Latest news with #TamimbinHamadalThani
Observer
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Gaza aid on brink of collapse, warn NGOs
The humanitarian aid system in Gaza is 'facing total collapse' because of Israel's blockade on aid supplies since March 2, the heads of 12 major aid organisations warned on Thursday, urging Israel to let them "do our jobs". Israel has vowed to maintain its blockage on humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged territory, saying it is the only way to force Hamas to release the 58 hostages still held there. "Every single person in Gaza is relying on humanitarian aid to survive," the chief executives of 12 NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, wrote in a joint statement. "That lifeline has been completely cut off since a blockade on all aid supplies was imposed by Israeli authorities on March 2," they said. A survey of 43 international and Palestinian aid organisations working in Gaza found that almost all have suspended or drastically cut services since a ceasefire ended on March 18, "with widespread and indiscriminate bombing making it extremely dangerous to move around", the NGOs said. "Famine is not just a risk, but likely rapidly unfolding in almost all parts of Gaza," they said. "Survival itself is now slipping out of reach and the humanitarian system is at breaking point." A Palestinian inspects the damage at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people, following an Israeli strike, at Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. - Reuters "We call on all parties to guarantee the safety of our staff and to allow the safe, unfettered access of aid into and across Gaza through all entry points, and for world leaders to oppose further restrictions." Israel's renewed assault has killed at least 1,691 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, bringing the overall toll since the war erupted to 51,065, most of them civilians. Meanwhile, Qatari Emir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani said on Thursday that Israel had failed to respect January's ceasefire agreement in Gaza, as he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. "As you know, we reached an agreement months ago, but unfortunately Israel did not abide by this agreement," said the ruler of Qatar, a key mediator of the deal. A truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar with Egypt and the United States, came into force on January 19, largely halting more than 15 months of fighting triggered by Palestinians October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The initial phase of the truce ended in early March, with the two sides unable to agree on the next steps. Israel resumed air and ground attacks across the Gaza Strip on March 18 after earlier halting the entry of aid. Israel said that it had converted 30 per cent of Gaza into a buffer zone in the widening offensive. Shaikh Tamim said Qatar would "strive to bridge perspectives in order to reach an agreement that ends the suffering of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza". Putin recognised Qatar's "serious efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict" and called deaths in the conflict "a tragedy". "A long-term settlement can only be achieved on the basis of the UN resolution and first of all connected to the establishment of two states," he added. - AFP
Observer
29-01-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman, Qatar sign 2 MoUs, 3 executive programmes
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar today signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in the field of diplomatic training and social development, in addition to three executive programmes in the fields of culture and education, sports and youth. The signing ceremony took place in Muscat within the framework of the state visit of Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to the Sultanate of Oman. The first MoU is for cooperation in the field of diplomatic training between the Foreign Ministry (The Diplomatic Academy) and the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs (The Diplomatic Institute). Meanwhile, the second MoU is for cooperation in the fields of social development between the Ministry of Social Development and Qatar's Ministry of Social Development and Family. The two sides also signed an executive programme for cooperation in the cultural and educational fields between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in the State of Qatar. The two sides also signed two executive programmes for cooperation in the fields of sports and youth between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Qatari Ministry of Sports and Youth. The MoUs and the executive programmes were signed on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman by Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance. On behalf of the Government of the State of Qatar, the pacts were signed by Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Minister of Sports and Education, and Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.— ONA
Observer
29-01-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman, Qatar sign several agreements
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar signed in Muscat on Wednesday two memoranda of understanding for cooperation in the fields of diplomatic training and social development, and three executive programs in the fields of cultural, educational, sport, and youth cooperation, within the framework of a 'state' visit by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. The first MoU was for cooperation in the field of diplomatic studies and training between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomatic Academy) and the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomatic Institute), and the second in the field of social development between the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Social Development and Family in the State of Qatar. The two sides signed an executive program for cooperation in the cultural and educational fields between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in the State of Qatar. The two sides also signed two executive programs for cooperation in the youth and sports fields between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Sports and Youth in the State of Qatar. The memoranda of understanding and executive programs were signed on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman by Sultan bin Salem al Habsi, Minister of Finance, while they were signed on behalf of the Government of the State of Qatar by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Minister of Sports and Education, and Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Observer
