Doha, November 03 (QNA) - Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari confirmed Tuesday that the State of Qatar continues its efforts to bridge the gap between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran by facilitating the exchange of proposals.
He noted that both sides have demonstrated a commitment to the negotiation process and to reviewing the proposals put forward, despite the escalation currently unfolding in the region.
During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' weekly media briefing, Al Ansari said that the Qatari delegation that traveled to Tehran on Monday arrived as planned and held an extensive meeting with their counterparts there, which lasted for about three hours. During the meeting, they exchanged views on various proposals currently under consideration to bridge the gap between the two sides, before the delegation departed and returned to Doha Monday evening.
He added that communications between the parties are ongoing, and mediators continue to exchange proposals in real time, while both sides are currently reviewing the ideas and suggestions presented by the mediators within various contexts.
He pointed out that the continuation of negotiations, the parties' commitment to engaging in them, and their examination of the proposals on the table offer a "glimmer of hope" for reaching an agreement. In this regard, he said that a mediator cannot lose hope; there are developments in the communication between the parties, though it is not possible at this moment to speak of any specific breakthrough.
The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that these efforts are being carried out in full coordination with regional partners, particularly the GCC member states, reflecting a strong consensus among these nations on the need to spare the region from escalation and to work toward de-escalation, thereby preventing its peoples from being subjected to any future tensions.
He reaffirmed that the Qatari-Pakistani mediation remains a priority for the State of Qatar, stressing that any escalation in the coming period would not be in the interest of any party.
He highlighted the ongoing communication and coordination between Qatari officials and their counterparts in the region, as well as with partners across the globe, aimed at achieving a de-escalation and resolving this crisis through diplomatic means.
Regarding the targeting of the Qatari gas carrier "Al Mayeda," Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar has condemned this act. He emphasized that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf is non-negotiable, noting that Qatar rejects any threat to such freedom, whether directed at a Qatari vessel or any other ship in the waters of the Gulf.
He said that any escalation in the region, whether through military attacks or the targeting of vessels in the waters of the Gulf, poses a threat to the entire region and its peoples, and impacts negotiations. He further emphasized that efforts are currently underway to halt this escalation and reach a diplomatic agreement to end the crisis.
Regarding regional coordination, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that there is a "very high level" of regional coordination with various countries in the region, noting that these efforts are entirely aimed at supporting mediation initiatives and resolving the crisis through diplomatic means.
He said that there is ongoing, daily coordination among Their Highnesses and Excellencies leaders of the countries in the region, with each state playing its part in coordination with the others as part of a joint regional effort to spare the region the ravages of escalation. He further expressed the State of Qatar's welcome for all steps taken by fraternal nations in the region, noting that coordination continues at the highest levels to ensure an end to the escalation and the establishment of a new regional security framework that guarantees security and stability for the peoples of the region.
Regarding the situation in Yemen, Al Ansari reiterated the State of Qatar's support for the legitimate Yemeni government and the Yemeni people in realizing their aspirations and overcoming the crisis. He noted that Qatar has clearly condemned the attacks carried out by the Houthi group against the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and affirmed its continued support for the Kingdom, as well as its commitment to the implementation of agreements reached under the GCC umbrella.
On the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Russian Federation, and Moscow's role in the current regional crisis, Al Ansari said that Qatari-Russian relations encompass numerous areas of joint cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. The participation of HH the Amir in the 8th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to this role and to coordination within this vital market, with a view toward global energy security.
He added that the Russian Federation is a state with significant influence on the international stage and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. He noted that the discussions between HH the Amir and HE the President of the Russian Federation addressed the crisis in the region, as well as the role that Russia could play, in coordination with other international partners and fellow permanent members of the Security Council, toward resolving this crisis.
Regarding the meeting between HH the Amir and the Iranian President, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the meeting is part of ongoing bilateral engagements with officials from the Islamic Republic of Iran. He emphasized that the State of Qatar consistently believes in communication and dialogue, and values Iran's positive engagement in the negotiations and mediation efforts led by Qatar.
He noted that Qatari officials at the highest levels continue to engage with their Iranian counterparts, with the aim of reaching a solution that enhances regional security and leads to a regional security framework that ensures security, stability, and prosperity for the peoples of the region.
In a separate context, Al Ansari condemned Israeli allegations regarding the State of Qatar's interference in the Israeli elections and its influence on their outcome, pointing to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week in which it expressed its strong denunciation of these claims.
He described these allegations as "absurd and baseless," asserting that the State of Qatar categorically rejects them and will not accept being used as a "scapegoat" within the context of the internal political polarization currently unfolding in Israel, or in any other country.
The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address his internal challenges rather than attempting to export his political crises abroad. He emphasized that such campaigns would not deter the State of Qatar from continuing its mediation role regarding Gaza or Iran, nor would they prevent it from fulfilling its role as a "mediator for peace" on the global stage. (QNA)