Qatar`s foreign policy came to a turning point when His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed w

power on 27th June 1995. The upshot that Qatar`s status on the world map was confirmed accordingly, Qatar has become more capable of exerting an effective role, adopting a clear, realistic, prudent and balanced policy.
The presence of His Highness on the world scene through diplomatic tours and the visits of the world`s Leaders to Qatar, the vital role of the country in the world`s political Nations is clearly seen.
Qatar`s foreign policy derives its inspiration from the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Emir of the State, and the unceasing efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr AL Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who consistently persisted in cementing friendly relations with other foreign countries worldwide.
Qatar foreign policy made great success in Gulf, Arab and International areas. This success was crowned by the country`s hosting the second Summit of G77 and China in June 2005, the Conference on Dialogue of Religions, and its choice to host the Sixth International Conference of New democracies. From October 2005 until June 2006, Qatar hosted more than 80 Conferences. In December 2006 Qatar has successfully hosted the 2006 Asian Games.
Qatar has gone a long way on international level since its independence in 1971. This way began when it emerged for the first time as a new independent state and continued as it became a dynamic factor on the international scene.
Qatar played a major role in implementing the ceasefire between Hisbollah and Israel, which ended 34 days of military aggression against Lebanon. The Arab League delegation headed by Qatar succeeded in amending UNSC draft Resolution 1701 before it was voted by Security Council members. The Arab League delegation was presided by Qatar`s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H. E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor AL Thani, who stated the Resolution was a victory for Lebanon.
The Same expression was mentioned by His Highness the Emir during his visit to Lebanon following the ceasefire, where he made a field visit to devastated Beirut southern suburb, being the first Arab and Foreign leader to visit the destroyed country.

On the Gulf level
On Gulf level, Qatar focuses on laying the foundations for security and peace in the region and promotion of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a mechanism that would enhance cooperation between member states in all spheres for the common interest of the GCC.On the Islamic Level
Qatar looks forward to enhancing cooperation with Islamic countries and peoples. In this respect, Qatar was active in holding bilateral reconciliations and hosting conferences for the purpose of enforcing Islamic relations.
What strengthens Qatar`s position in the Islamic World on both regional and international scenes is its choice to host the 9th Islamic Summit Conference in 2000 and electing H.H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani president of the Islamic Conference Organization for three years. Qatar`s presidency over the 9th Islamic Summit Conferences was successful and it stressed its dynamic presence on the regional and international scenes.

On the Arab World level
Being an Arab State, Qatar has always supported the Arab League efforts aiming at cleaning the atmosphere and reaching reconciliation between Arab nations and solidarity on the basis of objectivity and realism for the common Arab goals.
Qatar stresses on the Israeli withdrawal from all Arab occupied territories including Al Quds, Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and south Lebanon. Qatar also calls for Palestinians regaining their legitimate national rights. And in terms of human aids, Qatar has provided medical, material and financial assistance to many Arab and Islamic countries.

On the Islamic Level
Qatar looks forward to enhancing cooperation with Islamic countries and peoples. In this respect, Qatar was active in holding bilateral reconciliations and hosting conferences for the purpose of enforcing Islamic relations.
What strengthens Qatar`s position in the Islamic World on both regional and international scenes is its choice to host the 9th Islamic Summit Conference in 2000 and electing H.H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani president of the Islamic Conference Organization for three years. Qatar`s presidency over the 9th Islamic Summit Conferences was successful and it stressed its dynamic presence on the regional and international scenes.

On the International Level
Qatar`s foreign policy emphasizes the importance of resorting to peaceful means in setting all the disputes between all peace loving countries and peoples. Qatar also rejects and condemns all forms of violence and terrorism. However, it draws a distinction between terrorism and peoples` struggle and legitimate right for Liberty and self-determination in accordance with international law.
In appreciation to Qatar`s positive contribution to peace efforts, the general commission of regional security and arms control in the Middle East decided to establish a centre for regional security in Qatar for setting disputes.
In 2004, Qatar presided over G77 and China and in March 1995 Qatar was elected Vice Chairman to the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen. In 2001, Qatar got one of the four seats devoted to Asia in UN Economic and Social Council.
In terms of human efforts, Qatar grants aid to many Arab and friendly states. A commission was founded to follow up His Highness` Charity to support Al Quds, Jerusalem Foundation. In January 2002 the committee decided to set up a commercial building in Qatar at cost of QR 64 million as a charity income generating project whose revenues were to be appropriated for health, education, humanitarian and social fields in Jerusalem. In 2002 the Development Fund was established with the aim of helping Arab and developing states: The fund has a capital of one billion riyals.
Qatar army unit joined UNIFIL United Nations interim forces in Lebanon to help implementing the UN Resolution number 1701 mainly to achieve peace in the region.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar