Tribune News Network
Doha
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey used their first official joint visit to the Gulf to progress efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and call for de-escalation in the wider region.
David Lammy and John Healey expressed commitment to strengthening and expanding UK-Qatar cooperation on growth and security.
In a joint visit, Lammy – in what is his second trip to the Middle East since becoming foreign secretary – and Healey reiterated the UK’s support to Qatar for the country’s role in mediating and finding end to the war in Gaza, including efforts to deliver an immediate ceasefire agreed by both sides.
They also reiterated the UK’s calls for de-escalation in the wider region, warning that rising tensions and destabilisation would be in no one’s interests. This followed the foreign secretary’s condemnation of the strikes in the occupied Golan Heights at the weekend which tragically claimed at least 12 lives.
Foreign Secretary Lammy said, "Escalation and destabilisation are in no one’s interests. "It is absolutely vital that we engage closely with partners like Qatar, who play a key role in mediating the conflict in Gaza, so that we can bring this devastating war to an end.
"The UK and Qatar have a long-standing and close partnership, and we will also look to build lasting stability and security in the region, and advance our shared priorities, like deepening economic ties, to drive UK growth and seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition.”
Defence Secretary Healey said, "De-escalation must be our primary focus as this region stands at a crossroads. The loss of innocent life in recent weeks and months is unbearable. This has to end. All sides must step back from conflict and step up diplomacy. We will work with important partners like Qatar as our government leads a renewed push for peace.”
During their time in Qatar, the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary met with the Amir His Highness Sheikh Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and other top government officials, and expressed recommitment to building upon the strong UK-Qatar relationship, including growth and security.