Category: Qatar

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Qatar Sport Sports

FIFA sells 2.45 mn tickets for 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Over-the-counter sales will also start in Doha after the launch of the last-minute sales phase…reports Asian Lite News

A total of 2.45 million tickets have been sold so far for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, set to be held in Qatar, the world soccer governing body said on Thursday.

As per FIFA, in the last sales period, which ran from July 5 to August 16, a total of 520,532 tickets were sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

The biggest number of allocated tickets were for group stage matches like Cameroon v Brazil, Brazil v Serbia, Portugal v Uruguay, Costa Rica v Germany and Australia v Denmark.

“Fans living in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Mexico, the UAE, England, Argentina, Brazil, Wales and Australia led the way and the digital queues by securing the biggest number of tickets,” FIFA said.

Meanwhile, the launch date for the next sales phase will be announced in late September. Over-the-counter sales will also start in Doha after the launch of the last-minute sales phase.

The 64-game tournament begins a day earlier than originally scheduled with the opening ceremony taking place before the host nation kicks off the tournament on November 20 against Ecuador. Notably, it will be the first World Cup staged in the Middle East and Arab.

ALSO READ-FIFA announces schedule for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

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Education Qatar

Texas A&M University invites new students to campus

The current students who acted as ambassadors of the university participated in various training sessions earlier in the year…reports Asian Lite News

Texas A&M University at Qatar, a Qatar Foundation partner university, welcomed its incoming freshman students during Aggie Life 101, a three-day orientation program.

Aggie Life 101 is a series of seminars, workshops and activities designed to teach students about Texas A&M and its unique traditions, as well as what it takes to succeed at a world-renowned engineering institution.

Students and graduates of Texas A&M University are called “Aggies” and that tradition continues at Texas A&M’s branch campus in Doha. The orientation showcased the opportunities Texas A&M at Qatar offers to students to help them become engineering leaders — from social clubs and activities to transformative educational experiences, such as international service-learning trips, study abroad and undergraduate research.

Dr. Ryan McLawhon ’03, Executive Director of Student Affairs and Academic Services at Texas A&M at Qatar, welcomed the Class of 2026 to campus. He also introduced the Aggie Core Values and the Aggie Code of Honor, two driving principles that set apart an Aggie education.

“Texas A&M is committed to developing engineering leaders in the State of Qatar,” McLawhon said, “not only through the formal engineering education, but also through our comprehensive core curriculum and student life programs. The curriculum at Texas A&M University at Qatar, both inside and outside of the classroom, is strategically designed with Texas A&M’s core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service in mind. We are extremely excited to welcome these new Aggies to Texas A&M at Qatar and to help prepare them to solve society’s future challenges.”

Addressing the students, Student Government Association President Afnan Ahmed said, “The community at Texas A&M at Qatar is like none other. For me it is truly a second home and I’m sure it will be for you too very soon. As a fellow Aggie myself, my one piece of advice to you is to be open and to fully embrace any and all opportunities that come your way, whether that may be academic, extracurricular, exchange trips, and most importantly developing the best relationships with the people around you.” 

The current students who acted as ambassadors of the university participated in various training sessions earlier in the year. Orientation leaders managed the various sessions and also conducted tours of the Texas A&M Engineering Building. This year, several students from the main campus at College Station, Texas, also participated in the Aggie Life 101 sessions at Texas A&M University at Qatar.

Ahmad Afzal, one of the orientation leaders, said that the key skills he learned during the training sessions was communication and problem solving. “It is a lot of work, but I am having fun. Aggie Life 101 helps new students settle into university life. I have been a nervous freshman myself, and I know how stressful that can be, and I am glad to have the opportunity to help make it a little easier for them.”

Maryam Abdul Ghani, an Electrical Engineering freshman said that it was exciting to meet new classmates and upperclassmen during the orientation.

“I am very happy to be here, and to meet other students,” she said. “The orientation sessions have been very informative and the orientation leaders have been very helpful. The campus tour was quite interesting: When you look at it from outside, you can’t fully understand how big and amazing it is once you enter. From classrooms, to state-of-the-art labs, to student and community areas, there is a lot. I am looking forward to starting my journey here.”

