Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani[1] (Arabic: محمد بن عبد الرحمن بن جاسم بن جبر آل ثاني; born 1 November 1980) is a Qatari diplomat, economist, and politician who has been serving as the Prime Minister of Qatar since 7 March 2023[2] and Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2016.[3] He has also been serving as Chairman of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) since 2014, and is a member of Qatar's Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investments (SCEAI) since 2014.
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani | |
|---|---|
محمد بن عبد الرحمن آل ثاني | |
 Sheikh Mohammed in 2024 | |
| 7th Prime Minister of Qatar | |
| Assumed office 7 March 2023 | |
| Monarch | Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani |
| Preceded by | Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| Assumed office 27 January 2016 | |
| Monarch | Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani |
| Prime Minister | Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani Himself |
| Preceded by | Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar | |
| In office 2017–2023 | |
| Monarch | Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani |
| Preceded by | Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 November 1980 Doha, Qatar |
| Alma mater | Qatar University |
Sheikh Mohammed previously served as the country's deputy prime minister from 2017 to 2023[1] and Chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority from 2018 to 2023.
Early life and education
editSheikh Mohammed was born and raised in Doha, Qatar. He is part of the Qatari royal family as a member of the House of Thani.[4] He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and business administration from the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University (2003).[5]
Career
editEarly in his career, Sheikh Mohammed worked as an economic researcher at the Ruling Family Council in 2003 where he later served as the Director of Economic Affairs from 2005 to 2009.[5]
In 2009, Sheikh Mohammed was appointed Director of the Department of Public and Private Sectors Partnership at the Ministry of Business and Trade and launched “Enterprise Qatar” – an organization that provides technical and financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises.[6]
From 2010 to 2011, Sheikh Mohammed served as Secretary of the Personal Representative of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for Follow-up Affairs at the Amiri Diwan.[6]
In the same year, he became chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Mining Company.[7]
In 2011, Sheikh Mohammed became the chairman of the executive committee of the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and chairman of the Board of Directors of Aspire – Katara Investment Company.
In 2013, Sheikh Mohammed joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Qatar) as Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation Affairs, having attained the career rank of Undersecretary the year before.[6][8] His policies focused on promoting multilateral cooperation, implementing Qatar's foreign development policy, and applying international cooperation strategies based on the Qatar National Vision 2030.[9]
Premiership
edit
On 7 March 2023, in a cabinet reshuffle, through Amiri Decree No. (2) of 2023, he was appointed as the Prime Minister of Qatar.[2]
Sheikh Mohammed's priorities as Prime Minister include advising His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the formation of ministries in the country and assisting His Highness perform his duties and exercise his roles. Sheikh Mohammed also heads the Council of Ministers sessions, including managing discussions and supervising the coordination of work between ministries to achieve unity between governmental agencies and ensure the integration of their activities.[9]
Role as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister
editSheikh Mohammed's responsibilities as Minister of Foreign Affairs[9] include planning and implementing Qatar's foreign policy, maintaining and extending the country's strategic bilateral and multilateral relations, leading mediation efforts, and consolidating international peace and security.
