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
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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.



Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the strong partnership between the Kingdom and UNRWA. They also reviewed recent regional developments and the ongoing efforts to address key challenges related to these issues.
In a related context, Arab reactions continue after Israel’s publications of maps annexing parts of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed Israel’s “extremist” acts that reflect Israel’s “intentions to consolidate its occupation and continue its flagrant violation of the sovereignty of those nations.”
Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for the international community to fulfill its role in halting Israel’s violations against the countries and peoples of the region.
The Kingdom emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and borders of nations to prevent further escalation of regional crises and to support efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, also issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s maps publications, saying it “reflects a state of right-wing extremism and religious obsession prevailing within the Israeli government”.