ALSO READ-University of Birmingham’s first international campus opens in Dubai

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-Top News Arab News Qatar

Qatari emir meets Sisi in first Egypt visit since reconciliation

The two-day official visit is expected to include talks between the two leaders on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in all fields, rpeorts Asian Lite News

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has arrived in Cairo for his first visit to Egypt since the two countries restored diplomatic ties last year.

The Qatari emir was received by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi at Cairo International Airport, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Egyptian presidency.

The two-day official visit is expected to include talks between the two leaders on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in all fields.

The two sides are also expected to address the latest international and regional political issues of mutual interest, according to the Egyptian presidency.

Tamim’s visit will see the signing of a number of economic agreements, and ensure Qatari investment in Egypt, especially in the energy field, state-run Ahram Online news website quoted a political source as saying.

The Qatari emir was received by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi at Cairo International Airport.

On the sideline of Tamim’s visit, the Egyptian-Qatari Business Council meetings will be launched to enhance trade, investment and economic relations between the two countries, according to the anonymous source of Ahram.

In January 2021, the Arab quartet of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed the Al-Ula Declaration with Qatar, ending their all-round boycott of Doha since mid-2017.

ALSO READ: UAE President, Jordan King discuss joint action

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Arab News Qatar

Qatar’s rapid economic diversification highlighted at HSBC

Qatar’s rapid economic diversification highlighted at HSBC

Qatar’s rapid economic diversification and capital markets development was highlighted at an HSBC-hosted conference in London last week, bringing together the Middle East’s biggest stock exchanges…reports Asian Lite News

The increase of foreign ownership in listed companies to 100%, higher levels of market activity, and economic growth and diversification across the wider GCC region was recognized as a strong regional economic catalyst for the State.

The conference, the first pan-regional stock exchange event hosted by HSBC Bank Middle East, connected the exchanges in Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia with international investors, Middle East policymakers and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors.

Qatar was represented by Commercial Bank of Qatar, Doha Bank, Gulf Warehousing, Masraf Al Rayyan, Nakilat, Ooredoo, Qatar Insurance Company, Qatar National Bank, Gulf International Services, Msaieed, Industries Qatar, Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing Company and Vodafone listed on the QSE.

“Having world class global banking and markets capabilities in the Middle East is how we helped clients in the region raise more than US$19 billion from investors worldwide in 2021, placing us on top of Bloomberg’s equity and debt rankings in 2021,” said Stephen Moss, Regional Chief Executive for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT).

Topics on the agenda included ESG, equity capital markets, global energy demand, and economic diversification across the region, as well as the economic and social development legacy that hosting the FIFA 2022 World Cup will have on Qatar’s future. The latter was discussed at a special session entitled: “More than a Game – What does hosting the World Cup mean for Qatar?” led by Fatma Al Nuami, representing the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy of the Qatar World Cup Committee.

 “The aim to achieve developed market status in Qatar is part of the country’s ambition to be a world-class international market, and offer a diversified range of investment and trading opportunities for international investors. HSBC was the first bank to establish an investment banking platform and introduce institutional fund services in the country in 2005, and ever since has played an important role in bringing best-in-class practices for international investors to the Qatar market,” said Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Qatar. 

ALSO READ:India, Qatar Launch Start-Up Bridge

 “Qatar Stock Exchange’s strategic focus is to continue to improve organic liquidity in the market and complement that with infrastructure developments.  We have a big role to play to provide an efficient and reliable platform for sustainable economic diversification in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030,” said Mr. Tamim Al Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Stock Exchange.

HSBC Qatar and Qatar Stock Exchange have a long history of partnership promoting foreign portfolio investment in Qatar, and are recognized as thought leaders in the region. This is especially so in the growing discipline of ESG reforms and sustainability strategies, which have become a mainstream concern for investors and issuers alike.

