The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Arabic: وزارة الخارجية) is the ministry responsible for the Qatar's foreign relations.[1] It is led by the minister of foreign affairs, currently Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who serves as the nation's principal representative abroad.[2]
| وزارة الخارجية | |
 Logo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the State of Qatar | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1971 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Qatar |
| Headquarters | Doha |
| Agency executive |
|
| Website | mofa.gov.qa |
History
editQatar was a part of the Ottoman Empire until the end of World War I, at which point it became a protectorate under British rule. After achieving full independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, the Qatari government established an independent foreign ministry.[1][3]
List of ministers
editSource:[4]
- 1971–1972: Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani
- 1972–1985: Sheikh Suhaim bin Hamad Al Thani
- 1985–1989: Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani
- 1989–1990: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah
- 1990–1992: Mubarak Ali al-Khater
- 1992–2013: Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani
- 2013–2016: Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah
- 2016–present: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
Multilateral relations
editSheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, helped establish Qatar's reputation as an influential player in Middle East politics. Qatar has also cultivated close relationships with Western powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom. Qatar has a population of around 1.8 million people, however only 280,000 of these are citizens. Qatar is a member of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Gulf Cooperation Council, OPEC and the Council of Arab Economic Unity.
Foreign aid
editQatar’s international aid program has expanded dramatically since the beginning of 2010, and focuses heavily on the Arab world, most notably in the humanitarian crises in Syria and Gaza.[5]
According to the UN OCHA’s Financial Tracking Service, Qatar's international aid increased from less than $10 million annually in the pre-Arab Spring period to the hundreds of millions following the event.[6]
Qatari leadership has since pledged publicly to reduce suffering of victims and to achieve and support global partnerships for the achievement of foreign countries’ Millennium Development Goals. The state is engaged in investments in a wide range of humanitarian and developmental sectors.[7]
For example:
Turkey and Syria
editQatar government provided relief flights to Turkey to transport search and rescue teams as well as vehicles, a field hospital, tents, and other supplies. Qatar also distributed 27,000 hot meals in the Turkish city and also donated mobile homes from FIFA 2022 World Cup, further has pledged to send 10,000 mobile housing units to earthquake zones in Turkey and Syria.[8][9]
Yemen
editQatar has donated $500 million in humanitarian aid to two Yemeni provinces to help people displaced by the Houthi rebellion.[10]
Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in Yemen constructed a dialysis center in Lahij Governorate costing $298,145.The center is the only dialysis hospital in the governorate,providing services and consultations for patients with kidney failure, accommodating 500 patients per month.[11]
Libya
editQatar sent 58 tonnes of humanitarian and relief assistance to help the flood-stricken Libyan city of Derna, bringing the total Qatari aid to those affected to 267 tonnes. Qatar Charity has launched the ‘Libya Appeal’ campaign to help Libyans recover from devastating floods that have killed thousands and forced many into displacements. The campaign aims to provide support to affected families and meet their basic needs. Qatar has stepped in to support Libya since the floods struck earlier this month, with Sheikh Tamim expressing condolences and solidarity with the Libyan people.[12]
Ukraine
editAccording to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Qatar provided $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine for health, education, and demining. The funds will be used for reconstruction and other social projects.[13]
Morocco
editQatar Charity also launched an urgent relief campaign in Morocco to help earthquake victims. The aid included drinking water, blankets, and hot meals. The emergency and relief department director, Khaled Al Yafei, urged philanthropists in Qatar to provide aid to alleviate trauma and support families of the victims. The earthquake in Morocco killed 1,037 people and 1,204 were injured.[14]
Regional relations
editIn September, 2014. QFFD contributed in enhancing stability for Syrian refugees. Qatar Charity facilitated access to quality education through the rehabilitation of 6 Formal schools in Turkey, Gaziantep, Urfa, Kilis, _targeting a total number of 13,540 beneficiaries and 12,860 girls and boys.[15]
On March 27, 2022, The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and Qatar on their fourth high-level strategic discussion, discussed strategic priorities and worked together to ensure that the UN effectively supports member states in their efforts to combat terrorism. Out of a total of 35 other contributors, the state of Qatar is the second greatest contributor to the UN trust fund for counter-terrorism.
Qatar voiced support for the Turkish invasion of northern Syria aimed at ousting U.S.-backed Syrian Kurds from the enclave of Afrin. Spokeswoman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lulwah Rashif Al-Khater said that: "The launching of the Turkish military operation last Saturday was motivated by legitimate concerns related to its national security and the security of its borders, in addition to protecting Syria's territorial integrity from the danger of secession. Turkey, a NATO member, has always been a stabilizing factor in the region."
In January 2021 the United States, represented by the United States Department of Defense, awarded Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani ( Prime Minister ) with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, one of the highest honors bestowed by the US to officials.[16] The then US National Security Adviser Robert C. O'Brien gave the medal to the Ambassador of Qatar to the US Sheikh Meshaal bin Hamad Al Thani, on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed.
This award was in recognition of his exemplary diplomatic efforts to strengthen relations between the State of Qatar and the United States, to support and advance peace efforts in Afghanistan (including the signing of the US–Taliban peace deal on February 29, 2020, as well as the launch of the Afghan peace process on September 12, 2020), to promote stability and prosperity in the Middle East North Africa region, and to resolve the Gulf Crisis through diplomacy.[16]
Bilateral relations
editList of European countries which Qatar maintains diplomatic relations with:
Cyprus–Qatar relations
editCyprus–Qatar relations refer to the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Qatar. Qatar is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is represented in Qatar through its embassy in Doha, Qatar.
France–Qatar relations
editFrance–Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between France and the Qatar. The first embassy to be established was the Qatari embassy in France in 1972,[17] and the first bilateral agreement was signed in 1974.[18] Qatar has marked various concurrences with France, covering all areas such as cultural, political, economical, academic, scientific and military agreements. The nations are tied in a key discourse protocol, where conversation over various issues of significance to the two capitals are occurring consistently.
Germany–Qatar relations
editMain article: Germany–Qatar relations
Qatar has had an embassy in Berlin since 2005,[19] and Germany has an embassy in Doha.[20] Bilateral ties were formed in 1973.[21] In regards to economic relations, Qatar has made large-scale investments in some of Germany's most prominent companies, including Volkswagen, Siemens and Deutsche Bank.[22] On 6 June 2017, German FM Sigmar Gabriel condemned the Saudi-led boycott of Qatar.[23] In July, he called on the blockading countries to respect Qatar's rights as a sovereign nation, and applauded its prudence in responding to the blockade.[24]
Qatar–Spain relations
editMain article: Germany–Qatar relations
The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain formed diplomatic relations in December 1972.[25] Qatar maintains an embassy in Madrid,[26] while Spain has an embassy in Doha.[27]
Qatar-Sweden Relations
editMain article: Qatar–Spain relations
Qatar-Sweden Relations are the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Sweden and the State of Qatar. The relations are based on trade between the countries.[28] Sweden has an embassy in West Bay in Doha, Qatar. The embassy opened on May 14, 2014.[29][30] Qatar has an embassy in Stockholm, Sweden and the ambassador of Qatar to Sweden is Shka. Moza bint Nasser Ahmad Al-Thani. The economic relations between the countries are based on cooperation between Swedish and Qatari companies, mainly in the oil and the natural gas sector.
Qatar–United Kingdom relations
editQatar–United Kingdom relations are the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, covering a wide range of issues and activities of mutual interest.
Qatar–United States relations
editQatar and the United States are strategic allies. Qatar has been designated a major non-NATO ally by the United States.[31]
Qatar as a mediator in conflict
editQatar's mediation strategy is rooted in its foreign policy, aiming to maintain good relations with a wide range of actors, including Western powers, regional neighbors, and various non-state actors.[32] At the 77th UN General Assembly in 2022, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani stated that conflict mediation is a key element of Qatar's foreign policy, aiming to establish the country as a dependable international ally.[33]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Ministry of Foreign Affairs". english.mofa.gov.qa. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ "Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs". english.mofa.gov.qa. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ "Historical Note". english.mofa.gov.qa. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ "Foreign ministers L-R". rulers.org. B. Schemmel. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
- ^ "Page Not Found" (PDF). The Brookings Institution. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ "Qatar Country Profile: 2015, Financial Tracking Service, 2015". Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ www.mofa.gov.qa https://web.archive.org/web/20150905230822/http://www.mofa.gov.qa/en/SiteServices/MediaCenter/News/Pages/News20131111082549.aspx,. Archived from the original on 2015-09-05. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Factbox: Turkey, Syria quake: international support and offers of aid". Reuters. 2023-02-08. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- ^ "Qatar ships World Cup fan accommodation to Turkey-Syria earthquake zones". Reuters. 2023-02-13. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- ^ "Qatar Charity Distributes Humanitarian Aid for the Displaced in Yemen". Reliefweb.int. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
- ^ "QRCS supports dialysis services in Lahij [EN/AR] - Yemen | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
- ^ Eltayeb, Mohamed (2023-09-25). "Qatar delivers two planes carrying 58 tonnes of aid in flood-hit Libya". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
- ^ "Kyiv says Qatar will provide it with $100 million in humanitarian aid". Reuters. 2023-07-28. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
- ^ "Qatar's emir orders sending rescue crew, urgent aid to quake-hit Morocco". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
- ^ "Qatar Fund for Development Support Syrian refugees in Turkey towards stability - Türkiye | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
- ^ a b QNA/Washington (2021-01-19). "FM, Qatar envoy receive US' highest medal for distinguished public service". Gulf Times. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
- ^ Mehdi Lazar (6 April 2013). "France - Qatar : une relation complexe, privilégiée et ancienne". Atlantico (in French). Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ^ "Agreements and Treaties". French Embassy in Doha. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ^ "Contact". Embassy of Qatar in Germany. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ "The Embassy Doha". German Embassy Doha. Archived from the original on 3 September 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ Ayman Adly (1 June 2014). "FM hails deep-rooted ties between Qatar, Germany". Gulf Times. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ Christopher Cermak (25 March 2017). "Qatar Looks for Leverage". Handelsblatt Global. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ "Foreign Minister Supports Qatar, Bashes Trump". Handelsblatt Global. 6 June 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ "German FM: Qatar's sovereignty must be respected". Al Jazeera. 4 July 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ "Estado de Catar" (PDF) (in Spanish). Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperación. pp. 5–6. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Qatari Embassy in Madrid". embassypages.com. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Spanish Embassy in Doha". embassypages.com. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Aguilar, Joey (19 May 2014). "Qatar remains attractive destination for Swedish companies: minister". Gulf Times. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ "سفارة قطر في السويد". sweden.visahq.qa. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ "The Embassy - SwedenAbroad". www.swedenabroad.com. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ Shear, Michael D. (2022-01-31). "Biden Designates Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ^ "How Qatar became the mediator - GZERO Media". www.gzeromedia.com. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
- ^ Fouskas, Vassilis K. (2023-11-29). "Gaza war: how Qatar used its business connections to become a leading mediator in the Middle East". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-02-28.