Qatar highlights commitment to peace, humanitarian efforts in Eastern DRC at UNGA

New York: Qatar reaffirmed its active role in supporting peace and humanitarian efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Grea...

New York: Qatar reaffirmed its active role in supporting peace and humanitarian efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region during a key event held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Representing Qatar at the event was Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.

In his address, Dr. Al Khulaifi underscored Qatar's ongoing contributions to fostering dialogue and advancing the peace process in the volatile region. He highlighted a landmark trilateral meeting hosted by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on March 18 this year. The meeting brought together the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda for direct and candid dialogue - the first since heightened tensions arose between the two nations in 2022.

The minister emphasized that this trilateral meeting served as a crucial starting point for continued African-led mediation efforts, complementing initiatives underway in Luanda and Nairobi.

Dr. Al Khulaifi also pointed to Qatar's facilitation of consultations in Doha on April 23 between representatives of the DRC and the March 23 Movement (M23) group. These talks culminated in an agreement to pursue a ceasefire aimed at strengthening the existing ceasefire framework. Both parties committed to an immediate cessation of hostilities, rejected hate speech and intimidation, and called on local communities to uphold these principles.