New York, UNGA

Speech of the Amir of State of Qatar at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Your Excellency the President of the General Assembly,

Your Excellency the Secretary-General,

Honorable Audience,

May the peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you,

I extend my congratulations to H.E. Mr. Khalilur Rahman on his assumption of the Presidency of this session, and wish him every success. I also thank H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock for her efforts in presiding over the work of the previous session.

I would also like to commend the efforts and endeavors of H.E. Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General, throughout his term of office, and to express our appreciation to the staff of the United Nations organization for their efforts amid difficult and complex circumstances.

I stand before you today at a time when our region is going through one of its most dangerous phases, and you are all aware of the dimensions of the crisis in the Gulf and its repercussions for the entire world.

The crisis we are currently facing should come as no surprise to anyone. It is the cumulative result of years of postponement, crisis management through temporary solutions, and unrealistic policies. Our perspective has always been that the way to resolve disputes is through dialogue and negotiations, leading to fair solutions grounded in international law and in respect for the sovereignty of states and the rights of peoples. This remains our position in the aftermath of the wars we have witnessed.

The State of Qatar, through its role as a trusted mediator and peace facilitator, has consistently warned that time does not resolve lingering conflicts in the absence of a just settlement; rather, it redoubles their costs.

Honorable Audience,

At the heart of the dangerous situation we are witnessing lies the absence of a regional system of collective security — one that respects the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of states, promotes the peaceful settlement of disputes, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

We have previously called — from this very podium — for the establishment of such a system, and we reiterate that call after recent events have demonstrated the urgent need for it. In its absence, it has become possible for a war to erupt on the basis of considerations unrelated to the interests of the countries of the region; and it has become possible for one party to drag its neighbors into a war that is not theirs, targeting their vital assets and installations despite their strenuous efforts to avert escalation; and for an international waterway — through which nearly a quarter of the world’s energy trade passes — to be closed.

It has also become possible for the lifelines of the global economy to be turned into instruments of pressure and bargaining, with people on every continent bearing the cost, despite being far removed from the causes of the conflict.

This is a crisis that drives up the prices of food and medicine and affects the livelihoods of peoples who have nothing to do with any of this.

Despite all that has happened, and could have been avoided, we remain deeply convinced, based on realistic considerations, that the crisis in the Gulf can be resolved through diplomatic means by reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime navigation and returning to negotiations, in order to avert war, paving the way toward a lasting solution that ensures security and stability for the entire region, including Iran, while opening prospects for cooperation across various fields and ensuring non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

The opportunity for a peaceful diplomatic solution, which we believe is both possible and realistic, must not be missed.

Honorable Audience,

While we are doing everything within our power to address the situation through diplomatic efforts, we have strengthened our steadfastness in defense of our sovereignty, our territory and our people, and the foundations of our normal way of life. We have devised resilient economic plans and remained committed to our development projects, despite the severe adverse impact of the war and the heavy price it has exacted.

At every juncture and in every crisis, we have chosen to combine steadfastness with flexibility, and to place the interests of our nation, its people, and those residing on its soil above all else.

Our values are not mere slogans we proclaim, but a reality we live by and an approach we put into practice. At their core is the conviction that the dignity of the nation cannot be compromised, and that wisdom and firmness are two sides of the same coin.

This approach was firmly established in our country by the leaders of Qatar, from the Founder, Sheik Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, through to His Highness Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, may Allah have mercy on his soul, our Amir from 1995 to 2013, who passed away this year, mourned with profound affection and gratitude by his people and by all peace-loving forces across our region and around the world.

On this occasion, I would like to thank the United Nations General Assembly for convening a special session in honor of his memory and in recognition of his legacy.

The experiences and challenges we have confronted have demonstrated that resilience is the outcome of prior planning, preparedness and investment in people and national capabilities. Accordingly, over the years, we have worked to assess risks, secure supply chains, strengthen the capabilities of our national institutions, develop strategic reserves, and forge trusted international partnerships.

Recognizing the interdependence of peace, security, development, human rights and the rule of law, the State of Qatar maintains its investment in development, education, health, security and economic diversification, in conformity with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Honorable Audience,

There can be no talk of a just international order so long as Palestine remains a blind spot within it. What has happened in Gaza is genocide in every sense of the word, and a stain of shame on the conscience of humanity as a whole. Future generations will be astonished by the enormous gap between the scale of the catastrophe and the level of the international response to stop it.

Yet the catastrophe continues, and Israeli leaders have now begun to openly proclaim that the most appropriate solution is to displace the population, which they call “migration.”

