FM meets Lavrov, stresses peaceful solution to crises

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani stressed that Qatar will spare no effort to provide everything that would support a peaceful solution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through consultation and work with its partners.He noted that Qatar has always believed in diplomatic solutions to international crises and in maintaining the international system based on respect for the Charter of the United Nations and the well-established principles of international law, including the obligations under the Charter to settle international disputes by peaceful means, refrain from the threat or use of force, and adhere to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, as well as reject and condemn everything to the contrary.In a joint press conference with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov in Moscow yesterday, HE the Foreign Minister said that his visit to Russia comes at a time when the world is going through a critical stage and an international escalation that has not been witnessed for a long time. He said that he discussed with the Russian foreign minister the developments of the crisis, the current war in Ukraine, and the paths of negotiations. Also, he emphasised to the Russian Foreign Minister the importance of avoiding escalation, giving precedence to the voice of wisdom, and resolving the crisis through constructive dialogue and diplomatic methods, pointing out that Qatar is following the developments of the crisis and its repercussions on the humanitarian situation with great concern.HE Sheikh Mohammed indicated that he briefed Lavrov on the results of his recent meetings and contacts with foreign ministers of European countries, stressing the need for urgent international efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis, with the need to ensure the safety of civilians a top priority.He explained that the meeting also touched on developments in regional issues, especially the Vienna negotiations on Iran's nuclear file and the developments in Afghanistan.For his part, the Russian Foreign Minister expressed his country's appreciation for the interest of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in resolving this crisis, as Qatar seeks to benefit from its relations to find consensus on the current situation and ways to ensure international peace and security while considering the interests of all parties.He said that he had a comprehensive and fruitful dialogue with his Qatari counterpart , noting that the discussions paid great attention to the Ukrainian file.He added that they agreed to continue and sustain these dialogues.Lavrov said Qatar and Russia have expressed a common interest in reaching a humanitarian settlement and the provision of corridors for the evacuation of civilians from the war zones as well as the provision of medical and primary aid to the citizens of different Ukrainian regions.Also, the Russian foreign minister explained that the discussions included the Syrian file and ways to reach a settlement, adding that Russia and Qatar stand together for concerted international efforts to resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations on the establishment of the State of Palestine and a comprehensive peace settlement. He stressed the need to restore unity to the ranks of the Palestinians, noting that Russia and Qatar are seeking to achieve this goal.On the Afghan issue, Lavrov thanked Qatar for its successful work, noting that Qatar plays an important and pivotal role in finding common possibilities and visions. He stressed that the situation in Afghanistan requires concerted international efforts.