Beirut, September 25 (QNA) - The State of Qatar participated in the 12th Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Middle East and North Africa Regional Conference, which opened in Beirut on Friday.

An official delegation from Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), led by Acting Secretary-General Abdullah Sultan Al Qattan, is representing Qatar at the conference.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Qattan reaffirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting humanitarian response efforts and standing by those in need everywhere, through the provision of various forms of support - particularly in the medical sector - to both the brotherly nation of Lebanon and other regions worldwide, in cooperation with national societies and humanitarian organizations operating in countries affected by disasters and crises.

He added that the Qatar Red Crescent has always been keen to maintain a field presence from the very onset of disasters and crises to alleviate the suffering of those affected, expressing his aspiration to intensify regional and international cooperation under the umbrella of the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Over the course of two days, the conference - hosted by the Lebanese Red Cross in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - discusses key humanitarian challenges and ways to enhance coordination and crisis response in the region. The event brings together leaders and officials from National Societies, as well as representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization, and the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, alongside various ambassadors and prominent figures from official, economic, and social spheres.

Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun delivered an address at the opening, in which he emphasized that international humanitarian law imposes clear obligations on all parties to a conflict. He noted that protecting paramedics and medical and humanitarian personnel -and ensuring their safe access in respect of the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems- is a legal and humanitarian duty rather than a choice, highlighting the State's responsibility to safeguard this mission and ensure its continuity.

For his part, President of the Lebanese Red Cross, Antoine Zoghbi called for the development of a comprehensive national strategy -in partnership between the government and humanitarian organizations- to strengthen community resilience and enforce international humanitarian law.

In turn, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Kate Forbes urged that humanitarian workers not be treated as targets. She highlighted the immense sacrifices made by field teams, noting the deaths of 56 Red Crescent personnel in Palestine, two in Lebanon, and four in Iran.

Participants are scheduled to continue their working sessions to discuss resource mobilization mechanisms, volunteer safety, and the strengthening of partnerships within the International Movement. The proceedings will conclude tomorrow with the endorsement and adoption of the "Beirut Declaration," which will outline future humanitarian commitments and strategies for the region. (QNA)