The Shura Council State of Qatar

H.E. Mr. Ahmed Bin Abdulla Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud, Speaker of the Shura Council met today with the delegation of the European Parliament delegation for Relations with the Arabian Peninsula under the chairmanship of Mrs. Michèle Alliot-Marie.

At the beginning of the meeting H. E. the Speaker of the Shura Council reiterated the deep appreciation for the European Parliament for its rejection of the unjust blockade imposed on the State of Qatar and the flagrant violation of international laws and humanitarian norms, and for the European Parliament’s denouncing the abuses and discriminatory actions of blockading countries against Qatari citizens and expressed his deep gratitude to the European Parliament for its stance.

His Excellency pointed out to what His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al -Thani, the Emir "may Allah protect him" said in his yesterday’s speech while opening the Doha Forum 2018, wherein H. H. stressed that solution of the Gulf crisis is attained by lifting the blockade and resolving the differences through dialogue based on mutual respect.

His Excellency the Shura Speaker explained to the delegation the economic, political, legislative cultural developments that Qatar is witnessing, as well as the parameters of Qatar’s foreign policy which is governed by the principles of mutual respect, common interests, non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, abiding by international law, covenants and instruments and observance of the rights and supporting of causes of oppressed people, combat of violence and terrorism and resolving differences through dialogue and diplomatic means.

His Excellency Mr.  Ahmed Bin Abdulla Bin Zaid A-l Mahmoud stated that the coming period will see more cooperation and closer relationship between the Shura Council and the European Parliament, based on the acclaimed and ever growing Qatar’s relations with the friendly European countries.

On her part Her Excellency Mrs. Michelle Alliot-Marie expressed in her name and the name of the entourage the pleasure to visit Qatar and to closely witness the comprehensive and rapid developments Qatar is witnessing in various fields, and the active and influential role Qatar regionally and internationally plays in the interest of peace and stability in this important region.

Her Excellency the chairwoman of the delegation of the European Parliament noted and expressed her satisfaction with the holding of the next session of the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in the State of Qatar, wherein the European Parliament enjoys the status of associate membership. It will be an important session as it will be held midst regional and international critical situations.

 The meeting discussed the strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the European Union and the role of the Shura Council and the European Parliament in supporting and promoting these relations. Similarly, number of regional and international issues of common concern were also reviewed.

The meeting, was attended by a number of members of the Shura Council and the Head of the European Union Delegation to the Arab Gulf Countries.