Doha Forum Kicks Off, with Gaza at the Forefront of Talks

The 21st edition of the Doha Forum kicked off on Sunday.
The 21st edition of the Doha Forum kicked off on Sunday.
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Doha Forum Kicks Off, with Gaza at the Forefront of Talks

The 21st edition of the Doha Forum kicked off on Sunday.
The 21st edition of the Doha Forum kicked off on Sunday.

The 21st edition of the Doha Forum, which is held under the patronage of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, kicked off on Sunday, in the presence of opinion leaders, senior policymakers, foreign and defense officials, and a large number of businessmen.
Held under the slogan, “Together towards building a bright tomorrow,” the two-day forum is a global platform that seeks to discuss solutions to the world’s crises.
In addition to political, security, and energy files, the Doha Forum discusses a number of topics, including economic development, environmental sustainability, food security, and artificial intelligence.
Sunday’s first conference addresses the situation in the Middle East, and features discussions by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, Jordanian Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Al-Safadi, and Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The tragic situation in the Gaza Strip is at the forefront of the discussions.
Another conference will be held under the title: “Palestine has become a global crisis; Does it have a global solution?” It will be attended by Ambassador of the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom Hossam Zomlot, Minister of State at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, and Daniel Levy, Head of the US/Middle East Project and the former Israeli negotiator at Taba and Oslo.
The forum sees an important discussion, entitled “Humanitarian Diplomacy in a World Full of Challenges... An Overview of Global Humanitarian Action 2024”, with the participation of Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
The forum will also witness a closed session to discuss the situation in Yemen, under the title, “Local, regional and international dynamics in Yemen.”



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.