Doha, December 06 (QNA) - HE European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas praised the pivotal role Qatar plays in effective international mediation efforts aimed at resolving global conflicts, at a time when the world is witnessing more than 60 ongoing disputes.

Speaking at a session on mediation in times of fragmentation during the Doha Forum, Kallas said Qatari mediation serves as a vital model for upholding international law and the global rules-based system, which are fundamental for protecting smaller states and preventing the recurrence of wars and conflicts.

During her intervention, the EU official discussed the current EU–US relationship, noting that the United States remains Europe's closest and most significant ally, and that the transatlantic alliance remains strong despite disagreements on certain issues and criticisms of Europe's declining global role, particularly regarding the need to strengthen the EU's capacity to face Russia with greater confidence.

She highlighted that the US strategy mentions the erosion of European civilization and undermining democracy in some countries, stressing that these criticisms should be understood in their political context and seen as a call for Europe to rely more on itself for security and defense.

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine war, Kallas emphasized the necessity of providing Ukraine with genuine security guarantees, stating that the conflict cannot end if the aggressor is left capable of funding its operations.

She noted that Europe possesses influential tools, such as economic sanctions, to counter Russia, while cautioning against underestimating Russia's economic capacity or overestimating its strength.

Kallas welcomed any pathway that contributes to achieving a just and sustainable peace worldwide, affirming that Qatar's global mediation efforts add significant value in a world experiencing major shifts in international power balances.

She added that while traditional diplomacy remains essential, advanced mediation tools, including efforts by small yet active states like Qatar, have become integral to peacebuilding.

Highlighting the importance of inclusive approaches, she stressed that lasting peace requires societal-wide participation, including women, noting that studies show their presence at negotiation tables increases the likelihood of sustained peace agreements by 35 percent.

Concluding her remarks, the EU official described the current moment as pivotal, emphasizing that upholding international law and ensuring aggressors are not rewarded are key to securing a more stable future. (QNA)