PM EXPECTED TO DISCUSS GAZA CONFLICT IN QATAR
Anwar’s visit comes as Doha is mediating truce talks between Hamas and Israel
DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Qatar comes at a critical juncture in the Palestine-Israel conflict. Qatar’s role as mediator in the latest truce talks between Hamas and Israel will help Malaysia better appraise developments as fighting rages in Gaza. The prime minister and his counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Jassim Al-Thani, who is also Qatar’s foreign minister, are expected to discuss the conflict.
The two last met when Anwar visited Riyadh for the Special World Economic Forum earlier this month.
Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar, Zamshari Shaharan, said the Gulf country played a vital role in seeking a resolution to the Gaza conflict.
“Qatar is playing the role of a mediator and they believe in dialogue. Thus, Qatar is trying to facilitate dialogue, discussion and finding a so- lution towards a per- manent ceasefire.
“Through the diplomatic policy of prevention (played by Qatar), Malaysia is hoping to see a resolution,” Zamshari said.
The prime minister’s visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Qatar, and his tight schedule reflects the significance of the event.
Anwar’s visit is at invitation of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, whom Anwar will also have an audience with. Anwar will also attend the Fourth Qatar Economic Forum.
In Riyadh earlier this month, Anwar pledged to support Qatar’s mediation efforts in resolving the Palestinian conflict.
He had said Malaysia had so far flown 100 tonnes of essential goods to help the people of Gaza, shipped another 20 tonnes by sea and distributed 1,500 tonnes through non-governmental organisations from Malaysia.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has so far claimed more than 34,000 lives since Oct 7, and there is little sign of it ending soon.
A Foreign Ministry statement recently said Malaysia would continue to champion the establishment an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.
Wisma Putra also said Malaysia welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution calling on the UN Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s membership application after it was thwarted by a veto last month.
The latest resolution was approved during the 10th Special Emergency Session of the UNGA last Friday, with 143 countries supporting, nine opposed and 25 abstaining.