Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has said the country and the wider region have endured “exceptional events”, while insisting that Qatar’s institutions have demonstrated their strength and cohesion.
Addressing the Shura Council in Doha, Sheikh Tamim said policies put in place before the conflict had helped the Gulf state absorb the consequences of months of instability.
Qatar has been drawn into the United States-Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28 and has contributed to a global energy crisis. The country has also faced several direct attacks from Iran, including a strike in March on the Ras Laffan gas facility, described as the world’s largest liquefied natural gas production site.
“Our country and the region have faced exceptional events that have once again proven the cohesion of state institutions,” the Emir said.
He said Doha preferred to settle conflicts through peaceful means and dialogue, but warned that the security and sovereignty of the Gulf Cooperation Council states could not be compromised.
“The security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the preservation of their sovereignty is a matter that cannot be compromised on,” Sheikh Tamim said.
The conflict has disrupted global supply routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked since the war began. Sheikh Tamim called for greater efforts to protect maritime navigation, energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.
“Efforts must be doubled to secure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and to protect energy facilities and civilian infrastructure,” he said.
