Prime minister receives Tipperary International Peace Prize, lauds Amir as rare example of leadership in today's world

Qatar Tribune

2 days ago

TIPPERARY, IRELAND: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has affirmed that His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is 'a rare model of leadership in today's world. He does not just rule, but feels, and devotes all his effort and soul to every duty, from meeting the needs of his citizens to supporting regional and international peace".
In a speech at a ceremony held on Tuesday in the Republic of Ireland to celebrate his award of the Tipperary International Peace Prize, the prime minister noted that His Highness the Amir sees the people of the region and the innocent around the world as his children, grieves over every life lost, and believes that peace is a legacy that must be preserved.
He added that words cannot express how proud he is of His Highness the Amir. 'I have had the honour of serving my country under his leadership for more than ten years, and I will continue to do so as long as I am able to. His wisdom, passion, and determination are a personal inspiration to me and drive me to continue,' the prime minister said.
"It is with humility and gratitude that I accept the Tipperary International Peace Prize, not as a personal honour, but on behalf of the State of Qatar, its people, its principles, and its leadership. This award represents recognition of what Qatar has become today: a steadfast voice for peace, a champion of dialogue, and a nation that is relentless in the face of challenges."
He continued, "Our meeting today here, in Ireland, a country that achieved peace through reconciliation and moral courage, has profound significance. Your journey confirms what we have always believed in Qatar: peace is not given, but built." In this context, he recalled the words of the late John Hume: 'The foundation of peace and stability in any society must be full respect for the human rights of all its members'.
"Today, I am not speaking to you about my story, but rather the story of the proud people of Qatar. I am often asked about Qatar's motives, from Gaza to Afghanistan, from Lebanon to Ukraine. Some claim that what Qatar does is dictated by self-interest. This is far from the truth. What we are doing is not just a business transaction, but a transformational act. It is not a tactical maneuver, but a reflection of our national identity, shaped by our culture, driven by our faith, enshrined in our constitution, and inspired by our leadership."
The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs continued, 'This award comes at a momentous moment. Just one week ago, our country was subjected to a direct missile attack, a clear response to the recklessness that threatens peace and stability in our region. While our air defenses were doing their job, our diplomats were working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire at dawn. That was not a moment of revenge, but rather one of wisdom and restraint. And I must be clear: Qatar chose restraint from a position of strength, not weakness—because we placed the stability of our region and the well-being of its people above fiery rhetoric and displays of force.
'We have repeatedly warned of the dangers of regional conflict spillover, and that Israel's reckless behaviour could escalate the conflict to unbearable levels. The price of ignoring these warnings is being paid not only in Gaza, but throughout the region. Nowhere is this tragedy more evident than in Gaza. The images coming from there are unbearable, and the losses are indescribable. Yet, despite this devastation, His Highness the Amir has remained steadfast in his commitment to the people of Gaza—through continued aid, striving for peace, and advocating for their dignity in international forums. Their suffering weighs on our conscience, but it also strengthens our resolve.'
"Even when provoked, even when attacked, we remain committed to peace—not a slogan we repeat, but a duty we perform. Our armed forces bravely protect our sovereignty, our diplomats silently build bridges, and through it all, our people stand united. As our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: '
Shall I not tell you of something better than the degree of prayer, fasting, and charity? Reconciling people's differences'."
The prime minister addressed a message to the next generation, saying, "Do not think that peace is naive. It is more difficult than war, but it is worth every effort. It is stronger than cynicism and louder than violence."
He concluded his speech by saying, "On behalf of the people of Qatar, I extend my thanks to the Tipperary Peace Conference for this recognition. On their behalf, I accept it with humility and a renewed commitment: that Qatar will remain a voice of calm, a partner in peace, and a friend to all who believe that dialogue must triumph over destruction. Let us remain true to this cause."