His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani gave a speech at the opening of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 22. Here are the highlights from the speech.

H.H. the Amir congratulated His Excellency Volkan Bozkir on assuming the presidency of the 75th session of the General Assembly, wishing him success.

He said that multilateral cooperation is the only way to face the challenges of epidemics, climate and the environment in general, and we would like to remember this when dealing with issues of poverty, war and peace, and achieving our common goals in security and stability and that the State of Qatar hastened to take all preventive measures and measures to protect citizens and residents.

Qatar has established during the unjust and unlawful blockade the foundations of its policy based on respecting the provisions and principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, especially the principle of respecting the sovereignty of states and refusing to interfere in their internal affairs. Despite the blockade, Qatar has strengthened its active participation in multilateral international action to find solutions to other crises. The crisis began with an illegal blockade, and its solution begins with the lifting of this blockade. We have affirmed and we will continue to stress that unconditional dialogue based on common interests and respect for state sovereignty is the way to resolve the crisis.

H.H. The Amir also said that despite the international consensus on the justice of the Palestinian cause, the international community stands helpless in the face of Israeli intransigence. Any arrangements that are not based on these references will not achieve peace, even if they are called peace, and they may have goals other than a just solution to the question of Palestine other than achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. His Highness calls on the international community, especially the Security Council, to fulfill its responsibilities and to oblige Israel to lift the siege on the Gaza Strip and put the peace process back on track. The solution to the Gulf crisis begins with the lifting of the siege, and Qatar is committed to its position on the Palestinian cause.

He also said that Qatar's efforts with international partners have been successful in holding the Afghan-Afghan peace negotiations. The efforts of the State of Qatar have culminated in the signing of the peace agreement between the United States and the Taliban in Doha.

His Highness also renewed his deep appreciation for the sincere efforts of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the sisterly State of Kuwait. Regarding the brotherly Sudan, Qatar appreciates the signing of the transitional government and a number of armed movements on the peace agreement in Juba. The State of Qatar has stood with the brothers in Sudan by providing support in the face of the flood that caused severe damage to facilities and residents.

On the Libyan issue, He said that we renew our welcome to the ceasefire agreement and the activation of the political process in accordance with the Skhirat Agreement and all its outcomes.

He continued that the Syrian crisis is still continuing due to the intransigence of the Syrian regime and the inaction of the Security Council. The only way to solve the Syrian crisis is a political solution based on the Geneva Declaration 1 and Security Council Resolution 2254. The State of Qatar also affirms that it will continue to support efforts to achieve justice and hold accountable the perpetrators of atrocities, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria. He said that Qatar pledges to continue providing all forms of support and assistance to the brotherly Syrian people in the areas of displacement and asylum until the end of this crisis.

With regards to the raging war in the brotherly Yemen, which continues to destroy Yemen's urbanization, destroys the foundations of life in Yemen and threatens security in the region, H.H. the Amir sais that Qatar affirms that the only way to resolve this crisis is through negotiation between the Yemenis according to the outcomes of the National Dialogue.

"We express our appreciation to the state of South Sudan for sponsoring the signing of this agreement, and we look forward to the rest of the factions joining the peace process", He said.

With respect to Lebanon, He said that Qatar was agonized by what Lebanon went through after the explosion in the Beirut port, and the country stood by the Lebanese brothers without conditions. "It is not our habit to impose political conditions for solidarity in the face of disasters", he added.

H.H the Amir stated that terrorism remains the most prominent challenge facing the world, as it represents a real threat to international peace and security and impedes the achievement of sustainable development for people. His Highness also affirmed that the State of Qatar is sparing no effort to actively participate in international and regional efforts to address this phenomenon and address its roots, especially by supporting education for millions of children, youth and women, and creating job opportunities for youth. He reiterated the opening of a program office of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in Doha next May to apply behavioural insights to countering terrorism and violent extremism.

In the field of development aid to developing countries, least developed countries and support for countries affected by the effects of climate change, Qatar has implemented its pledge to provide a contribution of $ 100 million to support the least developed countries and small island developing states. The State of Qatar did not see a contradiction between its duty and the provision of aid to more than 60 countries and 5 international organizations. H.H. the Amir said that Qatar is pleased to host in Doha next March the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries.

In conclusion, He stated that Qatar affirms the commitment of the State of Qatar to the declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 21 with the participation of Heads of State and Government and in which the State of Qatar assumed in partnership with the Kingdom of Sweden. We will continue to work with the United Nations to achieve its goals and common challenges to maintain the interest of our people and the good for humanity.

Source: United Nations
Cover image credit: United Nations

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Vrinda Abilash

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