PM, Irish president discuss ways to strengthen ties
Dublin
President of the Republic of Ireland HE Michael Daniel Higgins on Wednesday met with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to President of the Republic of Ireland, along with His Highness' wishes of good health and happiness for His Excellency, and continued progress and prosperity for the people of Ireland.
The Irish president expressed to the PM greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and further development and growth for the Qatari people. Bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them were discussed during the meeting, in addition to the latest regional developments, as well as a number of topics of mutual interest.
The Irish president expressed his country's appreciation for the State of Qatar's role in mediation and conflict resolution, and its ongoing efforts in supporting regional and international stability through peaceful and diplomatic means.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
20 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar and Syria foster steadfast partnership amid regional turmoil
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha Qatar continues to solidify its influential humanitarian and political role in support of Syria as regional challenges intensify. In the wake of renewed Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, Doha has once again reiterated its firm stance in rejecting these aggressions, affirming its unwavering support for Syria's unity and sovereignty while continuing to provide humanitarian and developmental assistance, hallmarks of the fraternal ties between the two nations. High-level diplomacy reflects deep solidarity A recent phone call between the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President Ahmed Al Shara of Syria served as a strong symbol of Qatar's solidarity with the Syrian people. During the call, HH the Amir reaffirmed Qatar's full support for efforts that bolster Syria's territorial integrity, preserve its national unity, and protect it from any attempts to destabilise the country. HH the Amir also strongly condemned the latest Israeli assaults, describing them as a flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty, a breach of international law and the UN Charter, and a dangerous threat to regional stability. For his part, President Al Shara expressed deep appreciation for Qatar's longstanding positions, praising the principled role Doha has played in supporting the Syrian people across political, humanitarian, and developmental domains. Humanitarian commitment on the ground Qatar's support for Syria is not confined to diplomatic statements, it is equally tangible in the field. Over the years, Qatar has established an ongoing humanitarian airbridge to Syria, delivering vital medical supplies, food aid, and shelter materials to areas in need. Most recently, under the directives of HH the Amir, a delegation from Qatar's International Search and Rescue Group, part of the Internal Security Force 'Lekhwiya', arrived at Aleppo International Airport to assist in firefighting efforts in Syria's coastal Latakia countryside and deliver urgent humanitarian aid to affected communities. Commenting on Qatar's multifaceted role, Dr. Khaled Hammad, a strategic analyst specialising in Middle Eastern affairs, stated: 'Qatar's actions reflect a comprehensive vision for Syrian stability, one that balances political principle with humanitarian responsibility. It's not just reacting to crises; it's proactively investing in Syria's future as a partner in rebuilding and recovery.' Dr. Hammad emphasised that the deployment of Qatari rescue teams to Syria demonstrates the sincerity and moral grounding of Qatar's foreign policy, one that prioritizes support for the people over alliances with regimes. Diplomatic advocacy in international forums In a further testament to its diplomatic commitment, Qatar temporarily represented Syria's interests at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a move that received official gratitude from Damascus during Syria's participation in the OPCW Executive Council in The Hague. The Syrian delegation expressed its deep appreciation for Qatar's support, recognising it as a reflection of strong bilateral ties and Qatar's desire to see Syria reintegrated into its regional and international surroundings. Ahmed Taleb, a seasoned journalist specialising in Middle Eastern affairs, said: 'Qatar's role goes beyond symbolic support, it's an effort to facilitate Syria's reintegration into the international community, but under a framework that supports the Syrian people's aspirations for justice, freedom, and institutional rebuilding.' Taleb added that Qatar's stewardship of Syria's interests at a sensitive international body like the OPCW signals a sophisticated diplomatic approach, one that offers Syria a protective diplomatic umbrella while encouraging gradual resolution of complex global disputes. A firm stand against Israeli aggression In response to recent Israeli airstrikes, Qatar issued a forceful condemnation through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, calling the attacks a 'blatant assault on Syria's sovereignty, a serious breach of international law and the UN Charter, and a reckless destabilisation of the region.' The statement urged the international community to take decisive action to deter Israel's ongoing aggression and hold it accountable for actions that threaten both regional and international peace. Dr. Sanaa Abu Bakr, a political affairs researcher, commented on the significance of Qatar's reaction, saying: 'Qatar's recent statements mark a sharp escalation in tone against Israeli actions. The combination of firm political denunciation and on-the-ground humanitarian efforts puts Qatar in a unique position as both a principled actor and an engaged regional player.' She further noted that Qatar's stance reflects a realistic reading of regional dynamics, 'but one that does not compromise on core values—support for peoples' rights and opposition to occupation and foreign aggression.' A strategic vision for Syria's future On a broader scale, Qatar continues to reaffirm its comprehensive support for Syria, engaging in regional and international initiatives aimed at securing freedom, development, and dignity for the Syrian people. Doha's position remains unwavering in advocating for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and independence, as well as the establishment of a rule-of-law-based state. Dr. Khaled Hammad added, 'Qatar offers a third path amid polarised regional approaches to Syria. It does not endorse military interventions, nor does it remain silent in the face of violations. Instead, it champions peaceful solutions rooted in development, mutual respect, and institutional legitimacy.' A long-term commitment to shared stability Through its integrated approach, diplomatic, humanitarian, and strategic, Qatar reaffirms that it stands not merely with governments, but with people. Its commitment to Syria is not seasonal or opportunistic; it is a reflection of a long-term vision that understands Syria's stability as essential to the region's future. As the Middle East navigates through an era of uncertainty and transition, Qatar's balanced and principled engagement with Syria may well serve as a model for responsible diplomacy in a fractured world.
