tuesday its constant communications with various parties, including the US, to follow up the developments amid ongoing tensions. During Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs' weekly media briefing, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that Qatar fully supports efforts made by Pakistan. Al Ansari pointed out that it is too early to speak of the failure of ongoing negotiations, especially as the world supports these efforts and hopes for their success. Qatar is monitoring ongoing developments and tracking reactions related to calls for a new round of negotiations, he said. He indicated that the Gulf states, including Qatar, are in near-daily contact with various parties, given that this crisis directly affects the security and stability of the region. He referred to direct coordination with Pakistan, which is making significant efforts in communicating with the parties to the crisis. On the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari affirmed that any closure of the strait would transform the crisis from a regional to a global one due to its connection to the energy sector, supply and logistics chains, export and re-export operations, and its impact on various aspects of life worldwide. He said that the impact of closing the strait would be felt even at the household level and basic services in countries thousands of kilometers away from the region. He added that relations between Gulf states and Pakistan are historic and strategically important, based on brotherhood and long-standing cooperation, with significant coordination at various levels. Partnerships among countries in the region are continuous and enduring, and are not a recent development but rather a natural extension of these relations, he explained. Developing Qatar's defense partnerships represents a constant priority under all circumstances, within the framework of a policy of diversifying and expanding international relations. On contacts with Iran, Al Ansari noted that the Iranian side was urged, during the latest call between Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to stop attacks on countries in the region and reach a peaceful solution. He reaffirmed support for Pakistani efforts and communication with various parties in the hope of the success of ongoing negotiations. In addition, Al Ansari emphasized Qatar's firm position supporting the unity and sovereignty of Lebanon. He deplored violations and attacks that resulted in casualties and large-scale displacement in Lebanon. Al Ansari underlined the need for full adherence to the ceasefire and that no violations should pass without a clear international stance. He hoped that this would support international and regional efforts to reach a sustainable agreement in Lebanon. Regarding the US-Iran ceasefire, he indicated that Qatar has repeatedly called for an end to the war that negatively affects the global economy and the oil and gas sectors. He urged a return to the negotiating table to reach peaceful solutions to end this crisis. If no deal is reached, Qatar backs extending the ceasefire until a solution is reached, he said.