Doha, April 21 (QNA) - Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that Qatar continues to maintain ongoing communication with various parties, including the United States, to follow developments amid current tensions and to support efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to end the crisis.

During the Ministry's weekly media briefing, Al Ansari stressed Qatar's full support for the efforts undertaken by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, noting the continuation of coordination and communication with the Pakistani side, and pointing out that it is too early to speak of the failure of ongoing negotiations, especially as the world supports these efforts and hopes for their success.

He noted that Qatar is monitoring ongoing developments and tracking reactions related to calls for a new round of negotiations, pointing out that Gulf states, including Qatar, are in near-daily contact with various parties, given that this crisis directly affects the security and stability of the region, in addition to direct coordination with Pakistan, which is making significant efforts in communicating with the parties to the crisis.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari stressed that any closure of the strait would transform the crisis from a regional to a global one due to its connection to the energy sector, supply and logistics chains, export and re-export operations, and its impact on various aspects of life worldwide, considering that the impact of closing the strait would be felt even at the household level and basic services in countries thousands of kilometers away from the region.

He considered ensuring that the strait remains open to navigation a shared international responsibility, expressing Qatar's commitment to its international partners and its continued role as a reliable partner in the energy sector, while continuing coordination to ensure maritime security and market stability, and that reaching solutions to this crisis represents a priority for Qatar's national security and national interests and those of its partners.

Regarding regional affairs, he said that relations between Gulf states and Pakistan are historic and strategically important, based on brotherhood and long-standing cooperation, with significant coordination at various levels, explaining that partnerships among countries in the region are continuous and enduring, and are not a recent development but rather a natural extension of these relations.

He explained that developing Qatar's defense partnerships represents a continuous priority under all circumstances, within the framework of a policy of diversifying and expanding international relations, without being linked to a specific circumstance that necessitates a special relationship with a particular party, noting that relations with Pakistan are extensive and diverse within the framework of bilateral partnerships.

Regarding Syria, he affirmed Qatar's continued support for the Syrian people, noting that Qatar was among the first countries to support the path toward stability in Syria, and pointing out that bilateral relations are witnessing development across political and economic aspects.

Regarding contacts with Iran, he explained that the Iranian side was urged, during the latest call between HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to stop attacks on countries in the region and to reach a peaceful solution, reiterating support for Pakistani efforts and communication with various parties in the hope of the success of ongoing negotiations.

He pointed to Qatar's work to enhance its national security and defense capabilities, praising in this context the role of the Qatari Armed Forces in protecting the country during attacks preceding the ceasefire, alongside supporting international efforts aimed at consolidating the ceasefire and reaching a comprehensive peaceful solution, noting that it is too early to make assumptions about the future of the ceasefire, as this depends on the parties concerned.

Regarding Lebanon, Al Ansari affirmed Qatar's firm position in supporting the unity and sovereignty of Lebanon, condemning violations and attacks that resulted in casualties and large-scale displacement, welcoming the ceasefire as an initial step toward de-escalation.

He also stressed the need for full adherence to the ceasefire and that no violations should pass without a clear international stance, expressing hope that this would support international and regional efforts to reach a sustainable agreement in Lebanon.

He affirmed that all regional crises can only be resolved through the negotiating table, noting Qatar's support for Lebanon at all levels.

On the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, he noted that Qatar has repeatedly called for an end to the war that negatively affects the global economy and the oil and gas sectors, calling for a return to the negotiating table and reaching peaceful solutions to end this crisis.

He highlighted that if no agreement is reached, Qatar supports extending the ceasefire until a solution is reached, given the futility of returning to escalation due to its negative effects on the international economy and the security of populations in the region. (QNA)