Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani told the Shura Council on March 3 that the region had faced "exceptional events," amid months of turmoil caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Speaking in the Qatari capital, Doha, Emir Tamim said those events had proven the strength and cohesion of state institutions.
"Our country and the region have faced exceptional events, which once again proved the cohesion of state institutions," the Emir said.
Qatar was drawn into the war that began on February 28 and has triggered a global energy crisis. The Gulf state has been repeatedly attacked directly by Iran, including a March strike by Tehran on Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility — the world's largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Emir Tamim said Qatar was able to absorb the fallout from regional instability thanks to policies put in place before the war, while stressing that Doha's priority is to resolve conflict through peaceful means and dialogue. The Emir nevertheless insisted that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is non-negotiable.
"The security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the preservation of their sovereignty is a matter on which there can be no concession," he said.
The war against Iran has disrupted global supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively blockaded since the conflict began.
Emir Tamim said efforts to protect maritime routes must be stepped up.
"Efforts must be doubled to ensure maritime navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and to protect energy facilities and civilian infrastructure."