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Dubai Qatar

Dubai’s thriving branded residences market now a global leader

The real estate market in Dubai continues to perform fantastically well in 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Following a record-breaking post-lockdown year in 2021, the real estate market in Dubai continues to perform fantastically well in 2022, especially in the prime and super-prime markets, within which Dubai’s branded residential development sector continues to flourish, as the emirate’s love affair with branded residential real estate continues.

Dean Foley – Head of Residential Project Sales & Marketing at Knight Frank Middle East commented “Residential development across the emirate has flourished since 2010 with the Armani Residences Burj Khalifa first in the market – since then, we have seen an explosion of this asset class with strong demand from HNW and UHNW buyers from across the globe. Such has been the rate of expansion that Dubai is now a global leader rivalling Miami and New York for completed and pipeline projects. Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen launches from Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W and Six Senses, cementing Dubai’s popularity and boosting confidence with hotel operators, developers, owners and buyers.

In Knight Frank’s recently published Branded Residential Overview Dubai 2022, they have investigated 6 key trends that are helping to shape the emirates love affair with branded residential property.

ALSO READ: AED21bln UAE packaging market in 2026 to lead future growth of the sector in ME

1. Dubai one of the top three branded residential markets globally

Dubai has evolved to become a key global hub for branded residences in the last 10 years, however the US, led by Miami, continues to have the highest concentration globally. In Dubai we now have two clear concentrations of branded residential property: Central Dubai (stretching outward from Downtown Dubai, along Dubai Canal and out to Jumeirah 1) and New Dubai, encompassing The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers.

2. Developers widening the net to attract new buyers and investors

There has been a strong shift towards creating more investment grade product, alongside traditional branded residences that appeal to global UHNWI clientele, with Developers recognising the investment potential in branded residential products.

3. Lifestyle brands making their mark

Historically, brands such as Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, along with other established brands under Marriott and Accor have dominated the branded residential market landscape, but more recently, the likes of Porche, Bvlgari, Cavalli and Elie Saab, all of which have swathes of fiercely loyal followers have joined the race to provide ultra-luxury branded residential homes.

4. “New” branded residential neighbourhoods

Downtown Dubai and The Palm Jumeirah have very limited development opportunities, which is driving developers to look to the peripheries of these locations. As the Dubai market continues to evolve and mature, operators are moving into areas such as Business Bay, where Missoni, Mama Shelter, Pagani and the Dorchester Collection are all establishing a presence. Indeed, the arrival of these prestigious brands has contributed to the overall increase in residential demand in Business Bay, which recently joined the exclusive $10 million home club in Dubai, as we reported previously.

5. Fully integrated service offering to remain a top client attraction

Privacy and security have always been key factors for buyers, but a fully integrated service offering, complete with a personalised concierge service in a landmark setting, offered by a reputed brand is what buyers at the top end of the market continue to actively seek out and are happy to pay a premium for.

6. Buyers hungry for more

Globally, buyers are taking a closer look at their living arrangements in the wake of the pandemic and when it comes to the branded residential market, buyers and investors are hungry for even more luxurious amenities and lifestyle offerings that are driving the emergence of some of the world’s most exciting branded residential developments in cities such as Dubai –

Dean continued “The Covid-19 pandemic brought about an increased sensitivity to space, investment and safety. For the global elite, branded residences provides large and opulently serviced homes under the strength and expert care of a leading luxury brand, in addition, the UAE Government acted with laser guided efficiency to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum, its population vaccinated and its economy open for business – these three pillars are what’s largely driven the branded real estate landscape over the last 12 months.”

Knight Frank Middle East’s own Residential Project Sales & Marketing team is spearheaded by Dean Foley, who since joining the firm in Q3 2021, has focused on providing clients with a more comprehensive advisory service to optimise projects at concept stage as well as expanding the company’s sales and marketing capability significantly, with even more growth expected. Dean himself is a veteran of the branded real estate development market, having over 12 years experience in helping developers realise their project goals and maximising returns to fund large scale mixed-use projects, working across Europe, The Middle East, The Caribbean, Africa and Asia on branded projects under Four Seasons, Fairmont, Raffles, Viceroy and Marriott.

