Antalya: HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi participated in a high-level session on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) titled, "Emerging Partnerships in International Mediation for Peace."
According to Qatar News Agency, during the session, Dr. Al Khulaifi emphasized that mediation is not about media visibility or international competition but is a responsibility and an effective tool for conflict resolution. He highlighted that the guiding principle is the ability to contribute meaningfully to de-escalation and support progress toward political solutions.
Dr. Al Khulaifi discussed the essential role of trust in mediation, describing it as the vital currency in diplomatic efforts. He recounted Qatar's two-decade-long investment in building trust through consistency and open communication. He cited examples such as mediation efforts in Africa, including peace processes in Chad and the facilitation of dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which culminated in the Doha Declaration of Principles.
The Minister stressed the challenges posed by escalations, which complicate the diplomatic environment by hardening positions and shifting focus to immediate security concerns. Despite these challenges, he affirmed that conflict underscores the necessity of mediation.
Dr. Al Khulaifi expressed that despite challenges and exposure to attacks, Qatar's commitment to mediation remains firm, emphasizing the importance of sustaining dialogue and peaceful solutions, especially during escalating situations. He outlined an approach focused on continued engagement, flexibility, and pragmatism, prioritizing de-escalation, supporting ceasefires, and maintaining dialogue platforms.
He concluded by highlighting opportunities in bridging existing gaps across various sectors and actors to advance peace efforts. He underscored the growing recognition of the need to protect mediators and negotiation processes, advocating for clearer international frameworks to safeguard ongoing dialogues and encourage broader participation in peace efforts.