The Shura Council State of Qatar

The Shura Council and the European Parliament held the sixth Qatari-European Parliamentary Meeting today, chaired by His Excellency Mr. Yousef bin Ali Al-Khater, Member of the Shura Council and Chairman of the Council's Committee on Internal and External Affairs, representing the Qatari parliamentary side, and His Excellency Mr. Reinhold Lopatka, Head of the European Parliamentary Delegation for Relations with the Arabian Peninsula, representing the European parliamentary side.

The Council's delegation to the meeting, hosted by the European Parliament at its headquarters in Strasbourg, France, included His Excellency Engineer Ahmed bin Hatmi Al-Hatmi, Her Excellency Dr. Muna bint Abdulrahman Al-Maslamani, and His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Turki Al-Subaie, members of the Shura Council. Ms. Sarah bint Ahmed Al-Muhannadi, Chargé d'Affaires of the State of Qatar's Mission to the European Union and NATO, also attended.  At the outset of the meeting, His Excellency Mr. Yousef bin Ali Al-Khater delivered a speech in which he praised the shared interests between the two sides and their fruitful efforts in continuing to hold meetings and gatherings, which strengthens these interests. He pointed out that this meeting comes as an extension of the five previous meetings that established the framework for constructive parliamentary dialogue between the Qatari and European parliaments, and contributed to enhancing understanding and cooperation in various fields. He expressed his hope that the sixth meeting would be a new milestone in the journey of Qatari-European parliamentary cooperation, serving the interests of their peoples and promoting global peace and stability. His Excellency affirmed Qatar's keenness to be an active partner with the European Parliament in regional and international issues, noting that its regional and international efforts and endeavors reflect  Its vision is based on partnership and cooperation with the international community in general. In his speech, His Excellency addressed the remarkable growth and development witnessed in economic relations between Qatar and the European Union, noting that the EU has become Qatar's second-largest trading partner by 2025. He pointed out that both parties launched negotiations at the end of last year on a strategic partnership agreement to enhance trade and investment cooperation. His Excellency also touched upon Qatar's commitment to the principles of international peace and security, and to the values of justice, equality, and respect for human rights, emphasizing that these are deeply rooted principles and values in Qatari culture and a constitutional commitment.  In this regard, he reviewed Qatar's pivotal role in mediation and conflict resolution around the world which enhances international peace and security. He also touched upon the State of Qatar's humanitarian and relief contributions, noting that it has become one of the top five donor countries of humanitarian aid globally by 2025.

In his speech, His Excellency Yousef Al-Khater emphasized that the State of Qatar considers social justice and the empowerment of women and girls to be one of the fundamental pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, a key objective within the Sustainable Development Goals, and affirmed by the State's permanent constitution as a fundamental right of citizenship. He added: "Moreover, the State has prioritized, within its development programs, initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic and social empowerment of women, and has also undertaken the task of strengthening and protecting the family, which provides the appropriate conditions for women's participation in public life."  During the sixth Qatari-European Parliamentary Meeting, parliamentary relations and joint cooperation were reviewed, legislative expertise was exchanged, and communication channels between the two sides were developed.

The meeting also addressed the existing strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the European Union, as well as prospects for cooperation and potential partnerships in various fields to serve common interests.

The Shura Council delegation discussed the issue of exempting Qatari citizens from the Schengen visa and facilitating their entry into European Union countries, reflecting the depth of the friendship and strategic partnership between the two sides.

The participants emphasized the importance of advancing parliamentary dialogue to address current challenges, including climate change, energy security, combating terrorism, and promoting human values.

They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, including the genocidal war waged by the Israeli forces on the Gaza Strip, which lasted for more than two years, and the resulting devastation and widespread destruction.  Within this framework, the Shura Council delegation emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians and infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, halting ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and relief, and reaching a two-state solution as the only way to achieve peace, in accordance with relevant international resolutions. The delegation also proposed the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee to monitor the humanitarian situation in Gaza.  As part of the Shura Council delegation's visit to the European Parliament, the delegation held a meeting with His Excellency Mr. Reinhold Lopatka, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with the Arabian Peninsula. During the meeting, they reviewed existing cooperation between the Shura Council and the European Parliament and discussed ways to develop it to serve common interests. They also discussed a number of parliamentary issues of mutual concern. The delegation also met with Her Excellency Ms. Lynn Boylan, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine. They discussed the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalating settler violence in the West Bank. The Shura Council delegation commended the efforts of the Delegation for Relations with Palestine in mobilizing political and humanitarian support for the State of Palestine and its ongoing efforts to monitor the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The meeting also addressed the role played by the State of Qatar in Gaza as a mediator and a major donor of humanitarian and relief aid.