Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Oct 13: Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has stressed that the security, sovereignty and stability of Gulf states cannot be compromised, reaffirming that the country's commitment to mediation and peaceful solutions does not undermine its right to defend itself against threats.
Addressing the Shura Council on Tuesday, October 13, during the inauguration of its 55th ordinary session, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar and the wider region had experienced exceptional circumstances in recent months. He said the crisis had demonstrated the resilience of Qatar's state institutions, the solidarity of its society and the ability of its armed forces and security agencies to respond to challenges.
The Emir commended Qatari citizens and residents for their solidarity during the recent crisis and praised the country's armed forces and security agencies for protecting its territory, airspace and waters. He said Qatar's ability to withstand the situation was the result of years of preparation, training and investment in national defence capabilities.
According to the official text of his address released by the Qatari Amiri Diwan, the country had been working simultaneously to protect its sovereignty, maintain its role in global energy security and keep diplomatic channels open.
Sheikh Tamim outlined four elements of Qatar's approach to the crisis: defending the country without being drawn into a wider war, maintaining essential services and economic activity, supporting efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen waterways, and encouraging negotiations to achieve a peaceful resolution.
The Emir emphasised that Qatar's preference for dialogue, negotiation and diplomatic solutions should not be interpreted as a reluctance to defend its territory.
He said the country's commitment to peaceful solutions was compatible with its sovereign right to protect itself. Qatar, he added, would continue working with regional and international partners to prevent further escalation and maintain stability.
The remarks come amid the wider conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has affected security across the Gulf and disrupted energy supplies and maritime traffic. Qatar has itself experienced attacks on its territory, including damage to energy infrastructure, according to reports on the Emir's address.
Sheikh Tamim also stressed the importance of stronger cooperation among member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He called for renewed efforts to secure maritime navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and protect energy facilities, water infrastructure and civilian installations.
He said the security of GCC countries and the protection of their sovereignty and stability were non-negotiable, warning that instability in one part of the region could have wider consequences for the rest of the world.
Addressing the economic consequences of the crisis, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar supplies approximately one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, making disruptions to its exports significant for international energy markets.
He said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with direct damage to energy facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, had disrupted a substantial portion of Qatar's exports.
However, the Emir said the impact had been concentrated primarily in the energy sector, while non-hydrocarbon activities continued to grow and accounted for approximately 80 per cent of real gross domestic product.
He credited preparations made before the crisis, along with cooperation between government institutions and the private sector, for helping the country maintain essential services, secure supplies and diversify import and transport routes.
Sheikh Tamim said Qatar would continue to prioritise the protection of its population, the availability of essential goods and the continuity of economic activity despite the difficult regional circumstances.
The Emir also reiterated Qatar's position on the Palestinian issue, describing it as a central priority. He characterised the situation in the Gaza Strip as genocide and said those responsible should be held accountable.
He expressed concern over Israeli actions against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including attacks by settlers allegedly carried out under the protection of the Israeli army, as well as repeated raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh Tamim said such actions raised serious concerns regarding international law, the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law.
He further called for political agreements to resolve conflicts in Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, stressing that solutions should be comprehensive and fair, preserve territorial unity and serve the interests of the affected populations.
Concluding his address, the Emir said the country's experience during the crisis had demonstrated the importance of preparedness, economic diversification, efficient institutions and social solidarity.
He urged citizens and residents to fulfil their responsibilities, safeguard public funds and place the public interest above other considerations.
The address reaffirmed Qatar's intention to continue pursuing diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts while strengthening its ability to defend its sovereignty and protect critical infrastructure.
The full text of the address was published by the Qatar Amiri Diwan, while Al Jazeera's report provided additional context on the regional conflict and the challenges facing Qatar.