On 7 October 2023, Hamas started an extensive armed conflict with Israel. Due to its escalation, on 9 October, he made urgent talks to attempt to arrange the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons in exchange for the release of Israeli women and children held by the militant group that were being detained in Gaza. Positive progress is being made in the ongoing negotiations, which Qatar has been undertaking in collaboration with the United States. Qatar has played a crucial role in facilitating the release of American and Australian hostages who were stranded in Israel and Gaza.[10]
On 1 November 2023, Qatar mediated an agreement between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas. This agreement, which was coordinated with the U.S., enabled evacuation of civilians from besieged Gaza.[11][12] Sheikh Mohammed met with CIA Director William J. Burns and head of Mossad David Barnea in Qatar in November.[13][14] They reached an extension of the ceasefire by two days and exchange of more than 100 Israeli hostages for 240 Palestinian prisoners.[15][16][17][18] Sheikh Mohammed condemned Israel's bombing of the Gaza Strip and called for an "immediate, comprehensive and impartial international investigation" into what he called Israeli crimes in Gaza.[19]
In late January 2024, Sheikh Mohammed met US officials in an effort to continue ceasefire negotiations in Washington, D.C.[20] and welcomed US Secretary Blinken in Doha on 6 February 2024.[21] With Qatar and Egypt as mediators, Hamas proposed a deal which would include the release of all Israeli hostages in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, and an end to the war.[22] On 7 February 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the proposal.[23]
The humanitarian efforts by Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani were praised by various global leaders such as US Secretary Antony Blinken, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden and the EU's high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell.[24][25][26]
The TIME magazine, has recognized Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani as one of the "100 Most Influential People" in the world for the year 2024. According to the magazine, Sheikh Mohammed's inclusion in the list is attributed to his notable role in the negotiations between Hamas and Israel.[27]
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has been instrumental in leading the negotiations, which have led to a temporary ceasefire and the successful release of more than 100 hostages.[28] The TIME magazine recognizes Qatar's adeptness in managing diverse interests, exemplified by its hosting of a significant US air base and a Taliban office.The decision was further shaped by the Prime Minister's role as a mediator in various regions grappling with difficulties, including South America. "Moreover, before October 7, the 43-year-old prime minister had received commendation from US officials for his adeptness as a mediator in numerous complex scenarios, including those in South America," it stated.[29][30]
Role as Chairman of Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD)
editAs Chairman of the Qatar Fund for Development,[31] Sheikh Mohammed directs the fund's operations and the expansion of its activities to reach more than 70 countries around the world, notably in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Sheikh Mohammed contributes to supporting international development through the fund's long-term strategy[32] focusing on education, health, economic empowerment, and addressing climate change. This strategy is based on the Qatar National Vision 2030 and is consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
Sheikh Mohammed has sponsored the launch of several humanitarian and development initiatives through the Fund, including, but not limited to, the “Qatar Creates Vision” initiative[33] in India and Bangladesh, the “Quest” initiative[34] for educating displaced Syrians and refugees in both Syria and neighboring countries, and the "Business Incubator Laboratories" initiative[35] in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program.
Sheikh Mohammed's leadership has contributed to strengthening ties with recipient countries and Qatar's prominent efforts overall to coordinate international multilateral action.
Role as Chairman of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)
editIn Sheikh Mohammed's previous capacity as chairman of Qatar Investment Authority,[36] he provided leadership to the QIA Board of Directors and ensured QIA's sound governance framework through accountability and sound decision-making.
Under his leadership, the Board of Directors implemented QIA's mission of safeguarding the well-being of future generations through long-term responsible investment while supporting the diversification of Qatar's economy, and overseeing the embedding of the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility in QIA's culture.[37]
Awards and honours
editRepublic of Paraguay Honour
editOn May 24, 2023, the President of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez, awarded the National Order of Merit (Paraguay) to Sheikh Mohammed.[38] Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi,[39] received the honor on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed.
