Qatar's emir outlined in a speech to the nation how the Gulf nation has managed to overcome the consequences of the Iran war and will emerge stronger and better equipped to adapt to global changes by diversifying its economy and focusing on non-carbon industries in addition to existing LNG exports.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said on Tuesday that his country "will emerge from this crisis more resilient and better equipped to adapt to global changes," outlining the country's national strategies which now also focus on diversifying the economy towards the "non-hydrocarbon sectors," in addition to the traditional model of liquefied natural gas global supply which Qatar wants to increase.
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In a speech to the nation at the opening of the Shura Council’s annual session in Doha, Sheikh Tamim made it clear that "Qatar was attacked on its territory by Iran, in a blatant violation of its sovereignty, the provisions of international law, and the principles of good-neighborly relations."
“Qatar has always preferred to resolve disputes through negotiation and diplomatic and peaceful means," Sheikh Tamim added.
"Our commitment to dialogue and peaceful solutions does not mean being complacent about defending our country," he said. "Our right to defend our sovereignty does not conflict with our determination to prevent a wider war."
Iran has consistently maintained that it was only targeting US interests among its neighbours during the war.
Against the backdrop of widening conflicts across the region, he stressed the need for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to cooperate, stating that "the security of the GCC states and the protection of their sovereignty and stability are non-negotiable."
Sheikh Tamim urged "to redouble our efforts to secure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and to protect energy and water facilities, as well as civil infrastructure."
Sheikh Tamim also outlined the country's response during the war and its strategies going forward, based on long-term planning before the crisis and the measures Qatar implemented to adapt to the war's consequences.
He addressed "the extraordinary events" that impacted the country and the region, which "demonstrated (...) our ability to respond to crises efficiently and responsibly" and that "resilience isn't born in the moment of crisis; rather, it is the result of the planning that precedes it."
"In this crisis, Qatar has shouldered three responsibilities simultaneously: protecting its sovereignty, fulfilling its role in energy security and the global economy, and keeping the doors of diplomacy open," Sheikh Tamim said.
Based on these responsibilities, Qatar's Emir outlined "four key elements" that formed the country's strategy in addressing the crisis: "first, defending the homeland firmly without being drawn into war; second, maintaining essential services, supply chains, and economic activity; third, contributing to efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen waterways; and fourth, urging negotiations and seeking opportunities to return to talks to reach peaceful resolutions to the conflict."
Sheikh Tamim acknowledged Qatar's key role in global energy systems, supplying about one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG), and said that "any disruption affecting it is quickly reflected in markets and consumers everywhere."
"The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, together with the direct damage inflicted on some energy facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, disrupted a significant portion of the country’s exports," the Qatari emir said.
Signalling a key development, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar absorbed the shock by focusing on the "non-hydrocarbon sectors", which "continued to grow with their contribution reaching approximately 80% of real GDP."
He explained that the "non-hydrocarbon sectors" alternative "reflects the resilience of the national economy and its ability to sustain growth under exceptional and complex circumstances", and that "the stock of foreign direct investment continued to grow."
He revealed that "the total revenues declined by 42% during the first half of the year, while public expenditure fell by 14%, without compromising essential services or development priorities," as "the state did not succumb to panic."
"Instead, it continued to look to the future with confidence in the national economy," Sheikh Tamim said.
"We decided not to reduce essential services and opted to maintain our developmental priorities, in order to sustain Qatar’s ongoing economic momentum," Sheikh Tamim said.
"The policies adopted by the state prior to the crisis — including strengthening reserves, reducing public debt, budgeting based on conservative oil price assumptions, and developing non-oil revenues — have enabled us to absorb the repercussions of this crisis thus far."
Moving forward, Sheikh Tamim said the Gulf country's "aim is not to return to the pre-crisis situation, but rather to use the recovery as a springboard to accelerate economic diversification and strengthen national capabilities."
"Our duty is to always strive for the best, but we must also be prepared for the worst-case scenarios, and everyone—institutions and citizens alike—must take responsibility," the emir told the nation.
He outlined the country's plans for the energy sector, which include the expansion of the North Field Gas project to increase LNG production capacity, the progress of the Golden Pass project in the US and QatarEnergy's increased investments and international partnerships, "alongside the development of petrochemical industries, solar energy projects, and efforts to strengthen water security."
He also outlined the country's focus on food security, agriculture, technology, institutional efficiency, investment in education "to face the challenges of our time" and in digital transformation.
Sheikh Tamim said the Palestinian cause remained a priority for Qatar, declaring that "what has happened in the Gaza Strip is undoubtedly a genocide, and those responsible must not escape accountability."
He warned of "the dangers" resulting from Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, "not to mention the repeated raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and countless violations of the provisions of international law, the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law."
Sheikh Tamim's criticism in his national speech underlined Qatar's ongoing firm position towards Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out frequently at Qatar, calling it "a hostile state".
Beyond Gaza and the Gulf, the emir reaffirmed Qatar's continuing role in mediating political agreements to resolve the crises in Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia.