NEW YORK: Qatar has expressed its readiness to serve as an international mediator following the successful prisoner swap deal brokered in Doha between Iran and the United States.
Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, made this announcement at the Middle East Global Summit in New York.
Al-Ansari emphasized Qatar’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of prisoners and maintaining a secure humanitarian channel that would enable Iranians to utilize it without violating US sanctions.
The recent prisoner exchange involved the release of five dual Iranian-US citizens in exchange for five Iranians held in the United States on charges related to violating US sanctions. As part of the deal, $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds was transferred to banks in Doha, Qatar.
Highlighting Qatar’s previous efforts as a mediator, Al-Ansari mentioned the nation’s involvement in resolving conflicts in regions such as Darfur, Djibouti, Eritrea, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He also pointed to Qatar’s role as a mediator during and after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, acknowledging that while Qatar’s engagement with the Taliban faced criticism, it was preferable to complete isolation.
Al-Ansari stated that isolating governments or nations is not an effective solution, and engagement can lead to better outcomes, particularly in terms of human rights. He noted that Qatar’s prime minister held historic talks with the leader of the Taliban in Kandahar, marking the first-ever meeting between the Taliban leadership and a foreign official.
Addressing the role of trade and China’s prominence on the global stage, Al-Ansari emphasized the importance of maintaining open economic channels and not weaponizing trade or energy resources. While acknowledging China’s significant global influence as a major producer, he highlighted the necessity of avoiding the use of economic pressure for political purposes.
Al-Ansari’s remarks underscore Qatar’s commitment to diplomatic efforts and mediation in resolving international conflicts and crises, particularly in the aftermath of significant events like the Iran-US prisoner swap deal. Qatar’s role as a mediator and its willingness to facilitate diplomatic solutions contribute to regional stability and humanitarian objectives.
