Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres inaugurated the UN House in Lusail on Saturday as a high-level UN diplomatic centre in the region.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the opening of the United Nations House in Doha is an expression of the depth of the strategic partnership of consultation, cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and Qatar.
He said the opening of the United Nations House in Qatar signals a momentous occasion for both the country and the agency as the two move towards increased cooperation.
He stressed that this major event is the culmination of half a century of partnership and dynamic relations between Qatar and the United Nations, interspersed with many stations and joint work to build peace, development and face global challenges.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that Doha has become an important centre for diplomacy that facilitates resolution of some of the most complex conflicts in the world, as Qatar has provided crucial support to dialogue through diplomacy and generous humanitarian assistance.
He added that Qatar is also a generous supporter of vital development and humanitarian efforts, stressing that the opening of the United Nations House in Doha is an expression of the great interconnection and coordination between Qatar and international organisations.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Majid Al Ansari said choosing Doha as the centre of the United Nations House in the region carries more than one message, due to the fact that Qatar enjoys political and economic stability and ease of working and communicating with international organisations, stressing that the government of Qatar is committed to cooperation and support for international organisations, making it an ideal partner for the United Nations, gaining the confidence of the international community.
He said, “The opening of the United Nations House in Qatar goes beyond being an ordinary centre for the largest and most prestigious international organisations ever, to an international recognition of the great role played by Doha as a regional and international player in the United Nations aimed at achieving security, peace and sustainable development.
“The United Nations House crowns the strong and strategic relationship with the United Nations and emphasises the pivotal role played by Qatar in the region and international community, and the United Nations House can contribute to strengthening Qatar’s position as a country that adopts international values and principles and affirms its quest to promote international justice and peace, making it the ideal partner of the United Nations in the region.”
He added, “The United Nations House is an opportunity to enhance cooperation between the UN member states and strengthen dialogue and understanding between them. It can also provide diplomatic and legal facilities and services to countries in the region, contribute to strengthening strategic, trade and economic partnerships, and serve as a platform for the exchange of experiences and knowledge in addition to being an important step in enhancing security, peace and stability in the region, which is facing many challenges and crises.”
Dr Ansari stressed that the United Nations House is an opportunity to enhance the image of the region and change the stereotype promoted by others about the countries of the region, and also attracts the attention of many specialists and interested people from around the world to work together to solve the issues and crises of the region.
He said, “Over the past decade, Doha has been able, through clearly targeted diplomacy, to play a strategic role in achieving the goals of the United Nations, and under the guidance of the wise leadership, through a partnership between the two parties that has lasted for more than half a century, since it joined the international organisation in 1971, and the formation of the permanent delegation of Qatar to the United Nations in New York in order to manage its relationship with the international organisation.”
He continued, “This is part of a long-term vision through which Qatar, in line with its foreign policy, adheres to the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations and contributes to achieving security and stability. These principles set by Qatar are in line with the National Vision 2030 and its main pillars and based on its efforts as an active member in its regional and international environment. Qatar believes that conflict resolution can only be through dialogue and peaceful means.
“The opening of the United Nations House coincides with the fifth United Nations conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) and will contribute to strengthening relations between the international organisation and the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, and can be a source of solutions and guidance to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and expand opportunities for local communities to develop their skills and improve their lives.”
