FM, US counterpart discuss situation in Gaza


Washington: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday discussed efforts to stop the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the Israeli attack on Rafah.

In a phone call, the two ministers discussed the attack by Israeli extremists on the Jordanian aid convoy heading to Gaza through the Beit Hanoun/Erez crossing, where Safadi urged the international community to condemn the attack as a heinous crime, and held Israel fully responsible for this crime.

Blinken strongly condemned the violent attack by Israeli extremists on the convoy aimed at preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He reiterated that the United States expects the Israeli government to take full and appropriate action to prevent such attacks on aid convoys and hold perpetrators accountable.

Blinken recognized the Kingdom’s leadership role in delivering critical humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The two ministers also discussed efforts to re
ach a deal for an immediate ceasefire, release the hostages, and prevent the war from expanding regionally.

They stressed the need for all efforts to succeed in the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to finalize the exchange deal and reach a ceasefire.

Safadi warned of the catastrophic consequences of Israel’s attack on Rafah and the blocking of the entry of aid through the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem border crossings.

The two ministers emphasized that the two countries will continue to work together to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Source: Jordan News Agency

HH the Amir Wishes Further Career, Academic Success to QU Graduates

Doha: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished the 47th batch of Qatar University (QU) graduates further success and achievement in their professional and academic careers.

HH the Amir posted on X congratulating Qatar University’s 47th batch of male and female graduates, wishing them further success and achievement in their professional and academic paths so that they would, in turn, contribute to Qatar’s development and excellence.

Source: Qatar News Agency

MoPH, WHO Hold Workshop on Country Cooperation Strategy 2024-2030

Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) organized a workshop in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the Country Cooperation Strategy 2024-2030.

The two-day event brought together senior officials representing the MoPH and other relevant ministries and agencies in the State of Qatar, along with representatives of the WHO and UN agencies and partners.

The workshop aimed to consult and agree on the country cooperation strategy, during which health priorities and challenges were identified, and a strategic agenda for MoPH-WHO cooperation was set.

The Country Cooperation Strategy is a strategic framework that aims to guide the WHO’s work within a member country and cooperate with its relevant institutions, and is formulated in the context of global and regional health priorities.

HE Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, said that the State of Qatar is keen to strengthen close cooperation with the WHO in a way that contributes to supporting national policies, strategi
es and plans aimed at improving the health and well-being of Qatari society, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the third national development strategy for Qatar, and its health strategies, in addition to the sustainable development goals.

Her Excellency added in a speech delivered on her behalf by Assistant Minister for Health Affairs at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Salih Ali Al Marri, that the serious and intensive work between specialists and experts in the State of Qatar and the WHO to develop the country cooperation strategy is of great importance, especially in light of the wonderful results they have reached to determine work priorities for the six-year strategy, which contributes to advancing cooperation between the State of Qatar and the WHO to broader horizons.

The State of Qatar has an advanced social protection system, and has achieved many sustainable development goals and objectives in the fields of health, education and social protection.

The Qatar National Vision 2030 is
an ambitious vision that aims to transform Qatar by the year 2030 into an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development and ensuring the continuation of a decent living for its people, generation after generation. Qatar’s national vision is built upon human, social, economic and environmental development.

Officials and experts from the MoPH and WHO participated in the preparations for the country cooperation strategy, which began in 2023 after the establishment of the WHO regional office in the State of Qatar. The preparations were at three levels – global, regional ,and country.

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhy, expressed her appreciation for the process of cooperation between the organization and the State of Qatar, and for Qatars achievements in the health and development fields.

She appreciated what the State of Qatar had achieved for its citizens and its regional and international environment, and said that investment in health and developmen
t in Qatar led to continuous improvements in health patterns and reduced deaths.

She stressed her commitment to continuing fruitful and constructive cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership with the State of Qatar, pointing out that the country cooperation strategy is a framework through which the WHO and the State of Qatar cooperate together to achieve common goals in the field of health and development with the aim of establishing solid foundations and a strategic basis for planning, as well as moving the levels of cooperation with Qatar to strategic dimensions, which contributes to its launch to greater horizons in accordance with its future vision.

During the workshop, participants reviewed the various aspects of the country cooperation strategy through extensive working sessions and discussions, taking into account the work of all partners and stakeholders in the health-related fields, and taking into account developments in strategic policies or practices undertaken by the national heal
th sector and other relevant partners.

The workshop aimed to achieve consensus on the strategic priorities for cooperation between the MoPH and the WHO for the coming six years.

The country cooperation strategy is guided globally by the Sustainable Development Goals and the WHO’s Fourteenth General Program of Work and nationally by Qatar’s national vision regarding the health sector, socio-economic situation of the population, and the main determinants of health by identifying key health priorities and challenges, collaborations are framed over the next six years.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Qatar University President: Investing in Human Capital Is Cornerstone of Achieving Aspirations and Sustaining Development

Doha: Qatar University President Dr. Omar Al Ansari said that Investing in the human capital is the cornerstone of achieving aspirations and sustaining development.