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Arab News Qatar

Qatar airways returns to ATM 2022

Award winning airline currently flies to 145 destinations worldwide with almost 1,500 flights per week – more than any other airline in the region

 Qatar Airways is participating at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022 (Hall 1, ME1240), taking place from 9 to 12 May in Dubai and following the COVID-19 pandemic and ease of restrictions, the national carrier of the State of Qatar will showcase the “World’s Best Business Class Seat”, the multi award-winning Qsuite and a Virtual Reality experience of Hamad International Airport, recently voted the “Best Airport in the World.”

Qatar Airways is strongly positioned to continue to lead the global recovery of the aviation industry – the “World’s Best Airline” operates from the “World Best Airport” as voted by Skytrax, and has introduced new routes as part of a robust growing network, stronger partnerships agreements with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue in place, membership of the leading global oneworld alliance, a new loyalty programme currency with Avios, while also operating the world fully vaccinated flight and becoming the first global airline in the world to achieve a Five Star Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating from Skytrax.

Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO, Qatar Airways and Secretary-General of Qatar Tourism

In a sign of the airline’s resilience and determination to keep the world connected during its darkest days, Qatar Airways was number two globally for Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) during 2021 with a 6 per cent share of the market according to IATA figures. Qatar Airways also grew significantly by 26 per cent compared to 2020 with the industry growing by only 1 per cent, while in 2020, following the onset of the pandemic, the airline was also one of the largest carriers by RPKs.

Throughout the pandemic Qatar Airways not only played a vital role in the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic but was the only global airline flying consistently since the onset of the pandemic, now operating to more destinations with more weekly flights than any other airline in the region. The airline also significantly grew its network to 145 destinations, especially in the US where it now operates to 12 cities with almost 100 flights per week, including to recently added San Francisco and Seattle. Qatar Airways also heavily focused on expansion into Africa with the addition of new routes to Abuja, Abidjan, Accra, Harare, Kano, Lusaka and Port Harcourt, firmly cementing the importance of Africa to the airline.

The airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), was also recently awarded the ‘Best Airport in the World 2021’, ranking at number one in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2021. Offering an unsurpassed customer experience at the airport, passengers can also avail of incredible shopping with Qatar Duty Free offering numerous retails shops and beverage outlets, including many of the world’s finest stores and Middle East exclusives, or simply relax in the airside Oryx Airport Hotel. Additionally, the Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, voted “World’s Best Business Class Lounge” is a haven for our premium travellers in Business Class while the world renowned Al Safwa First Class Lounge features many original pieces and artwork, courtesy of Qatar Museums.

Qatar Airways loyalty programme, Privilege Club, recently introduced Avios as its reward currency for its members, providing even greater opportunities to accumulate rewards and leverage exciting new innovations in managing and spending. In addition, members will retain their well-earned rewards balance and will be able to continue enjoying the redemption opportunities they currently have. Avios is the global loyalty currency used by British Airways Executive Club, AerClub, Iberia Plus and Vueling Club, and can be collected across a wide mix of consumer sectors, including aviation, travel, leisure, shopping and financial services.

ALSO READ: India, Qatar to promote welfare and well-being of workers

The multi-awarding winning Qsuite was introduced in 2017 and still  remains the “World’s Best Business Class Seat” features the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors allow colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together in a safe environment. These new features provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enable passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs.

As FIFA’s Official Airline Partner since 2017, Qatar Airways has sponsored mega events including the 2019 and 2020 editions of the FIFA Club World Cup™, and the FIFA Arab Cup™, all of which were hosted in Qatar. The airline is also eagerly anticipating the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – the first in the Middle East – and offering a seamless journey from more than 140 destinations across the globe to fans attending this world-class event.

In its goal to bring communities together through sport, the World’s Best Airline has an extensive global sports partnership portfolio that includes football-governing bodies such as FIFA, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. The airline also sponsors some of the world’s biggest football clubs including Al Sadd SC, Boca Juniors, FC Bayern München, K.A.S. Eupen and Paris Saint-Germain.

