Qatar calls for nuclear disarmament and de-escalation in the Middle East
New York, October 10 (Hibya) - Qatar called for preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and halting nuclear testing, while stressing that diplomatic efforts should continue to reduce tensions in the Middle East.
Qatar called for full compliance with obligations arising from disarmament agreements, an end to nuclear testing, and an end to the development and modernization of nuclear weapons as well as other lethal weapons.
According to a statement by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Talal Abdulaziz Al Naama, First Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, presented his country’s position during the general debate of the First Committee held at UN Headquarters in New York as part of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Al Naama expressed Qatar’s regret that the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), held from April 27 to May 22, 2026, concluded without agreement on a comprehensive final document.
Al Naama said Qatar attaches great importance to the UN conference on establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, noting that Oman’s chairmanship of the conference’s seventh session will end in November 2026. He said Qatar expects the conference to achieve its objectives through cooperation among countries in the region and noted that Qatar is preparing to chair the eighth session.
Al Naama also stressed that the right of all states parties to the NPT to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is inviolable.
Addressing efforts to eliminate chemical weapons, Al Naama said a draft decision submitted by Qatar on restoring the rights and privileges of the Syrian Arab Republic within the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was adopted at the organization’s 112th Executive Council session held in The Hague on July 9, 2026. He said the draft was co-sponsored by 66 states parties and was adopted after broad consensus was reached as a result of diplomatic consultations and initiatives led by Qatar.
Al Naama said Qatar has condemned, since February 28, 2026, Iran’s attacks using ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones against Qatar’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and territorial waters, adding that similar attacks have also violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries in the region. He said these attacks constitute clear violations of international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.
Al Naama also emphasized the importance of complying with the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, particularly those concerning navigation rights and freedoms under international law and critical maritime routes.
Al Naama said containing tensions in the region and creating space for diplomatic initiatives are priorities for Qatar, adding that his country will continue working with its partners to bridge differences between the parties and build common ground. He said the objective is to reach a peaceful solution that preserves lasting security, peace and stability.
Al Naama also said Qatar condemned the attacks carried out by the Houthis in Yemen on October 7, 2026, against Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which caused casualties and material damage. He said the attack constituted a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional security.
Al Naama stressed Qatar’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
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