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QNA
Doha
The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Thursday reiterated Qatar's readiness to resolve the ongoing Gulf crisis through dialogue, but insisted that any solution should not come at the expense of"our sovereignty and dignity."
"We need to solve the problem but the dignity and sovereignty of Qatar come before any considerations," the Emir said at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Doha on Thursday.
The Emir said Qatar's position has been clear from the beginning that the problem ” if it exists at all ” should be resolved among the neighbours through dialogue.
"Qatari people have the right to know the reasons behind the blockade and the violence committed by the neighbours," the Emir added.
Regarding terrorism, the Emir said Qatar has been committed to fighting it.
"Reports circulating in some newspapers about Qatar's association with terrorism are false and incorrect," the Emir said, adding that Qatar has taken strong measures to combat the financing of terrorism.
"Qatar and friendly countries across the world are united in the fight against terrorism because the Arab and Muslim countries are the first victim of this phenomenon," the Emir said.
For his part, the French president said he backs the mediation efforts led by Kuwait to end the blockade imposed on Qatar.
"With regard to situation in the Gulf, I want to see a promise of reconciliation between its members, as I have said since the beginning of the crisis," Macron said.
The French president affirmed that Gulf security and stability constitute a priority for France, hoping that a quick solution to this issue will be reached.
He said the relationship between France and Qatar is characterised by economic, cultural, sport and strategic relations, which is evident at Al Udeid Base that has allowed the presence of a number of French troops for about 15 years to participate in the fight against terrorism.
On fighting terrorism, Macron said, France and Qatar have decided to sign a letter of intent and a roadmap to strengthen the fight against terrorism and extremism, pointing out that France will organise an international conference to be held in Paris in 2018.
He added that he relies on Qatar's participation in this regard.
The Emir and Macron also attended the first session of the high-level bilateral dialogue on counter-terrorism between Qatar and France and strengthening cooperation between the two countries to fight terrorism and extremism.
