Leaders of S. Korea, Australia meet on sidelines of U.N. General Assembly

New York: H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, took part in the opening session of the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday in New York. The assembly convened heads of state and government, delegations, and representatives from governmental and civil society organizations.

HH the Amir addressed the assembly, expressing congratulations to H.E. Mr. Khalilur Rahman on his assumption of the Presidency for this session. He also thanked H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock for her efforts in presiding over the previous session. HH the Amir praised the efforts of H.E. Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, throughout his term, and appreciated the staff of the UN organization for their work under challenging circumstances.

The Amir spoke about the dangerous phase the region is going through, emphasizing the Gulf crisis and its global repercussions. He highlighted that the crisis results from years of postponement, temporary solutions, and unrealistic policies. The Amir stressed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, based on international law and respect for state sovereignty and peoples' rights.

He noted that Qatar, as a trusted mediator, has consistently warned against the dangers of prolonged conflicts without fair settlements. The Amir called for the establishment of a regional system of collective security, respecting state sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, promoting peaceful dispute resolution, and non-interference in internal affairs.

The absence of such a system, the Amir stated, allowed a war to erupt based on unrelated interests, dragging neighbors into conflict and closing international waterways crucial for global energy trade. Despite the crisis's significant impact on the economy and livelihoods, the Amir remained convinced that a diplomatic solution, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and returning to negotiations could avert war and pave the way for a lasting solution ensuring security and stability for the entire region, including Iran.

The Amir thanked the UN General Assembly for convening a special session in honor of the late Amir Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, praising his legacy and commitment to peace. He emphasized that resilience is a result of prior planning, preparedness, and investment, and Qatar has always combined steadfastness with flexibility, placing national interests, people, and their welfare above all else.