The State of Qatar participated in the virtual Ministerial meeting of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The State of Qatar was represented in the meeting by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

In the State of Qatar's speech at the meeting, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that the current exceptional circumstances and the continuing repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic have prevented - for the second year in a row - from actually attending meetings, adding that this requires continuous cooperation to confront the negative and dangerous repercussions of the pandemic that threatens to undermine decades of development gains.

HE said that despite the enormity of these challenges and the magnitude of their effects, the State of Qatar is proud to host the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), scheduled to take place from Jan. 23 to 27, 2022.

His Excellency noted that the State of Qatar has spared no effort to move forward the preparatory process for this conference, in order to achieve its desired goals and work within a well-studied plan to ensure its success and the safety of all participants.

HE appreciated the cooperation and coordination between the State of Qatar and the presidency of the Group of LDCs, and the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries in this regard.

HE also expressed deep appreciation for the role of preparatory working visits to prepare for this conference, the latest of which was the interdepartmental working visit of the United Nations delegation to Doha, from May 31 to June 4, 2021, which included fruitful and constructive discussions between the delegation and the concerned authorities in the State of Qatar, looking forward for the next planning working visit to the State of Qatar.

The State of Qatar, HE said, has never hesitated to play its role at the global level, and was keen to support the efforts of the Least Developed Countries, by allocating a large part of its development assistance to developing and least developed countries.

HE referred to the announcement made by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, during the Climate Action Summit held in 2019, regarding the State of Qatar's contribution of USD 100 million to support the least developed countries and small island developing states, to deal with climate change.

His Excellency also expressed aspiration that the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Doha, would complete the successes achieved during previous conferences, the latest of which was the Fourth Conference hosted by the sisterly Republic of Turkey, commending, at the same time, its efforts that had distinguished contributions represented in the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA)for the Least Developed Countries.

Moreover, HE stressed that the LDC5 will be a milestone in meeting the aspirations of millions who live in the most vulnerable countries, and a starting point for moving forward in finding solutions and investing the rich development opportunities in those countries.

HE also emphasised that the Doha Program of Action for the next decade will be the first program of action that will address the Covid-19 repercussions on the least developed countries, and an opportunity to chart a path that supports these countries in rebuilding efforts and taking advantage of the enormous potential offered by science, technology and innovation, and enables them to emerge from the list of least developed countries and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi extended thanks to the Republic of Malawi, Chair of the Group of Least Developed Countries, for holding this meeting, and commended its appreciated efforts and role in supporting the international community in addressing the challenges facing the least developed countries. HE also expressed appreciation for the important role played by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and the Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) in this regard.

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