The Speaker of Qatar’s Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools for resolving regional crises and disputes. Speaking at the 20th session of the Conference of the Union of Councils of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from June 24 to 25, al-Ghanem emphasized that negotiations must uphold sovereignty, good neighbourliness, and international law to promote security and stability in the region.

Highlighting Qatar’s diplomatic role, al-Ghanem pointed to recent developments, including a memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran that addresses freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He also referenced ongoing negotiations between the two countries facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan, viewing these efforts as a pathway to de-escalation and enhanced regional cooperation.

Despite facing previous aggression, al-Ghanem stressed that Qatar remains steadfast in its pursuit of dialogue as a means of maintaining stability. He expressed hope for a new phase marked by the uninterrupted flow of navigation and global trade, alongside renewed efforts to strengthen security and support the development aspirations of peoples across the region.

Al-Ghanem described the conference as a vital platform to bolster cooperation among Islamic councils and parliaments. He underscored the values of unity, harmony, and the rejection of hatred and discord, commending the Union of Councils of the OIC for advancing joint parliamentary work and enhancing coordination among member states on the international stage. He urged participants to dismiss voices seeking to undermine the unity of Islamic countries or sow division among their populations.

Addressing the Palestinian issue, al-Ghanem confirmed that it remains the foremost cause for the Islamic nation until Palestinians achieve their legitimate rights, particularly the establishment of an independent state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks on Palestinian territories, as well as violations impacting Lebanon and Syria.

Concluding his remarks, al-Ghanem thanked Azerbaijan for hosting the conference and expressed optimism that its outcomes will strengthen collaboration among member councils and parliaments, reinforce unified positions, and advance the interests of the Islamic nation.