Categories
Arab News Qatar Ramadan

Qatar Tourism to host Eid Al Fitr Fest

Qatar Tourism to host its first Eid Festival at Doha Corniche

The Eid Al Fitr festival from May 3-5 along Doha Corniche is coordinated with the Ministry of Interior and Ashghal to manage logistical routes at the location

In celebration of Eid al Fitr this year, Qatar Tourism (QT) will host the Eid Festival along the Doha Corniche from Tuesday, May 3 to Thursday, May 5 between 4-11pm each day.  In addition to the region’s first-ever giant balloon parade with a marching band, festival goers are sure to find something for every member of the family – from stage performances and roaming artists to carnival games and food trucks and kiosks followed by fireworks displays that will light up the Doha sky every day at 9pm. The event is coordinated with the Ministry of Interior and Ashghal to manage logistical routes at the location.

Over the course of the festival, the Doha Corniche will be pedestrianised to allow residents and visitors to experience one of the capital city’s most-loved thoroughfares in a new and exciting way. QT is working with its partners at the Ministry of Interior and Ashghal to deliver safe proceedings throughout the Eid Al-Fitr festivities taking place along a 1.4 km stretch of the Doha Corniche. Moreover, during the three-day festival, there will be live musical performances daily at 19:30 featuring renowned local and regional artists.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced that Doha Corniche Street will be temporary closed from 3 to 5 May, specifically from Tuesday early morning to Thursday midnight. The reopening of traffic will resume on the morning of May 6th in coordination with MoI’s General Directorate of Traffic and the Ministry of Transport.

As per this announcement, traffic closure will go into effect starting 3 May from the Sharq intersection towards the Sheraton intersection in the north and from the Sheraton intersection to the Port intersection in the south, and all roads leading to corniche will be closed, including the following intersections: (Al-Fardan, Al-Jasra, Al-Marmar, Al-Diwan, Al-Maha, Civil Defense and Barzan).

ALSO READ: UAE announces weeklong Eid al-Fitr holiday for Federal entities

In order to facilitate movement of individuals to corniche, alternative means of transportation will be available. There are 37 metro stations in Qatar, including 7 that directly lead to Corniche such as (Al-Bidda, Doha Corniche, and West Bay), in addition the second ring road and the third ring bus service on the Corniche. There will also be areas designated for pedestrians, and 7 new facilities for “Park and Ride” available near the metro stations such as the Education City, Al-Qassar, and Al-Wakra.

The Ministry of Interior encourages the public to cooperate with traffic police and abide by traffic diversions to ensure the safety and security to all those using the Corniche Road. It also advises the use of alternative roads designated for vehicles, namely the A-Ring Road and Istiqlal Road.

Engineer Mohamed Ali Al Marri, the Secretary of the Committee for Corniche Street closure implementation plan and Design Engineer: “Ashghal, in coordination with MOI is planning, designing, and implementing the Corniche closure plan, in addition to carrying out some infrastructure works to enhance traffic flow during the closure period. The Supervisory Committee of beautification of Roads & Public Places is working on beautifying and upgrading Al Corniche Street to provide upgraded pedestrian paths, new cycle lanes, new street lighting and increase the landscaped areas. There are also additional pedestrian crossings along Corniche Street and Al Bidda Street. During closure, Ashghal will provide 17 new bus stops for the Corniche Shuttle Bus Routes which will have 25 bus stops, along with about 55 Variable message signs and fixed directional signs across the road network to lead drivers to the alternative routes. Also, over 200 wayfinding signs will be provided to guide visitors along the Corniche.”

This is in addition to developing several intersections and reprogramming the traffic signals timings to ease traffic flow. Furthermore, 40 traffic signal intersections will be upgraded to operate with pedestrian detection system to improve pedestrian safety.

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Arab News COVID-19 Qatar

Qatar reports 152 new Covid cases

Qatar reports 152 new Covid cases

Qatar reported on Monday 152 new coronavirus cases during the past 24 hours…reports Asian Lite News

Qatar News Agency (QNA) quoted the Qatari Ministry of Public Health as saying that 131 new recoveries were recorded, bringing the total recoveries to 359,148.

