Geneva:HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi participated in the opening session of the Geneva Peace Forum on Monday.

According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Al Khulaifi highlighted the crucial importance of established rules and standards in mediation for peace. Drawing from Qatar's experience, he emphasized that mediation relies on trust, impartiality, confidentiality, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to peaceful settlements.

He elaborated that these principles are practical conditions enabling parties to engage in risk-taking and compromise during negotiations, even when reaching an agreement seems difficult. Dr. Al Khulaifi stressed the necessity of protecting mediation principles and the space for mediation itself, as well as supporting multilateral peacebuilding efforts.

Dr. Al Khulaifi noted that contemporary conflicts are rarely settled conclusively, with the path to agreement becoming increasingly narrow. He underscored the need for mediation to keep negotiation avenues open and highlighted the importance of providing a safe space for dialogue, ensuring parties can negotiate without fear of new risks.

He also stated that the pressures faced by Qatar have reinforced its commitment to mediation. The Minister emphasized Qatar's responsibility to uphold fragile mediation standards and called on the United Nations to defend mediation efforts, in alignment with its Charter.

Dr. Al Khulaifi concluded by urging the international community to establish stronger rules and legal protections for mediators, emphasizing that safeguarding mediators is essential for maintaining efforts to end wars.