Qatar Calls for Regional Security Framework for Iran and Gulf States
Istanbul (ANTARA) - The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has called for the formation of a regional security framework that unites the Gulf states and Iran.
Al Thani stated that recent conflicts should serve as a wake-up call for the region. “We hope this war serves as a warning to all parties that the time has come for such a framework,” he said while speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, USA, on Sunday (20/9).
Al Thani also emphasised that recent regional crises have tested various assumptions regarding security and stability, illustrating that such crises have widespread impacts beyond the immediate region.
“Iran is our neighbour. We need to understand that without a security framework that unites us all as Gulf states together with Iran, and ensures that none of us becomes a threat to the others, this region will not be able to continue as it once did,” said Al Thani.
Al Thani noted that Qatar and its regional partners are working towards realising such an agreement and expressed hope that the ongoing conflict would encourage closer cooperation.
“We are working to make this happen. Our regional partners believe in this, and we hope that this war serves as a warning to all parties that the time has come for it to occur,” he said.
He also stated that Qatar will continue its mediation efforts, maintain communication channels, and work with regional and international partners to ease tensions and support the achievement of diplomatic understanding.
Qatar is expected to tender infrastructure projects worth approximately US$38.5 billion over the next five years, while property and hospitality projects are expected to attract US$22.5 billion in private investment; thus, the potential combined value exceeds US$60 billion.
These statements were made by Al Thani as world leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly high-level week, with conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, and their regional impacts, being one of the primary issues facing the Gulf states.