New York: The American Foreign Policy
Association has honoured His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh
Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in recognition of his leading role in international
mediation and diplomacy.
At an event held in New York, Permanent
Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations HE Sheikha Alya
Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani accepted the medal on behalf of His Highness the Amir.
The ceremony was attended by President and CEO of the Foreign Policy
Association Noel Lateef, Vice Chairman Sanaa Sabbagh, members of the Board of
Directors, and other high-ranking officials.
In his welcoming remarks, Lateef expressed
deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir for accepting the medal, adding that
the honour reflects his leading role and significant contributions to
strengthening efforts to maintain international peace and security, his
commitment to the principles of mediation and dialogue, and his promotion of
multilateral cooperation at regional and international levels. Sabbagh
expressed the Association's pride in awarding the medal to His Highness the
Amir and gratitude to Qatar for its important role in promoting peace. She
stated that the occasion underscores the Association's conviction that
diplomacy requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to communicate
despite differences.
In her acceptance speech, Sheikha Alya
conveyed the appreciation of His Highness the Amir to the Foreign Policy
Association, noting that the Association has, for over a century, been
committed to fostering the belief that an informed public is fundamental to international
responsibility. She added that under His Highness's leadership, Qatar has
maintained a pivotal role on the international stage as an internationally
recognised mediator and a steadfast supporter of efforts to spare countries the
cycle of wars and violence, achieved through human capital development via
education since His Highness assumed power in June 2013.
She explained that Qatar's foreign policy is
based on the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law,
the protection of civilians, and the belief that no conflict is insurmountable
through dialogue. She noted that Qatar's approach to mediation is based on two
fundamental factors: the necessity for mediation to be based on achieving and
building sustainable peace, which has made Qatar known as an impartial and
reliable mediator trusted by conflicting parties; and that peace without
reconstruction is nothing but a temporary truce. She added that investing in
people, especially youth, through education and providing opportunities
constitutes the core of His Highness's vision, reviewing examples of Qatar's
mediation and peacebuilding efforts in Afghanistan, Gaza, Darfur, Chad, the
Democratic Republic of Congo, and other regions.
Regarding current developments, she noted that Qatar and GCC countries have faced difficult circumstances as a result of Iran's illegal attacks and its obstruction of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. She explained that Qatar condemned these attacks and exercised its inherent right to self-defence. However, under His Highness's leadership, Qatar continued to support mediation efforts led by Pakistan to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran, aiming to de-escalate tensions and promote peace. She emphasised Qatar's position on guaranteeing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. She stated that Qatar does not consider mediation a sign of weakness, but rather the most challenging form of strength. She also emphasised the strong and enduring partnership between Qatar and the United States, which encompasses security, energy, education, investment, and culture. She concluded by stating that Qatar views this medal as a sincere tribute to His Highness the Amir's contributions in supporting the path of peace, diplomacy, and dialogue. The Board of Directors of the Foreign Policy Association unanimously approved awarding the medal this year to His Highness the Amir in recognition of his contributions to foreign policy and the promotion of understanding and cooperation among nations.
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