Doha - Information Office - November 09

The State of Qatar on Monday took part in the fifth EU-Arab World Summit "A Strategic Partnership", which is held virtually on Nov. 9 - 10.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi represented the State of Qatar at the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, HE Al Muraikhi said that the conference is being held while the world is still facing serious challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic which represented a global challenge that confirms the reality of the common destiny, not only for the Arab and European worlds, but for all of humanity, noting that the coronavirus pandemic had negative impacts on the economy, the commercial movement between countries, the movement of people across the world, and led to the loss of many human lives.

HE Al Muraikhi underlined the belief of the State of Qatar that the countries of the Arab and European groups, with their common legacy of exchange, communication and strong historical ties, have solid foundations to provide role models constructive partnerships.

He valued the keenness on continue to hold the EU-Arab World Summit, and commended the slogan of its fifth edition "A Strategic Partnership" which addresses the current situation, expresses the need of the peoples of the Arab and the European worlds at this stage, more than ever before, and contributes to the collective building of the future, noting that this requires achieving a qualitative transformation in the joint cooperation in pursuit of achieving the joint interests.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underlined that the establishment of a strategic partnership between the Arab and the European worlds is a necessity imposed by the current political, economic, security and other challenges, which is in line with the policy of the State of Qatar and one of the priorities sought by the State through joint action and contribution to solidarity, integration, cooperation and regional and global peace building.

He noted that the desired strategic partnership between the Arab and the European worlds provides an opportunity to exchange benefits, experiences and interests between peoples, and expand investments, which would contribute to achieving stability and development, and strengthening cooperation between the Arab and the European regions.

This calls for enacting legislation that guarantees protection and insurance for investments and partnerships between all parties, combating corruption and consolidating transparency, HE Al Muraikhi said, stressing that legislation and the commitment to them by states represents the first guarantor for building a viable strategic partnership to achieve the desired goals.

In this context, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs renewed the call on officials in the Hellenic Republic and all friendly countries in the European Union to contribute to resolving armed conflicts and strengthening international development aid to assist developing countries; and to sign many bilateral agreements between various Arab and European countries to enhance investments and economic, commercial, educational and cultural relations.

HE noted that the prospects for the Arab-European cooperation should not be limited to the economy, trade, culture or tourism. Rather, these relations should be translated into serious and continuous political coordination on political issues, peoples' rights, confronting terrorism and others.

HE Al Muraikhi said that the Arab region faces many challenges, foremost of which is the Palestinian issue and the ongoing crises in Syria, Yemen and Libya, looking forward to the European Union having a tangible role in solving these issues.

He underlined that the phenomenon of terrorism is inconsistent with all laws, divine religions and human values, and reiterated the State of Qatar's categorical rejection of this phenomenon and its condemnation of all forms and manifestations, whatever their causes or motives, stressing the joint responsibility to confront this abhorrent phenomenon and address its real social, political, cultural or other causes.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi looked forward to the conference achieving its desired goals, to realize the joint interests of the peoples and countries of the Arab and European worlds.