Oxford, November 07, 2026 : HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has stressed that thriving states are well-positioned to contribute to peacebuilding and shared prosperity, as their security and economic well-being are closely linked to stability across their region and the wider world.
Speaking at the Oxford Union in the United Kingdom during a lecture titled “Thriving in a Fractured World: Small States and the New Geography of Global Impact,” followed by a discussion moderated by Sir John Sawers, His Excellency said that smaller states with strong economic foundations and international connections have both the ability and responsibility to take initiatives that promote peace and positive change.
He reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to working with all relevant parties to prevent further regional escalation, stressing that dialogue and addressing the root causes of disputes remain essential to achieving lasting security.
The Prime Minister said Qatar had been actively involved in mediation and peacemaking for nearly two decades, guided by its commitment to protecting human lives. He recalled HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's position that mediation efforts remain worthwhile even if they take a year, provided they help save a single life.
Addressing recent regional tensions and acts of aggression against Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed said the country had continued its diplomatic efforts despite challenging circumstances. He noted that Qatar had played a significant role in the first round of negotiations, which resulted in a memorandum of understanding and helped avert wider regional instability.
He added that difficulties in implementing the memorandum had not stopped Qatar's efforts. In coordination with regional partners, Qatari officials continued working to prevent renewed confrontation, with a delegation making five visits to Tehran in one week and holding meetings, some lasting between 18 and 20 hours.
He stressed that the risks had not disappeared and that efforts to contain tensions remained ongoing, with communication between the relevant parties continuing. He also highlighted engagement with US administration officials and voices in Tehran as important in preventing the situation from escalating further.
The Prime Minister called for sustained diplomatic engagement to bridge differences and prevent hardline positions from undermining negotiations. He warned that another round of military operations would not resolve the region's underlying problems and that countries and communities across the region, including Iran, had already paid a heavy price for previous confrontations.
He identified addressing the nuclear issue, ensuring freedom of navigation and safeguarding security in the Gulf as key priorities. He also stressed the need for dialogue between Gulf states and Iran to establish a security framework that addresses the concerns of all parties and provides guarantees against aggression or threats of force.
On Gaza, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause remains central to resolving regional instability. He said mediation efforts had faced repeated setbacks due to the Israeli government's positions and changing conditions on the ground.
He stressed that any lasting agreement must address fundamental issues, including the withdrawal of forces, the right of Gaza's population to live normal lives, Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Without these elements, he warned, the conditions for renewed conflict would remain.
He also pointed to continued killings, restrictions and the blockade in Gaza despite the ceasefire, saying that a genuine cessation of hostilities requires an end to military operations, the withdrawal of forces and a credible political path for the Palestinian people.
Regarding Lebanon, the Prime Minister noted that shelling had continued despite a ceasefire agreement, while the occupation and restrictions affecting the Lebanese Armed Forces' operations in the south remained concerns. He warned that disregard for international law and the rules-based order posed continuing risks to the region.
Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the importance of dialogue in building sustainable regional security, recalling HH the Amir's 2015 call at the United Nations General Assembly for serious discussions between Gulf Cooperation Council states and Iran to address the underlying causes of their differences.
He said lasting security arrangements require practical measures and guarantees, followed by confidence-building steps and stronger shared interests. He also highlighted the potential for expanded economic cooperation between Gulf states and Iran once the nuclear issue is resolved.
The Prime Minister added that a comprehensive regional security framework must include a resolution of the Palestinian issue and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He called for regional countries to work together towards collective security, allowing their peoples to prosper without fear of military escalation or interference in domestic affairs.
Turning to Qatar's development, Sheikh Mohammed said the country's decision to invest in the gas sector in 1995 helped establish its position in global energy supplies. He noted that Qatar's growing international engagement had also strengthened its mediation capabilities and relationships of trust with different parties.
He said Qatar had worked to institutionalize its mediation experience and build partnerships with countries committed to peacemaking. In 2025, Qatar was involved in mediation efforts across approximately 16 files, covering prisoner exchanges, ceasefires and broader peace initiatives.
He also highlighted cooperation with Norway and Switzerland on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and with Spain and Norway on Colombia, as well as collaboration with Norwegian teams during mediation efforts in Afghanistan.
Concluding, His Excellency said cooperation among countries with different political systems and economic models could deliver meaningful results and extend beyond peacemaking to areas such as investment and energy, helping broaden prosperity, strengthen regional stability and contribute positively to the wider world.
Source: QNA
