The State of Qatar participated in the Annual Coordination Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi represented the State of Qatar in the meeting.
In his remark, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs clarified that the convention of the meeting annually during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly reflects the importance of the organization as a group that has prominent status on the international stage, and represents an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of fulfilling the aspirations of its peoples by joint action, adding that it should be guided by the principles of solidarity, partnership, collective approach, effective coordination and good governance with adherence to the national ownership.
His Excellency noted that the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem are considered a priority for the State of Qatar, pointing out that the events that transpired during the past year, especially the storming of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation forces in the Holy month of Ramadan, and the assault against the defenseless worshipers there, including the obstruction of praying in the Mosque provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims.
He added that such recurrent escalation is a reminder of the persistent violations the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque is exposed to, reiterating the rejection of any attempt that compromises the existing historic position, or carve up Al Aqsa Mosque spatially or temporarily. He reaffirmed the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian Sanctuaries in Jerusalem.
His Excellency noted that the Jerusalem cause is one of the fundamental causes that must be settled for the sake of achieving permanent, just and comprehensive peace, reiterating that the resolution of the Palestinian cause that was overwhelmingly endorsed by the international community, is the two-state solution, precipitating the establishment of the Palestinian state on the borders of 1967 with eastern Jerusalem as its capital, and end the Israeli occupation for the occupied Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories, halt the settlement activities and restore the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
His Excellency pointed out that multiple crises and impacts of the armed conflicts still haunt millions of people across the Islamic world, who aspire to enjoy peace, security, stability and prosperity, noting that such challenges are becoming increasingly complex in light of the deterioration in the international security environment.
He highlighted the importance of settling the conflicts peacefully, which is constantly pursued by the State of Qatar which exerts its entire sincere efforts for the sake of that, including through mediation and good endeavors.
He clarified that the State of Qatar has achieved multiple accomplishments in this regard, particularly in OIC states, pointing out that Qatar had the honor to host the talks between the brothers in Chad, which culminated with the signing of the Doha agreement for peace in Chad. He expressed aspiration to build on these steps to lay the foundations of sustainable peace.
He elucidated that OIC is vested with the responsibility of promoting solidarity among its member states, in addition to the responsibility of solidarity with the Muslim minorities that are suffering and are exposed to violations, affirming the State of Qatar’s constant support to the role undertaken by OIC and its efforts, initiatives and good endeavors to promote and safeguard the rights of Muslim minorities.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi stressed the need to confront the phenomenon of Islamophobia, highlighting the partnership between the State of Qatar and the OIC countries in adopting the General Assembly resolution on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in March, which reflects the country’s deep concern about the increasing acts of violence, incitement and discrimination against Muslims worldwide as well as its commitment to promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect.
His Excellency hailed the tireless efforts exerted by the State of Qatar to foster these values in a bid to create an environment conducive to peace and stability in societies, through enhancing interfaith dialogue, supporting education and using sport as a means to spread tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs noted that Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup due in November is the first time for an Islamic country to host this tournament, pointing out that this is a source of pride for Muslim youth everywhere.
His Excellency expressed Qatar’s pride in the achievements it has made at various levels in preparation for a successful hosting of this historic event. His excellency also thanked the OIC countries for backing the adoption of the General Assembly Resolution 76/259 in April, which welcomed Qatar’s hosting of the championship.
The OIC’s work program for 2025 and its implementation plan includes many important areas for our countries and peoples, which should be fostered at various national, regional and international levels, said His Excellency, noting these areas include the protection and promotion of the family, women’s rights, the rights of people with disabilities, and caring for the elderly.
His Excellency also stressed the importance of building youth capabilities and enhancing their education, particularly with a high percentage of youths dominating the Islamic world’s population, adding that the State of Qatar relentlessly direct efforts and tangible resources to advance these priorities.
His Excellency added that the implementation of the sustainable development goals is an absolute priority for the OIC countries, which are either developing countries or among the least developed countries.
The State of Qatar maintains a high level of development and humanitarian aid at the international level, including support for many OIC member states, said His Excellency, highlighting Qatar’s hosting of the second part of the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC-V), due to be held 5-9 March, 2023, which is a very important event for these countries.
His Excellency said that the negative repercussions of climate change posed a threat to the OIC countries like other countries, noting that the State of Qatar pays the necessary attention to this issue, highlighting the country’s various measures at the local and international levels, including the development of related technologies, clean energy, enhancing environmental sustainability and supporting research and development initiatives in this respect.
The State of Qatar plays a leading role in bolstering international efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism, said His Excellency, reiterating Qatar’s condemnation of all acts of terrorism whenever and wherever they are committed and regardless of their motives and justifications, including the use of terrorist methods with racial, ethnic or ideological motives.
At the same time, the State of Qatar refuses to exploit the fight against terrorism to achieve political ends or to link terrorism to a particular religion, including Islam, His Excellency noted.
HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi stressed that the State of Qatar, as it has always supported the just causes of the Islamic world and is committed to collective action within the framework of the OIC, will continue its usual positive policy and efforts, in accordance with the lofty message of Islam, and based on the OIC Charter to achieve the objectives for which it was established.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