ALSO READ: Qatar reports 181 news Covid cases

In a statement, the Ministry said that 149 of the new confirmed cases are among community and three cases among travelers.

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-Top News Arab News Qatar

Qatar seeks diplomatic solutions to Russia-Ukraine war

Qatar seeks diplomatic solutions to Russia-Ukraine war

Both top diplomats discussed the latest developments of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine as well as a number of regional issues of common interest…reports Asian Lite News

Qatar will spare no effort to provide everything that would support a peaceful solution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through consultation and work with partners, said Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

In a joint conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday, Al-Thani said Qatar has always believed in diplomatic solutions to international crises.

Both top diplomats discussed the latest developments of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine as well as a number of regional issues of common interest.

Al-Thani said that his visit to Russia comes at a time when the world is going through a critical stage and an international escalation that has not been witnessed for a long time. He said that he discussed with Lavrov the developments of the crisis, the current war in Ukraine, and the paths of negotiations.

Also, he emphasised to Lavrov the importance of avoiding escalation, and resolving the crisis through constructive dialogue and diplomatic methods.

Al-Thani also briefed Lavrov on the results of his recent contacts with foreign ministers of European countries, stressing the need for urgent international efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis, with the need to ensure the safety of civilians and consider this the safety of civilians a top priority.

The meeting also touched on the Vienna negotiations on Iran’s nuclear file and the developments in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Lavrov said that he had comprehensive and fruitful dialogues with Al-Thani, noting that the discussions paid great attention to the Ukrainian file. He added that they agreed to continue and sustain these dialogues.

ALSO READ: Biden, Macron vow to hold Russia accountable for Ukraine war

Lavrov said Qatar and Russia have expressed a common interest in reaching a humanitarian settlement and the provision of corridors for the evacuation of civilians from the places of battle as well as the provision of medical and primary aid to the citizens of different Ukrainian regions.

Lavrov added that Russia and Qatar stand together for concerted international efforts to resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations on the establishment of the State of Palestine and a comprehensive peace settlement. He stressed the need to restore unity to the ranks of the Palestinians, noting that Russia and Qatar are seeking to achieve this goal.

On the Afghan issue, Lavrov thanked Qatar for its successful work, noting that it plays an important and pivotal role in finding common possibilities and visions. He stressed that the situation in Afghanistan requires concerted international efforts.

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-Top News Arab News Qatar

Qatari FM in Moscow to discuss Ukraine crisis

Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday…reports Asian Lite News

Qatar News Agency (QNA) said the visit of Al Thani comes at a critical stage due to the conditions the world is experiencing as a result of the escalation in Ukraine, explaining that it includes a discussion of the latest developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, as well as a review of the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve this crisis.

“Qatar is seeking to support the existing international efforts to provide the necessary conditions for a peaceful solution to the crisis,” the Foreign Ministry’s spokesman told Qatar News Agency, pointing out that the visit comes after phone calls between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Ministers of Russia and Ukraine, in addition to discussions held during the minister’s visits to a number of European cities.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held talks with Al Thani and expressed his gratitude to the leadership for providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in this dire time of need.

Taking to Twitter, Kuleba wrote, “Call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar @MBA_AlThani_.We discussed ways to end Russia’s barbaric aggression against Ukraine. Grateful to Qatar for stepping up humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.”

Calling the Russian war in Ukraine ‘brutal’ and ‘unprovoked’, earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with the Qatari FM over the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.

ALSO READ: Iran to open trade office in Qatar soon

“Spoke with Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs @MBA_AlThani_ yesterday about the urgent need for Russia to end its brutal and unprovoked war on Ukraine. I also thanked Qatar for continued assistance with Afghanistan diplomacy,” Blinken wrote in a tweet.

On February 24, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine after the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republic requested help in ‘defending themselves.’ The Russian Defense Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only and the civilian population is not in danger.

The West however denies these claims by the Russians and in response, Western nations have imposed comprehensive sanctions on Moscow. In addition, they introduced sanctions on Belarus for supporting Russia’s operation in Ukraine. (with inputs from ANI)