Meeting with Qatar PM to shed more light on deteriorating situation
DOHA: The meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani today is expected to provide the best platform for Malaysia to understand the deteriorating situation in Gaza.
Their last meeting was during Anwar’s official visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last month, where discussions also revolved around the conflict.
Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar, Zamshari Shaharan, said Malaysia views Qatar’s role as highly significant in the conflict, considering that the West Asian nation is a “key person” in the negotiations between Palestine and Israel.
“They (Qatar) are trying to play a role as a mediator, perhaps perceived (by some parties) as meddling ... when there’s a crisis, there’s Qatar. But they believe in dialogue. They try to facilitate dialogue and talk and seek a path towards a lasting solution, which is a permanent ceasefire.
“Their policy is based on dialogue and preventive diplomacy,” Zamshari said, emphasising Malaysia’s desire to see a resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, particularly through such negotiations.
He also said this meeting could be seen as an opportunity for Malaysia to join Qatar in channelling aid, especially with the latter being seen as a beacon of hope in the negotiations.
“Qatar itself has provided an air bridge, establishing a direct aid channel from Doha to Al-Arish Port (in Egypt) to coordinate assistance.
“In my discussions with senior officials here, they are willing to assist Malaysia in jointly delivering humanitarian aid through the channel they have established and maintained for several months since the crisis began,” he told reporters at the Malaysian Embassy here, Bernama reported.
Anwar will embark on a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al Thani, and participate in the Qatar Economy Forum 2024.
The Prime Minister, during his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman in Riyadh last month, expressed Malaysia’s readiness to cooperate with Qatar and other countries in West Asia to offer treatment to Palestinians injured in the Zionist regime’s attacks.
As of last month, Malaysia had sent 100 tonnes of aid to the conflict-affected areas, with an additional 20 tonnes sent via sea routes and 1,500 tonnes distributed through non-governmental organisations.
Anwar’s visit is also expected to deepen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Qatar, as the two nations commemorate their 50th anniversary, while also exploring new investment opportunities.
Zamshari said Anwar’s presence at the economic forum carries significance, especially as Malaysia is featured in a 30-minute “In Conversation with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim” session, providing an opportunity for interaction with forum participants, including Qatari industry representatives and government delegations.
Furthermore, Anwar’s participation in a roundtable meeting with 30 representatives of Qatari companies will afford him the opportunity to explain Malaysia’s economic landscape and the incentives available for potential investors.
Last year, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Qatar amounted to RM4.3bil, a figure expected to rise further following this visit.
