Doha, October 19 (QNA) - HE Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani said security today extends substantially beyond conventional threats, encompassing the protection of people, the economy, infrastructure and digital space, as well as the continuity of services under all circumstances.

Speaking on the opening day of the 8th Global Security Forum in Doha, HE the Minister of Interior said security is measured by a nation's ability to preempt attacks before they occur, as well as its resilience and capacity to recover, prompting nations to modernize their legislation.

Nations should invest in people and shift from reaction to preemption, the Minister underlined, adding that they should build integrated national systems and recognize that no country can defend itself alone.

HE the Minister said crime has become increasingly complex and amorphous, with criminal networks operating from one continent to strike in another. They use artificial intelligence in fraud and forgery, while cyberattacks imperil public utilities.

Money is laundered through digital assets in a matter of minutes, while digital platforms are exploited to recruit young people, spread disinformation and exploit children, the Minister said.

HE Sheikh Khalifa highlighted that the region and other parts of the world are going through a very delicate phase, with rapid security developments whose fallout affects maritime navigation, supply chains and global energy markets. These developments thrust regional stability to the forefront as a shared responsibility requiring the security of maritime routes, the de-escalation of tensions and the prevention of conflict spillovers.

HE the Minister of Interior stressed that the State of Qatar remains committed to dialogue, mediation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. He said defending sovereignty, maintaining deterrence capabilities and working for peace are interconnected responsibilities, while compliance with international law and respect for human rights remain indispensable to regional and global stability.

He said that, domestically, protecting people remained Qatar's overwhelming priority despite rising regional tensions.

Qatar's security and military agencies worked to protect lives and property, secure critical facilities and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of services to citizens and residents. He noted that this state of readiness was the outgrowth of years of training, capacity-building across state institutions, enhanced joint operations and the development of emergency and crisis response plans.

  His Excellency called for removing obstacles and expanding areas of cooperation. He stressed that Qatar places its accumulated expertise and qualified personnel at the service of this partnership and remains committed to honoring its pledges and standing by its partners in the most difficult times.

He underscored that the State of Qatar is determined to ensure its partnerships remain a source of confidence and an enduring asset on which further cooperation can be built, reaffirming the shared conviction that safeguarding security and preserving peace are responsibilities shared by all. (QNA)