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GCC Slams German Remarks over Qatar’s Hosting of World Cup

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks during a press conference in Riyadh March 17, 2022. AFP1
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks during a press conference in Riyadh March 17, 2022. AFP1
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GCC Slams German Remarks over Qatar’s Hosting of World Cup

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks during a press conference in Riyadh March 17, 2022. AFP1
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks during a press conference in Riyadh March 17, 2022. AFP1

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf condemned on Saturday remarks by Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser over Qatar’s hosting of the football World Cup in November.

In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Hajraf underscored the stance of GCC countries in supporting Qatar in confronting any interference in its internal affairs.

The GCC supports Doha as it confronts claims that do not serve the establishment of natural relations between countries, deeming the meddling a violation of norms, traditions, diplomacy and international laws.

Qatar continues to forge ahead in making achievements and hosting the landmark event next month, he added, saying it was a “deserved source of pride” for the nation.

Al-Hajraf praised the pioneering role Qatar is playing in building bridges between civilizations and bolstering understanding between peoples within the boundaries of mutual respect.

On Friday, Qatar announced that it had summoned the German ambassador over Faeser’s remarks, handing him a memo of complaint.

The Foreign Ministry said it summoned the ambassador to convey its “disappointment and complete rejection and condemnation” of Faeser's remarks, demanding a clarification.

In the complaint, the ministry expressed Qatar's complete rejection of those remarks made towards a country whose hosting of the World Cup was justice done to a region suffering from an unjust stereotype for decades, reported Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

Qatar is determined to organize one of the best editions to showcase the region's civilization and heritage to the whole world, it stressed.

The memo said Faeser’s remarks ahead of her official visit to Doha next week violated diplomatic norms and conventions, especially in light of the distinguished ties between Qatar and Germany in all fields.

The memo noted that the most prominent human rights groups and UN agencies praised the reforms implemented by Qatar in the labor field, given they were effective and long-term, as well as being a result of years of planning and studies. The memo highlighted that the reforms included many labor laws and practices related to them.

Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari described the German official's remarks as unacceptable and provocative to the Qatari people.

He stressed that it was unacceptable for politicians to try and score political points locally at the expense of their relations with other countries.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.