Jakarta / Information Office / December 07

The State of Qatar participated in the tenth Bali Democracy Forum, which began on Thursday in Jakarta, Indonesia.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired Qatar's delegation to the tenth Bali Democracy Forum.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs spoke at the first ministerial session of the forum which ends Friday, about the value represented by democracy and the challenges associated with it. He stressed that the importance of democracy is not only as a decision-making mechanism but also a way of life that is at the heart of people's aspirations. HE Al Muraikhi stressed that the desired progress of humankind was only complete with democratization at the national and international levels.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs focused on the provisions of the resolutions of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and the Doha Declaration that democracy, development, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. His Excellency added that democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of peoples to define their political, economic, social and cultural systems as well as their full participation in all aspects of their life.

His Excellency added that based on Qatar's belief in the role of the UN in strengthening the capacity of states to implement the principles and practices of democracy. He noted that the State of Qatar has spared no effort in providing support and cooperation in particular to establishing the UN Democracy Fund, and to promote democratic practices as a universal value based on the will of peoples to define their own political systems and their full participation in the decision-making process on their own aspects of life.

HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi discussed the close relationship between the national and international dimensions of democracy and that without international democracy based on the principles and rights enshrined in the UN Charter, foremost of which is the right to self-determination of peoples under occupation there will be no true democracy. His Excellency added that everyone must bear in mind that the persistence of armed conflict and violence are an obstacle to achieving that goal, particularly in the Middle East region, so there is a need for good governance at the national and international levels through which greater advantage can be achieved in the existing relationship between economic and social development on the one hand, and democracy and human rights on the other.

HE Al Muraikhi pointed out that the crises and challenges faced by many regions of the world and the Arab region, in particular, are due to the absence of democracy, both nationally and internationally.

His Excellency noted that over the past 20 years, the State of Qatar has adopted great changes towards openness and strengthening the foundations of democracy, despite the many changes that have taken place in the region over the last two decades. He continued by saying that the State of Qatar has achieved many achievements that are the cornerstone of democracy, social justice, and equality, including the promotion of education and the diversity of university education at an advanced level, as well as attracting and settling international universities of high quality and specialization. He added that Qatar has granted women freedom, education, and participation in elections in addition to supporting the freedom of religion, dialogue, and openness to the other, believing that the shift towards freedom and tolerance has borne fruit in various fields.

HE Al Muraikhi declared that proceeding from the firm faith of the State of Qatar under the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, regarding the importance of creating an environment conducive to the advancement and development of Qatari citizens, the Qatar National Vision 2030 and national strategies consolidate the foundations and pillars of the modern state within the framework of the constitution, the rule of law and respect for all human rights, as well as the stability in various economic, social and other aspects.

His Excellency reviewed the experience of the State of Qatar in the field of dialogue on various internal and external issues, which are related to democracy.

In his speech, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs referred to Qatar's interest in youth and noted that the State of Qatar taught young people at the beginning of their education to accept and listen to others, even if they are from different religions or ethnicities.

HE Al Muraikhi stressed that the State of Qatar focuses heavily on education and its outputs, and the rehabilitation of a generation of young people to be an active partner in society.

His Excellency added that democracy depends on the status of societies, freedom of speech and choice, noting that it cannot be brought to the communities and applied as a special model.

In this regard, His Excellency explained that democracy depended on the definitions of societies to it, since they are affected by it, especially that each community has its own way of applying democracy. He stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence among peoples and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.