Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We support the Mecca Alliance

Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs Media and Communications Director Ibrahim bin Sultan al-Hashimi made statements regarding regional developments, US-Iran talks and the Mecca Alliance at the weekly press conference held in the capital Doha.

Stating that they support regional security initiatives aimed at protecting the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional countries, Hashemi said, "We support the Mecca Alliance and all efforts that strengthen regional stability. It is too early to talk about Qatar joining the alliance." he said.

Hashimi noted that one of Qatar's priorities for reducing tensions in the region is to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Message exchange continues between the USA and Iran

Stating that the negotiations regarding Iran are continuing and the concerns of the parties are taken into consideration, Hashemi stated that the negotiations and message exchange between the parties continue through Qatar and the mediators.

Hashemi noted that contacts and visits are continuing in order to achieve progress that can be built upon in the talks between Washington and Tehran.

Stating that meetings and communication with Iranian delegations continue, Hashemi stated that their aim is to keep communication channels open and to lay the groundwork for security and stability in the region.

Hashemi emphasized that maximum efforts should be made to end the conflict immediately with a negotiated solution, taking into account the extent of the conflict and the cost it causes worldwide.

Stating that they condemned in the strongest terms the Houthis' targeting of a power plant serving the Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, Hashimi said:

"We describe the Houthis' attitude targeting Saudi Arabia, the holy places of Islam and civilian structures as irresponsible. We support all measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its security and territorial integrity."

Regarding the Iranian pilots, Hashemi said that the latest developments in the file were conveyed to the Iranian side and that they were open to a visit from Iran to examine the steps taken and the latest situation on site.