Qatar participated on Tuesday in the ninth Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process on Afghanistan, hosted by Tajikistan.
Qatar's delegation to the conference was headed by HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi. In a speech to the conference, HE al-Muraikhi said that Qatar appreciates the efforts of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in promoting political negotiations, regional co-operation and building confidence to help Afghanistan achieve peace and prosperity.
Qatar believes in the same issue, he noted, adding that the State actively participated in resolving various conflicts in the Middle East and beyond through dialogue and mediation based on basic principles that include both neutrality, impartiality and independence in accordance with international law and consent of the parties. In this regard, HE al-Muraikhi indicated that the Doha Agreement signed on Feb 29, 2020, is an example of this, as it served as an important milestone in the Afghan conflict, and the Afghan negotiations in Doha on Sept 12, 2020 mark the beginning of a historic moment as well. He said that the State believes that both sides can achieve peace and that they have shown their willingness to do so.
HE the Minister stressed Qatar's readiness to help the parties reach a political settlement so that Afghanistan and the Afghan people can live in peace, security and stability. He also stressed Qatar's firm belief that harmony, cohesion and co-operation are very important elements for the success of the collective and individual efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan. He added that Qatar looks forward to working with regional and international players and partners, including Turkey, with whom Qatar will co-host the international conference on Afghanistan under the auspices of the United Nations next month.
HE al-Muraikhi said that there is no military solution to the situation in Afghanistan, adding that Qatar calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to reduce violence throughout Afghanistan in order to accelerate the peace process that leads to comprehensive peace, ceasefire and a political settlement that is approved by the Afghan people.
He expressed deep gratitude to Tajikistan for its warm welcome and hospitality, and for hosting the ninth Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process on Afghanistan, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
