H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor al Thani at 16th YES Annual Meeting

Former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, told about the importance of establishing strong rule-of-law institutions so that citizens of a country could feel protected by the state and have confidence in the government, key ingredients for happiness. Speaking about US-Iran relations, he stated that sanctions have worsened the crisis, bringing financial suffering to Iranian citizens while allowing them to stay united under pressure. A dialogue is needed to resolve the conflict, according to the former Qatari premier, who used the example of his own nation relationship with Iran, where there have been disagreements over policy but a consistent and ongoing level of economic and political cooperation. Comparing this to conflict between Russia and Ukraine, he said that negotiations should be based on dialogue, as the two countries will always remain close neighbours and must therefore find a peaceful route out of the difficulties.