Prince of Qatar Underestimates Doha’s Need for Neighbors

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is seen as he speaks to members of Qatar's Shura Council in Doha, Qatar, November 14, 2017. Reuters
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is seen as he speaks to members of Qatar's Shura Council in Doha, Qatar, November 14, 2017. Reuters
TT
20

Prince of Qatar Underestimates Doha’s Need for Neighbors

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is seen as he speaks to members of Qatar's Shura Council in Doha, Qatar, November 14, 2017. Reuters
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is seen as he speaks to members of Qatar's Shura Council in Doha, Qatar, November 14, 2017. Reuters

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani announced Tuesday that his country no longer needs its neighbors, underestimating the importance of the boycott by the Arab quartet.

The Emir defended in the opening of the 46th ordinary session of the Shura Council his country, which is accused of supporting terrorism.

“Qatar's record on fighting terrorism is documented and known to everyone," he said, adding that Qatar has joined international and regional treaties in this regard, mainly the ‘UN International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism’ in 1999, and has contributed to every international and regional effort in this regard.

“We express our readiness for a compromise within the framework of a dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty and common obligations, but on the other hand we recognize that the indicators that come from the blockade states show they do not want to reach a solution,” Tamim added.

Sheikh Tamim also praised efforts made by Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, in the Gulf mediation and his keenness on the future of the GCC States.

He said that his country has taken necessary measures to face the challenges imposed by the recent developments, especially in the fields of transportation, commodities and services.



GCC Condemns Israeli Airstrike Near Damascus Presidential Palace

This aerial photo shows the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus' Mount Qasyoun on May 2, 2025. (AFP)
This aerial photo shows the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus' Mount Qasyoun on May 2, 2025. (AFP)
TT
20

GCC Condemns Israeli Airstrike Near Damascus Presidential Palace

This aerial photo shows the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus' Mount Qasyoun on May 2, 2025. (AFP)
This aerial photo shows the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus' Mount Qasyoun on May 2, 2025. (AFP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned on Friday the Israeli airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus.

He stated that this act by the Israeli occupation forces is a grave violation that undermines security and stability in the region and reflects a pattern of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Albudaiwi underlined the GCC's complete rejection and condemnation of all Israeli violations that threaten the sovereignty, stability, and security of Syria and its people.

He stressed the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, rejecting any external interference in its internal affairs.

The security and stability of Syria are crucial for regional and international peace, he added.