Qatar states maritime routes must not be held hostage to political blackmail
Qatar has asserted that freedom of navigation must be guaranteed and that maritime routes should not be subjected to political blackmail. Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani made these remarks during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Alamein. Sheikh Mohammed indicated that Qatar is collaborating with Gulf Cooperation Council and regional partners to establish alternative diplomatic channels with Iran to restore normal navigation. He expressed hope for this to be a positive step towards de-escalating the crisis and urged Iran to take responsibility and respond to regional efforts, considering the damage caused to regional countries. The Egyptian and Qatari foreign ministers emphasized the importance of ensuring the security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law. They called for avoiding measures that could disrupt international shipping and trade, which impact energy security, supply chains, and the global economy. Abdelatty underscored that no state should be allowed to disrupt international navigation and rejected attempts to undermine freedom and security of navigation in the Gulf. He affirmed that the security of Qatar and other Gulf states is integral to Egypt's national security and collective Arab national security, reiterating Egypt's solidarity against any attacks targeting Qatar and the region. Abdelatty stated that all Ira