This award was in recognition of Sheikh Mohammed's role in supporting and strengthening relations between the two countries.[38]
United States Honour
editIn January 19, 2021, the day before Joe Biden became president, the United States, represented by the United States Department of Defense, awarded Sheikh Mohammed with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, one of the highest honors bestowed by the US to officials.[40] 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.[40]
See also
editReferences
edit- "The Crisis in the Gulf: Qatar Responds" [5], 5 July 2017
- ^ a b "H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani". GCO. 27 January 2016. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
- ^ a b Mills, Andrew (2023-03-07). "Qatar's emir names top diplomat as premier, reappoints energy and finance ministers". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2023-03-08. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
- ^ "New Qatari Foreign Minister". Diplomat Magazine. 1 February 2016. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
- ^ "The State and the Basis of its Rule". Al Meezan. State of Qatar. 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
- ^ a b "The 10th Al Jazeera Forum » Speakers » Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani". Al Jazeera Forum. Archived from the original on 29 November 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
- ^ a b c "The 9th Al Jazeera forum » Speakers » Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani". Al Jazeera Forum. Archived from the original on 2 July 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
- ^ Qatar Mining Company. About Us
- ^ Cinzia Bianco; Giorgio Cafiero (8 March 2016). "Qatar's Cabinet Reshuffle and a New Regional Approach". Middle East Institute. Archived from the original on 29 November 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
- ^ a b c Ministry of Foreign Affairs Organizational Structure. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs [1]
- ^ Mills, Andrew; Al-Mughrabi, Nidal; Al-Mughrabi, Nidal (2023-10-09). "Qatar in talks with Hamas, Israel to swap hostages for prisoners". Reuters. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "Egypt opens Rafah crossing for foreign nationals and injured Palestinians". POLITICO. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "Limited Gaza evacuations via Rafah to be allowed after Qatar brokers deal -source". Reuters. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "CIA, Mossad chiefs meet in Qatar as Israel-Hamas truce is extended". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
- ^ "UN chief thanks Qatar PM over mediation for release of hostages in Gaza". Hindustan Times. 2023-10-28. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
- ^ "In Qatar, secret diplomacy on Gaza yields a first small step forward". The Washington Post. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "What the resumption of Israel-Hamas fighting means for Palestinians in Israeli jails". NPR. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Israeli medical experts declare some Gaza hostages dead in absentia". Reuters. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ^ Shao, Elena; Zraick, Karen; Patil, Anushka; Gupta, Gaya (2023-12-01). "Freed Palestinians Were Mostly Young and Not Convicted of Crimes". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
- ^ "Qatar calls for international probe into 'Israeli crimes' in Gaza". Al Jazeera. 3 December 2023.
- ^ "Qatar's prime minister warns an intolerable Gaza situation poses regional risk". NPR. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ "Qatar says Hamas response to truce proposal 'generally positive'". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
- ^ McKernan, Bethan; Beaumont, Peter (2024-02-07). "Netanyahu rejects Gaza ceasefire deal and says victory is 'within reach'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
- ^ Nakhoul, Samia; Mills, Andrew; Al-Mughrabi, Nidal; Pamuk, Humeyra; Al-Mughrabi, Nidal; Pamuk, Humeyra (2024-02-07). "Netanyahu calls Hamas ceasefire proposal 'delusional' but Blinken sees scope for progress". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
- ^ "Biden Thanks Qatar for Helping to Negotiate Hostage Releases". WSJ. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "Canada to continue work with Qatar to release hostages held by Hamas, PM Trudeau says". Reuters. 2023-10-21. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani At a Joint Press Availability". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: The 100 Most Influential People of 2024". TIME. 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ Pinkas, Alon (2024-04-18). "Qatar is part of the solution to Israel's war in Gaza, not the problem". Haaretz. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ "Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: The 100 Most Influential People of 2024". TIME. 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/qatar-brokers-deal-between-egypt-hamas-israel-limited-gaza-evacuations-source-2023-11-01/
- ^ Qatar Fund For Development. CEO Message (2023)
- ^ Qatar Fund For Development. Strategic Objectives (2023)
- ^ Qatar Fund For Development. About Qatar Creating Vision Initiative
- ^ Qatar Fund For Development. Quest
- ^ Qatar Fund For Development. Qatar Fund for Development and UNDP Accelerator Labs hosted Virtual side event of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development [2]
- ^ "Qatar shuffles cabinet, names new heads of wealth fund, state gas giant". Reuters. 2018.
- ^ "Santiago Principles Self-Assessment: Qatar Investment Authority". International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds. 20 September 2023. pp. 8–9.
- ^ a b Gulf Times. President of Paraguay awards National Order of Merit to PM [3]
- ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Minister of State for Foreign Affairs”
- ^ a b Gulf Times. FM, Qatar envoy receive US’ highest medal for distinguished public service [4]
External links
edit
- "The Crisis in the Gulf: Qatar Responds" [6], 5 July 2017