Qatar Tribune
20 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's 2036 Olympic bid underscores its leading position in global sports: PM
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has affirmed that the official bid submitted by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games represents a new milestone in Qatar's journey of national achievements and embodies the advanced status the country has achieved in the global sports arena. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted that, should Qatar be granted the honour of hosting this global event, it would become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the Olympic Games -- a testament to its readiness, advanced organizational capabilities, and wealth of operational and technical expertise. He added that the bid builds on Qatar's proven track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which received global acclaim as the best edition in the tournament's history. Qatar, the PM noted, has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver fully integrated event models and create safe, welcoming environments for fans from around the world. These achievements have been bolstered by the country's renowned hospitality and strong community engagement -- both of which reflect the core values of Qatari and Arab culture and greatly enriched the experience of past tournaments. He stressed that Qatar's bid goes beyond operational planning, embodying a comprehensive vision that positions sport as a universal language, a catalyst for sustainable development, and a bridge between cultures. This vision aligns with Qatar's enduring commitment to the principle of 'Sport for Peace,' a foundational element of its national development agenda. In this context, the Prime Minister highlighted Qatar's advanced security capabilities supported by cutting-edge technology, as well as the country's pioneering role in securing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 -- experience now being shared to support the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that with its world-class sports facilities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and distinguished event management experience, Qatar is presenting a strong, integrated bid rooted in readiness, trust, and a history of successful execution. The bid reaffirms the nation's commitment to delivering an inspiring 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games that provide a global platform for celebrating diversity and cultural exchange. The bid is also a reflection of the ambitions outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a modern society that balances economic, social, and environmental development, with human development at its core. By using sport as a tool for progress and global understanding, the bid aligns with the Third National Development Strategy's goals of reinforcing national identity, encouraging civic engagement, and strengthening Qatar's global presence through sustainable, integrated pathways.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
EAA Foundation and UNDP address green skills and youth employment at HLPF 2025
Tribune News Network Doha The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global foundation for education and development, together with the Permanent mission of Qatar to the UN, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a side event titled 'Bridging the Gap: Green Skills to Finance for Youth Employment' at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF 2025) at the UN Headquarters in New York. The side-event forum highlighted how investing in education, green skills, and financial inclusion can empower young people, particularly in fragile and climate-vulnerable contexts, to lead climate action and drive inclusive economic transformation. The opening remarks at the session were delivered by Mohammed Al Nasser, deputy permanent representative of Qatar to the UN, followed by a keynote speech from Talal Al Hathal, director of EAA Foundation's Al Fakhoora Programme. The panel discussion featured Cassie Flynn, global director of Climate Change at UNDP; Lauren Phillips, deputy director of Rural Transformation and Gender Equality at FAO; Devon McLorg, director of Partnerships at BRAC USA; Rwodah Al Naimi, director of Investment at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD); and Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh, a Jordanian UNDP youth representative. At the end of the panel discussion, closing remarks were delivered by Khalid Al Kuwari, a Qatari EAA youth advocate. This EAA-UNDP session came as the HLPF 2025 convened under the theme 'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs for leaving no one behind,' with a particular focus on SDG 8: promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. With climate change continuing to disrupt lives, learning, and livelihoods, the urgency to integrate education and employment as core climate response strategies has never been clearer. Through its programmes, Reach Out To All (ROTA) and Silatech, the Education Above All Foundation is addressing these intersecting challenges. The ROTA Programme empowers youth from marginalised and climate affected groups with the green skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed to take action to address the impacts of climate change in their communities, while the Silatech Programme connects youth to economic opportunities, innovative enterprises, and career pathways, including those that support low-carbon economies. 'Young people hold the power to transform the trajectory of our climate future. By equipping them with quality education, green skills, and access to employment opportunities, we are not only safeguarding their livelihoods but also unlocking their potential to drive resilient, green economies. This event is calling for commitments to take action and ensure no young person is left behind in building a sustainable world,' said Talal Al Hathal, director of EAA Foundation's Al Fakhoora Programme. Through this HLPF 2025 side event, the EAA Foundation, Qatar and UNDP aim to drive forward a global dialogue on how integrated approaches to education, green skills and youth employment can unlock climate solutions and enable inclusive economic growth, in order to catalyse the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
