Abu dhabi: Qatar has expressed concerns that Gulf stability is no longer guaranteed due to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, emphasizing that recent regional instability might become a persistent issue.
According to Anadolu Agency, Majed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, addressed the third Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the shift in perceptions regarding the Gulf region's status as a stable area. Al Ansari underscored the need for Gulf countries to actively work towards maintaining stability rather than accepting the current volatile situation.
Al Ansari pointed out that mediation efforts between the US and Iran, along with any agreements reached, would not yield a lasting resolution unless there was increased economic interdependence among the nations involved. He stressed that the Gulf economies are still largely isolated, even among allies, and called for stronger economic ties within the region and beyond.
Discussing the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari noted that the recent disruptions have broken a long-standing "taboo" of using major international waterways as leverage, a situation that could potentially occur in other important straits worldwide. He warned that normalizing such disruptions could pose significant threats to international security and the global economy.
Al Ansari also highlighted the resilience demonstrated by Gulf states during the crisis, stating that over 90% of attacks against the region had been deterred, and supply chains remained largely intact. He mentioned that no Gulf nation had resorted to using its reserves, and governments had ensured continuous energy and commodity supplies to global markets.
Additionally, Al Ansari urged Gulf states to enhance their international communications and present a unified stance on the issues facing the region. The forum, themed "Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences and Course Correction," is jointly organized by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.