FM underlines need to strengthen security, de-escalation in region

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has stressed the importance of strengthening regional security and de-escalation in the region, underlining that Qatar has always sought to create a suitable environment for holding additional negotiating rounds of the nuclear agreement.In a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran Sunday, HE Sheikh Mohamed noted the importance of strengthening economic and trade co-operation with Iran, pointing out that the two countries have several commonalities, most notably religion and culture.He stressed that Qatar is always looking forward to strengthening its relations with all countries of the region. On the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, HE Sheikh Mohamed called on all parties to exercise restraint, resolve the dispute through dialogue and diplomatic means, settle international disputes by peaceful means, and not take action that would lead to further escalation.He also affirmed Qatar's position and keenness on the Charter of the United Nations and the established principles of international law, including obligations under the Charter to settle international disputes by peaceful means, and commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states.HE Sheikh Mohamed reiterated Qatar's condemnation of some countries' allowance to infringe on the Holy Qur'an under the pretext of freedom of expression, warning that these provocative acts reinforce hate speech, Islamophobia, and division, and stressed that Islam encourages peaceful coexistence.For his part, the Iranian foreign minister said that his country has received messages from the parties participating in the nuclear agreement through Qatar. He appreciated Qatar's positive role in bringing the parties back to the nuclear agreement and in reaching a fruitful agreement, noting that Qatar has made commendable efforts and is playing an effective role in the talks on Ukraine.The Iranian minister said dialogue is the best way to resolve differences in the region, stressing that Iran welcomes a regional dialogue.He indicated that there is a great development in Iran's relations with its neighbours in the Gulf region. He denounced the Israeli violations that led to the death of a large number of Palestinians, praising in this context the role of the Palestinian resistance.