London: The State of Qatar considers mediation not merely as a tool of its foreign policy but as a reflection of a profound constitutional conviction, according to HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi. He emphasized that Article 7 of Qatar's Constitution underlines the nation's commitment to promoting international peace and security through peaceful conflict resolution.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Al Khulaifi, speaking at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, in London, articulated that Qatar's approach has always prioritized preserving relationships rather than choosing between them, even during periods of significant disagreement. He underscored that engaging with all parties should not be seen as an endorsement but as a means to keep dialogue channels open, which is crucial for a "middle power" like Qatar.
He elaborated that international influence has traditionally been linked with military, economic power, or geopolitical influence. However, the contemporary global environment demands a reevaluation of these assumptions, as the ability to maintain open channels of dialogue during seemingly insurmountable crises has become one of the most valuable forms of influence.
Dr. Al Khulaifi highlighted that mediation has evolved from being a mere diplomatic tool to a strategic necessity, as current conflicts involve complex dimensions, including military, political, economic, technological, and humanitarian factors. He pointed out that such conflicts are no longer confined to states but also involve international organizations, non-state actors, corporations, and global public opinion, making peacebuilding during conflicts, rather than post-conflict, increasingly essential.
The international landscape's changes necessitate a new form of diplomacy characterized by patience, flexibility, and credibility, Dr. Al Khulaifi noted. He stressed that today's crises are not only shaped by governments but also by armed groups, international organizations, and individuals wielding significant digital influence. He cautioned that technology, such as artificial intelligence, can spread misinformation rapidly, requiring diplomacy to be agile and resilient.
Dr. Al Khulaifi underscored that mediation is now a strategic necessity, not just a diplomatic option, in an interconnected world where building and maintaining political trust has become more challenging. He emphasized that while information quickly crosses borders, trust takes longer to establish, and middle powers play a vital role in facilitating outcomes rather than imposing them.
He also emphasized that a mediator's influence stems from trust rather than power, as neutrality is rare in international relations, but fairness is always achievable. He explained that successful mediators earn parties' trust by managing relationships responsibly, not by lacking them.
Dr. Al Khulaifi also distinguished between the objectives of mediators and conflicting parties, noting that while parties aim to protect their interests, the mediator's role is to foster dialogue. He stated that Qatar's mediation success hinges on access, trust, and perseverance, emphasizing that peace processes are rarely linear and require sustained engagement.
Highlighting Qatar's role in various international negotiations, Dr. Al Khulaifi reiterated that sustainable progress is typically achieved through careful engagement rather than sudden breakthroughs. He emphasized that a mediator's responsibility is to keep dialogue channels open and ensure political will is nurtured.
He further explained that successful mediation often results in reduced visibility for mediators, as the focus rightly shifts to the parties involved. He acknowledged that diplomats today operate under constant scrutiny, requiring a balance between transparency and confidentiality.
Dr. Al Khulaifi concluded that as global challenges increase, the demand for credible mediation will rise, necessitating investment in diplomatic capabilities. He affirmed that future peace and security will rely on patience, dialogue, and the recognition that disagreements need not result in permanent conflicts. Citing Nelson Mandela, he stressed that working with adversaries is essential to achieving peace.