This came in his speech at the graduation ceremony of QU’s 47th batch, during which he said, “The university senses its role as a strong supporter of sustainable development in Qatar, through preparing young people capable of actively participating with determination and enthusiasm in building their societies and engaging with the issues of their nation driven by the values of brotherhood, justice, and equity.” The President of QU highlighted, “Qatar University has contributed to the Qatari job market with over 65,000 young human talents who have actively contributed and continue to contribute effectively to the journey of our ambitious developmental progress.” He added that the university does so within its core role and commitment to providing high-quality education and impactful research linked to national development.

Dr. Al Ansari continued
, “The prominent position that Qatar has attained regionally and internationally under your wise leadership and within the framework of the principles laid down by the founding fathers places a great responsibility on the university, a responsibility it acknowledges and takes pride in.” The President of QU stated, “Through a clear vision, mission, and an educational model based on a system of high values, and a scientific framework that adheres to the highest academic standards, this has resulted in graduating individuals who possess a balanced and comprehensive personality, as well as knowledge, skills, and competencies, with a deep commitment to excellence, integrity, and social responsibility. This has made graduates of Qatar University active and influential in their surroundings, capable of positively engaging with the challenges of the modern world, and raising the name of their country in society and globally.” He added, “As we stand on the threshold of implementing the Qatar University Strategy 2023-2
027, which was developed to be harmonious and integrated with the Third Qatar National Development Strategy, its strategic goals include learning and human development, research and response to national challenges, societal and economic development, and institutional and cultural enhancement.

Moreover, the QU President noted that QU has achieved many accomplishments on various fronts, and has obtained numerous academic chairs through partnerships and agreements with local, regional, and international institutions.

“As part of its ongoing efforts to support the strategic and economic directions of the state and to provide local competencies, Qatar University launched several academic programs during the academic year to meet the needs of the job market in the country. Among these, we highlight the College of Sport Sciences, which we hope will become a scientific and research reference in the field of sports and its sciences, and a primary supporter of the state’s efforts in this field. With the participation
of 12 colleges and over 90 academic programs, and with numerous academic accreditations, programmatic and institutional, and quality certifications achieved by the university, along with the presence of top academic and research talents, and the unlimited support from the Board of Regents of Qatar University, the university has solidified its position among the best universities in the region and the world according to the latest institutional rankings.” added Dr. Al Ansari.

Addressing the graduating Class of 2024, Qatar University President Dr. Omar Al Ansari said, “I extend to you my sincerest congratulations on your graduation. Today, you reap the fruits of your efforts and dedication to hard work and diligence throughout your years of study. As you prepare to enter a new world full of challenges and opportunities, remember that graduation is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a new journey of personal and professional growth.” In the context of an ever changing world, he urged the graduates to
continue to work hard, be dedicated, to never stop learning and acquiring new skills, and to keep pace with the rapid developments in all fields, encouraging them to persevere in achieving their personal and professional goals and to be boldly creative, in order for their post-graduation journey to be filled with achievements and successes.

The President of QU extended his heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed parents on the graduation of their children from Qatar University, thanking them for the support and encouragement they have provided to their children, especially during their university studies, adding that this achievement is not only their children’s, but also theirs, and is a cause of societal pride. In addition, he also commended the university’s faculty, staff, and employees for supporting the students’ educational journey and contributing to their success, as well as supporting the university’s mission in preparing an outstanding, creative, innovative, and leadership-ready generation capabl
e of effectively contributing to building a sustainable future.

On the other hand, delivering a speech on behalf of the 47th graduating class, graduate Mohammed Thamer Mohammed Jabor Al-Thani said, “This moment comes after years of joy and hard work, leading us to this moment that witnesses a new cohort of our esteemed university’s graduates, carrying our aspirations and hopes towards a new chapter in our lives.” Al-Thani explained that Qatar University have drawn a road map to meet national development priorities, making the State of Qatar a destination for scholars and creative talents.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Turkish Officials

Mersin: HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater met with Their Excellencies Turkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yasin Ekrem Serim, Deputy Interior Minister Munir Karaloglu, Mersin Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan, and Head of Disaster and Emergency Management Authority Okay Memis, on the sideline of a business lunch here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, especially in development fields. They also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, and the developments in Syria.

This meeting came in the context of joint cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye in sending a ship carrying over 1,900 tons of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian brothers besieged in the Gaza Strip.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Swedish Parliamentarians

Stockholm, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari met today in Stockholm with HE Secretary-General of the Swedish Parliament Ingvar Mattson, HE Spokesman for the Social Democratic Party for foreign affairs in Sweden’s Parliament Morgan Johansson, and HE member of the Swedish Parliament Alexandra Anstrell.

The meeting dealt with discussing developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, and the Qatari mediation to end the war on the strip, in addition to enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Kingdom of Sweden Nadia bint Ahmad Al Sheebi.

Source: Qatar News Agency