New York, June 11 (QNA) - The State of Qatar reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the UN Security Council and all international partners to strengthen dialogue and mediation efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, while continuing to expand its bilateral and international humanitarian and development partnerships to help break the cycle of conflict.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on "Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East, Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace" in New York.

Her Excellency stressed that mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes remain a cornerstone to Qatar's foreign policy, firmly rooted in its Permanent Constitution and unwavering commitment to the UN Charter.

She highlighted Qatar's sustained contribution to peaceful conflict resolution efforts across the Middle East and beyond, reflected in its successful mediation initiatives, including facilitating ceasefire agreements, prisoner exchanges, and peace accords in various regions of the world.

Regarding developments in the Gulf region, she noted that Qatar continues intensive diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, achieved through the valued mediation efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

She emphasized the importance of preventing renewed escalation and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to shield the region from the consequences of further tensions.

Her Excellency added that Qatar has underscored the necessity for all parties to respond positively to ongoing mediation efforts, paving the way for resolving the crisis through peaceful means and constructive dialogue that prevents a return to escalation.

In this context, she reiterated Qatar's call for full compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions 552 and 2817, stressing the Council's responsibility to uphold and enforce its mandates.

HE the Permanent Representative firmly stated that Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attacks targeting the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the State of Kuwait, considering them a flagrant violations of sovereignty and clear breaches of international law.

She further emphasized that any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz or impose legal restrictions on freedom of navigation through it would constitute a violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Qatar, she said, reiterates the imperative of preserving freedom of navigation and the right of safe passage through the Strait as a vital international waterway.

She noted that the role of the Security Council is pivotal in advancing peaceful political solutions, pointing to the Council's unity in adopting Resolution 2803 on Gaza as a significant example that can be built upon to strengthen implementation of Council resolutions and advance political solutions across the Middle East and beyond.

In this regard, she highlighted the joint mediation efforts undertaken by Qatar alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and the Republic of Turkiye, which led to the Gaza ceasefire agreement signed last October.

The State of Qatar, she stressed, calls on all parties to honor their commitments, fully implement the agreement, and ensure the opening of crossings to facilitate the sustained and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip.

HE Sheikha Alya also reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast commitment to peace efforts and its support for initiatives aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution. She noted that Qatar will continue coordinating its humanitarian and development efforts with partners to ensure effective responses to urgent needs, support recovery and reconstruction, and strengthen prospects for sustainable peace.

She concluded by reaffirming Qatar's unwavering position in support of a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, ensuring the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. (QNA)