Qatar, Egypt urge regional de-escalation, warn of threats to energy security

ISTANBUL

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Doha on Saturday to discuss ways to contain escalating tensions in the region and prevent further deterioration.

The meeting reviewed the military escalation and its dangerous repercussions for regional and international security and stability, according to a statement by the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

The two sides also discussed efforts to resolve the crisis through peaceful means and renewed dialogue.

Al Thani stressed the need to stop what he described as unjustified Iranian aggression against Qatar and other countries in the region.

He warned against the “irresponsible targeting” of vital infrastructure, particularly facilities linked to water, food and energy, saying those attacks could threaten global energy security, freedom of navigation and regional stability.

The premier also urged stronger coordination and intensified joint efforts to contain the crisis, stressing the need to return to dialogue and “the language of reason and wisdom.”

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Abdelatty met Al Thani during a stop in Doha on his way to the Pakistani capital.

A statement said the Qatari prime minister praised Egypt’s mediation efforts aimed at launching direct dialogue between the United States and Iran, in coordination with Pakistan and Türkiye, to reduce tensions and prevent the conflict from widening.

Abdelatty also briefed Al Thani on preparations for a four-way ministerial meeting to be held Sunday in Islamabad with the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to discuss the developments and efforts to ease tensions in the region.

Regional escalations continued to rage since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,300 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.