Progress and peace through partnerships

In the span of about a week, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, embarked on a diplomatic mission to Brussels and paid state visits to Italy and Germany. These visits underscored Qatar’s pivotal role on the international stage as a mediator and contributor to regional stability and security, besides widening the scope of bilateral relations with three key European countries.

The tour also reflected the nation’s commitment to fostering multi-lateral dialogue and addressing urgent global challenges, particularly the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon. These visits have reemphasised Qatar’s ability to build bridges between nations and regions—offering a model of diplomacy that prioritises partnership, dialogue, and collective action.

The Amir’s visit to Brussels, where he chaired Qatar’s delegation at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-European Union (EU) summit, marked a historic moment. This summit highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the Gulf and Europe, with Qatar leading the call for increased collaboration. The discussions in Brussels touched on several urgent topics, ranging from energy co-operation to sustainable development. However, the dominant theme was security—both in terms of geopolitical stability and energy security, an area in which Qatar has long played a leading role.

As one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Qatar continues to be a critical partner for Europe in the face of shifting global energy dynamics. The EU’s reliance on Qatari gas, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader transition toward sustainable energy sources, cannot be understated. His Highness the Amir’s presence in Brussels served to reiterate Qatar’s role as a stable and reliable supplier, while also opening the door to further collaboration on renewable energy and climate change initiatives.

The GCC-EU summit also saw the Amir delivering a strong message on the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon. Qatar, which has long positioned itself as a neutral mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts, called for an immediate ceasefire, a halt to Israeli aggression, and a renewed focus on a two-state solution. His Highness the Amir’s call for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue echoed across the summit, reinforcing Qatar’s unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and regional stability. By using the platform of the EU-GCC summit, Qatar highlighted the importance of international accountability and the necessity of aligning regional and global efforts to resolve long-standing conflicts.

The Amir’s next stop in Italy brought into focus Qatar’s deepening bilateral relations with one of Europe’s key economies. During talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic, trade, and defence co-operation. Italy and Qatar have long enjoyed close relations, with Italy being one of the primary destinations for Qatari investments in Europe.

On the economic front, the discussions in Rome reflected Qatar’s Vision 2030, a blueprint for diversifying the nation’s economy away from a heavy reliance on hydrocarbons. The talks explored further investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and innovation—aligning with both nations’ goals of economic diversification and sustainable development.

In addition to economic ties, the Amir’s visit also focused on defence co-operation. Italy and Qatar have increasingly collaborated in the defence sector, particularly in the development of naval forces and military vessels.

Once again, the discussions centered on the Middle East, with both countries voicing their support for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The shared commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital underscored the alignment of their foreign policies on this critical issue.

In Germany, His Highness the Amir met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Germany, a powerhouse of European industry, has increasingly looked to Qatar as a key partner for securing energy supplies in the wake of global geopolitical tensions. The ongoing energy crisis in Europe, driven by the war in Ukraine, has only heightened the importance of Qatar’s LNG exports.

However, the visit to Germany was not solely focused on traditional energy sources. The Amir also explored opportunities for deeper co-operation in renewable energy and sustainability. With Qatar’s significant investments in the German industrial sector—most notably in the Volkswagen Group—the two countries are well-positioned to collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting electric vehicles and reducing carbon emissions. These efforts align with both Qatar’s Vision 2030 and Germany’s ambitious plans for a green energy transition.

The visit to Germany also provided an opportunity to discuss broader geopolitical concerns, with both leaders addressing the need for de-escalation in Gaza and Lebanon. The Amir’s consistent message throughout his tour—that of peace, dialogue, and collective responsibility—resonated in Berlin, where discussions focused on how to bring about a ceasefire and prevent further escalation in the region.

The Amir’s tour of Brussels, Italy, and Germany has reaffirmed Qatar’s unique position as a mediator, partner, and global player. His efforts to foster dialogue, promote economic partnerships, and advocate for peace and justice in the Middle East are a testament to Qatar’s forward-thinking foreign policy. At a time when the world is facing multiple crises—from energy shortages to geopolitical conflicts—Qatar continues to offer solutions rooted in co-operation, respect for international law, and a commitment to sustainable development.