27-01-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman-Qatar: A partnership going from strength to strength
The state visit of Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, to Oman today, marks a significant milestone in the historical relationship between the two nations. This visit is not merely ceremonial but rather symbolises a deep commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors including trade, investment and cultural exchanges. Emir Shaikh Tamim's visit to Oman and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik signifies a new chapter in Oman-Qatar relations marked by a robust commitment to mutual growth across multiple domains. They include but not limited to political engagement, economic cooperation through trade and investment expansion, as well as cultural understanding. The relations between the Emir of Qatar and His Majesty the Sultan are characterised by strong bilateral ties, mutual respect and a shared vision for regional stability and cooperation. These relations are deeply rooted in historical connections, cultural affinities and shared interests in fostering peace and development within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) framework. Oman and Qatar have maintained a long-standing partnership characterised by mutual respect and cooperation. The Oman-Qatar Joint Committee has been pivotal since its establishment in 1995, facilitating collaboration particularly in energy, manufacturing and tourism sectors. Recent statistics indicate that trade between the two countries has seen remarkable growth. By the end of 2023, bilateral trade reached RO 1.113 billion, with Omani exports to Qatar valued at RO 284.7 million and imports from Qatar at RO 828.6 million. In 2024, as of November, trade volume continued to thrive with approximately RO 950.8 million recorded — RO 205.9 million in exports and RO 754.9 million in imports from Qatar. This upward trend reflects both nations' commitment to fostering economic ties that benefit their respective populations. Qatari investments in Oman have also experienced substantial growth. These investments span various sectors including food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, education, banking, technology, construction, tourism, logistics, mining, real estate and insurance. Beyond economic ties, cultural exchange plays a vital role in strengthening Oman-Qatar relations. The visit of the Qatari Emir is expected to enhance cooperation across political and cultural spheres as well. Officials from both countries have emphasised that this visit will provide an opportunity for dialogue on global challenges while reinforcing their shared vision for stability and prosperity within the region. Looking ahead, both nations are keen on exploring new avenues for collaboration particularly in renewable energy projects such as clean energy initiatives and green hydrogen production. Bilateral agreements are anticipated during this visit which will further open doors for private sector collaboration and investment opportunities.
Observer
26-01-2025
- Business
- Observer
Emir of Qatar begins state visit on Tuesday
Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, will pay a state visit to the Sultanate of Oman with effect from Tuesday (January 28). The Diwan of Royal Court issued a statement to this effect reading as follows: 'Based on the Royal keenness of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to expand areas of cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar in a manner that brings about more prosperity and development for the two countries and further benefit their two peoples, Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, will pay a state visit to the Sultanate of Oman with effect from Tuesday (January 28). 'During this visit, the two countries will discuss matters of common interest, with the prime aim of realising their aspirations for a brighter and more prosperous future. The two countries will also engage in consultations about various issues of relevance to developments on the regional and international arenas. 'May Allah the Almighty grant the wise leaderships of the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar success in their endeavours to achieve the good of the two countries, the Arab and Muslim nations.' BILATERAL RELATIONS The Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar continue promoting their distinguished relations in various areas in a manner that serves their interests, under the wise leaderships of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. A new track for bilateral relations between the two countries will be launched on Tuesday when the Emir of Qatar begins his state visit to Oman. This path reflects the commitment of the two countries to push these distinguished relations to wider horizons in all fields, constituting a new turning point in the course of relations and pushing bilateral economic and trade relations between the two sides towards more fruitful cooperation. Data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) indicate that the volume of trade exchange between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar reached RO 1,113.3 million by the end of 2023, of which RO 284.7 million were the value of Omani exports to the State of Qatar and RO 828.6 million the value of Omani imports from Qatar. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached about RO 950.8 million by the end of November 2024, of which RO 205.9 million were the value of Omani exports to Qatar, representing 0.9 per cent of the total value of Omani exports, and RO 754.9 million were the total value of Omani imports from Qatar, representing 5 per cent of the total imports.
