Doha: HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi emphasized that defense diplomacy is an essential complement to the political diplomacy undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and contributes effectively to enhancing maritime security and consolidating a culture of cooperation between countries, especially in light of the increasing complexity of regional and international conflicts.
According to Qatar News Agency, during a panel discussion at the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, held as part of the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), His Excellency said that his participation reflects the close coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense in the country, particularly in the field of diplomacy. He pointed out that maritime security is a comprehensive concept that is not limited to the military role, but extends to include diplomacy, energy security, food and medicine security, and humanitarian corridors, which require integrated institutional coordination between the various competent authorities in the country.
His Excellency indicated that the State of Qatar has a distinguished record in coordinating between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, especially at the regional level, reviewing in this context the Qatari mediation efforts that resulted in the signing of the peace agreement between Eritrea and Djibouti in Doha in 2010, which was characterized by the integration of the diplomatic and military roles through the participation of a military team in monitoring the implementation of the agreement.
He also pointed to the role played by the State of Qatar in facilitating an agreement between Somalia and Kenya regarding a maritime dispute in the western part of the Indian Ocean, noting that this agreement contributed to enhancing the security and stability of the region, especially in light of the challenges associated with maritime piracy, and Qatar's stance as a neutral mediator who enjoys the confidence of the concerned parties.
HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that contemporary conflicts are witnessing an increase in their number and complexity in their nature, and have become characterized by cross-border extensions, which necessitates strengthening regional cooperation mechanisms, especially among coastal countries. In this context, he praised the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as an effective model for regional coordination and support for preventive diplomacy.
His Excellency stressed the importance of aligning regional efforts with the work of international organizations, particularly the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and relevant United Nations agencies, as key platforms for exchanging experiences and information and facilitating the implementation of international obligations.
Concluding his remarks, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi said that one of the key challenges facing the international community today is transforming legal obligations and international agreements into practical and effective implementation mechanisms. This necessitates considering innovative ideas and solutions for maritime security issues, including strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, and leveraging the expertise of the private sector to support the implementation of policies related to maritime security and to address the growing challenges at the regional and international levels.