When the extent of global public revulsion at the practices of the Israeli occupation becomes evident, instead of looking in the mirror, they resort to hurling accusations indiscriminately in all directions — at times invoking accusations of antisemitism, and at others resorting to conspiracy theories and accusing other powers and states of creating their negative image. It’s as though there were no means of communication; as though Israeli soldiers had not boasted, through both sound and visuals, of their crimes; and as though images of the crimes against humanity committed in Gaza had not been circulated by an entire generation of young people across the world, east and west.

From the very first day, the State of Qatar has spared no effort in its mediation endeavors to stem the bloodshed, alleviate the suffering of civilians, and release the prisoners and detainees until a ceasefire was achieved. Today, we continue our efforts to consolidate it and to move towards lasting peace.

And if the Palestinian factions tend to agree to arrangements for the collection of weapons, as stipulated in the agreement, Israel, for its part, must fully honor all its commitments and in their entirety: a definitive cessation of operations, withdrawal from the Strip, lifting of the blockade, and the unconditional delivery of humanitarian assistance.

We fear that those who regard displacement as the solution will obstruct anything that could ease the lives of the population, because it strengthens their resilience on their own land.

The international community bears a direct responsibility to press for implementation and to ensure that the agreement’s implementation does not remain contingent upon the calculations of a party accustomed to reneging on its commitments whenever circumstances allow it to act with impunity on the ground.

The continued persecution, apartheid and settler terrorism in the occupied West Bank, the desecration of Islamic and Christian holy sites — foremost among them the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque — and the usurpation of the Palestinian people’s rights, foremost among which is their inalienable right to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, remain an open wound.

Israeli aggression, marked by arrogance and hubris, has expanded to encompass neighboring countries and the security of the region as a whole. Israel continues its blatant attacks against Syria and is occupying more Syrian territories and adding them to the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since 1967, without even bothering to provide any justification other than its own assessment of the nature of the political system that emerged there after the removal of the previous regime — as though it owns tutelage over the countries of the region.

It publicly declares that it is not bound by its understandings with Lebanon, insists on continuing its occupation of Lebanese territories, and seeks to assume a policing role there. Its destruction of entire villages in southern Lebanon in broad daylight is reminiscent of its history in Palestine.

Dealing with Israel, putting an end to its harm, and restraining its unlawful conduct constitute the true test of the international community’s seriousness in upholding values and the rule of law. Either the law applies equally to all, or it loses its meaning when it binds the vulnerable but spares the powerful.

Honorable Audience,

In our Arab region, we reaffirm that comprehensive development and the establishment of state institutions are two fundamental pillars for realizing the aspirations of peoples and achieving security and stability in the region.

The vestiges of civil conflicts in some countries and the presence of armed forces operating outside the control of the state must be eliminated. The state’s monopoly on legitimate arms is among the most important foundations of the state, and it is what guarantees the ability to legislate and enforce the rule of law.

Concerning brotherly Syria, we stand with its people during the phase of recovery and reconstruction, and support its state institutions, sovereignty, independence, and national and territorial integrity, in a manner that fulfils the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability, development and dignity, based on equal citizenship.

In brotherly Sudan, we call for an inclusive dialogue that leads to sustainable peace and maintains its unity and sovereignty. In brotherly Libya, we support the political process, reconciliation efforts, and the unification of State institutions.

In brotherly Somalia, we reiterate our firm support for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

In brotherly Lebanon, we support its state institutions and its sovereignty over its entire territory, condemn the Israeli attacks on it, and stress the need to uphold the ceasefire and Security Council Resolution 1701.

In brotherly Yemen, we support United Nations efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political settlement based on the outcomes of the national dialogue facilitated by the United Nations, in a manner that preserves Yemen’s unity and sovereignty and achieves security and stability.

Honorable Audience,

The State of Qatar does not confine itself to playing a mediating role and facilitating dialogue among conflicting parties in the pursuit of peaceful solutions. We also make efforts to address the humanitarian suffering of people caused by wars and natural disasters, while supporting human development in numerous countries across our region and beyond.

This combination of safeguarding our vital interests, pursuing our proven, valued and internationally recognized role in mediation and humanitarian action, and upholding principled positions consistent with international law and international legitimacy constitutes the foundation of our foreign policy, with these four elements as its essential components.

Qatar will remain an open realm for dialogue and cultural interaction among peoples, and for the exchange of views and experiences. We continue to contribute to international initiatives that bring peoples together and support development.

In this spirit, Doha is preparing to host the Fourth Global Disability Summit in 2028, reaffirming our commitment to empowering persons with disabilities and building inclusive societies. Qatar will also host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, in recognition of the role of sport in building bridges of communication and bringing peoples closer together.

The expansion of the United Nations House in Doha marks a continuation of our longstanding partnership with the international organization and an enhancement of its capacity to fulfil its mission of serving peace, development and human rights.

Peaceful coexistence and dialogue are not merely one option among many; they are the only path that leaves neither a victor nor a vanquished.

For this reason, we renew our commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and its purposes, and affirm that the State of Qatar will always strive for peace and facilitate its achievement.

Thank you.

May the peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.

Amir Holds Key Meetings on Middle East Developments and Regional Cooperation in New York

The Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, held a series of high-level meetings in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on regional developments, diplomatic efforts and ways to strengthen international cooperation.

During his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Amir discussed major regional and international developments, with particular attention to efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and promote peaceful and diplomatic solutions to conflicts. The two sides also reviewed ways to further strengthen cooperation between Qatar and the United Nations.

The UN Secretary-General commended Qatar for its support for UN programmes and initiatives and its contributions to international development and relief efforts. The meeting also covered key issues on the agenda of the current General Assembly session.

The Amir also participated in a multilateral meeting hosted by the United States at UN Headquarters, bringing together a number of regional leaders and senior officials. Discussions focused on the latest security developments in the Middle East, their implications for regional and international stability, and their impact on energy supplies and the global economy.

Participants also exchanged views on arrangements for the post-war period and explored ways to advance peace and stability through dialogue and diplomatic solutions.

In a separate meeting, the Amir held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on bilateral relations and ways to further develop strategic cooperation between Qatar and Türkiye in various fields.

The two leaders also discussed issues before the UN General Assembly and the latest regional and international developments. Particular attention was given to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in ways that contribute to regional security and stability.

The meetings were attended by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir, while senior officials from the UN and Turkish delegations also participated in the respective meetings.

A few comments on the Speech delivered by The Amir of State of Qatar at the 81st UNGA

Qatar News Agency (QNA) Director-General Ahmed bin Saeed Al Rumaihi described the Amir’s speech as a clear articulation of Qatar’s principles and its vision for overcoming the crises and wars affecting the region. He said the approach was built around strengthening state security, respecting sovereignty, promoting dialogue and mediation, adhering to international law and addressing the root causes of conflicts as a pathway towards lasting peace.

According to Al Rumaihi, the Amir did not treat the region’s crises as isolated incidents. Instead, his address presented a broader understanding of the factors behind continuing tensions and the possible ways of moving beyond them. A key element was the call for a collective security system in the Gulf that could protect the sovereignty and security of states while creating greater space for cooperation, dialogue and the prevention of future conflicts.

The Palestinian cause also occupied a central place in the vision outlined in the speech. Al Rumaihi noted that ending the war in Gaza, alleviating the suffering of Palestinians, safeguarding their legitimate rights and establishing an independent Palestinian state were presented as essential requirements for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.

The Amir’s emphasis on mediation and multilateral action was also highlighted as reflecting Qatar’s established role in addressing regional and international crises through diplomatic channels. Al Rumaihi said the wider message was that overcoming wars requires more than dealing with their consequences; it also requires tackling their underlying causes and building systems capable of protecting sovereignty, upholding international law and creating political opportunities for peace and stability.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Qatar, Yakup Caymazoğlu, meanwhile, pointed to what he described as a strong convergence between the views expressed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Amir during the UN General Assembly. He said both leaders stressed that lasting solutions to regional crises require justice, dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law.

The ambassador particularly highlighted the common focus on Gaza and Palestine. He noted that both leaders called for greater international responsibility to protect Palestinians, consolidate the ceasefire and work towards lasting peace, while reaffirming support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.

Caymazoğlu also pointed to a shared concern over the effectiveness of the international system. While President Erdoğan called for reform of the UN Security Council, the Amir reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to the United Nations and highlighted the expansion of the UN House in Doha as part of the country’s longstanding partnership with the organization.

The ambassador further noted similarities in the two countries’ approaches to regional security, including the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful dispute settlement and non-interference. He also highlighted the shared emphasis on preserving freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan’s Ambassador to Qatar, Naoto Hisajima, likewise welcomed the Amir’s emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy, sovereignty and solutions grounded in international law. He said Japan shared Qatar’s view that durable peace rests on the UN Charter and peaceful settlement of disputes, while stressing the importance of freedom of navigation and maritime security.

On Palestine, the Japanese envoy expressed concern over the humanitarian situation and said a lasting peace ultimately requires a two-state solution consistent with UN resolutions and international law. He also recognised Qatar’s contributions to mediation, humanitarian action, development and cooperation with the United Nations.

Taken together, the reactions underline the central themes of the Amir’s UN address: dialogue over confrontation, diplomacy over escalation, respect for sovereignty and international law, and stronger regional and international cooperation in pursuit of sustainable peace.